معرفی
Dirk Saelens is a full professor at KU Leuven's Faculty of Engineering Sciences, where he serves as department head of Building Physics and Sustainable Building. He also leads the Building Physics Subdivision and EnergyVille Building Physics Subdivision, while holding membership in the Civil Engineering Division, EnergyVille Division, and KIEM – KU Leuven Institute for Energy and Society. His organizational roles extend to the Faculty Council of Engineering Sciences, POC Construction, POC Energy, and Department Council of Civil Engineering.
Professor Saelens' research spans building physics, sustainable construction, and energy systems with particular expertise in energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and building simulation. His work addresses critical challenges in urban energy systems, circular economy applications in construction, and energy flexibility, with growing focus on inclusive design aspects such as neurodiverse workplace environments and the impact of indoor greenery on employee well-being. His recent projects investigate autism-friendly workspaces, circular material flows in neighborhood renovations, and data-driven control of positive energy districts.
His extensive publication record demonstrates leadership in district energy modeling, solar gain quantification, HVAC fault detection, and energy flexibility research. The 15 most recent publications reveal strong emphasis on uncertainty quantification in urban energy planning, circularity assessment frameworks, and the intersection of building physics with human factors like thermal comfort and neurodiversity. His work consistently bridges theoretical modeling with practical applications through numerous funded research projects extending through 2028.
As an educator, Professor Saelens teaches multiple courses including Building Simulations (Parts 1 and 2), Building Installations (focusing on cooling, air handling, electricity, sanitation, and heating systems), and architectural design courses related to building equipment. His teaching directly supports his research mission of training future engineers in sustainable building practices and advanced building physics principles.
