Mike de Saldanha

Mike de Saldanha serves as Professor at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences within the Architecture program, holding multiple key roles including International Representative, Research Representative, Doctoral Representative, and Confidence Professor. His academic career spans teaching, research, and international collaboration with significant focus on sustainable building practices.

• Specialist Areas: Building technology + Energy technology, Intercontinental construction, Design
• Teaching: Humans and Environment, Building Services Engineering, Project courses (Bachelor); Indoor Climate and Technology, Energy Engineering, Intercontinental Construction (Master)
• Committee: Center for Research and Development

Professor de Saldanha's research centers on creating buildings that achieve optimal performance with minimal technological complexity. His work emphasizes climate-responsive design, energy-efficient building envelopes, and sustainable construction methods that prioritize harmony with nature. He champions approaches that move beyond mere compliance with standards to achieve genuine sustainability in architectural practice.

His publications reveal a consistent focus on resource optimization in building design, with particular attention to climate-adaptive solutions for international contexts. The pattern shows progression from fundamental building science concepts to comprehensive urban-scale sustainable development strategies.

• Handelsblatt Energy Award
• German Energy Efficiency Award for China
• Founding member of the ODH and Fraunhofer Society
• Member of the Handelsblatt Energy Academy

Professor de Saldanha actively mentors students through his role as Doctoral Representative and Advisory Lecturer for International Students. His international collaborations include the International Summer University Darmstadt, cooperation with Ajman University Dubai, and participation in Expo 2020 preparations. He serves on architectural competition juries as an expert in energy and sustainability assessment.

His research activities span multiple international projects including the German-Chinese House at Expo 2010 in Shanghai, Northern Sahara research expedition, Tannerhof Energy Concept, and various urban district development concepts. These projects demonstrate his commitment to applying sustainable building principles across diverse climatic and cultural contexts.