Join us for the PhD defense of Pedro de la Barra, researcher at Delft University of Technology, taking place on Thursday, 4 June 2026.

About the research

As buildings become increasingly automated, ensuring that systems respond not only to energy goals but also to people’s needs and preferences is essential.

Pedro’s research explores how automated building systems, such as smart windows and adaptive shading, interact with occupants, and how this interaction affects:

• thermal and visual comfort
• user satisfaction and acceptance
• overall energy performance

The work provides important insights into how automation can be designed to better align with occupant expectations, ultimately supporting more user-centred and effective smart building solutions.

Dissertation

Towards Occupant-Centered Automated Façades: Interaction Requirements to Enhance Acceptance of Automated Control Strategies

Event details

Date: Thursday, 4 June 2026
Time: 17:20 – 20:00
Location: Aula, Delft University of Technology

Livestream available: Watch the defense live

This defence offers valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers working on:

• smart and adaptive building technologies
• user-centred design approaches
• energy-efficient and responsive building systems

The topic directly supports SMARTeeSTORY’s ambition to promote user-centred smart readiness solutions, ensuring that building technologies not only improve energy performance but also respond effectively to the needs and expectations of occupants.