Toivo Säwén

Toivo Säwén is a researcher at the Division of Building Technology, Chalmers University of Technology, specializing in integrating sustainability tools into early architectural design stages. His work focuses on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Building Performance Analysis, and Computational Design, with a strong emphasis on urban sustainability and renovation strategies.

• Education: MSc in Architecture and Engineering (2019), Chalmers University of Technology; Erasmus exchange in Building Technology (2018), ETH Zurich; BSc in Architecture and Engineering (2015), Chalmers University of Technology.

His research bridges building-level LCA with city/region-level environmental planning, particularly through IEA EBC Annex 75 projects. At KTH's SEED research group, he explored the gap between localized LCA tools and broader sustainability frameworks, emphasizing renovation challenges and social dynamics in construction projects. Key collaborations include Prof. Clarice Bleil de Souza (Cardiff University) as discussion leader during his licentiate thesis defense on Early Stage Architectural Design Practice Perspectives on Life Cycle Building Performance Assessment.

Recent articles highlight his work on parametric modeling, thermal buoyancy in roof systems, and glazed space optimization for social and environmental benefits. His projects often involve cross-institutional partnerships, such as KTH's SEED group, to refine tools for strategic environmental work at urban scales.