Research

Prof. Felkner’s research and teaching addresses the societal challenges that come with increasing urbanization of the world. Smart urban growth requires holistic strategies ranging from spatial development, to architecture as materialization of the planning process, to energy related questions pertaining to a sustainable built environment.

For example, inner densification as a means of transforming an area towards more efficient land use means that in both Europe and North America, mid-rise and tall buildings will be an increasingly important building typology. Furthermore, the transformation of historic and industrial sites into residential areas has to be harmonized with questions of historic preservation.

Finally, a holistic approach demands that buildings be designed or retrofitted such that they operate with low carbon emissions and integrate into the urban fabric.

Prof. Felkner is currently working with the School of Engineering on a project, “Integrated Transformation of Urban, Building, and Energy Systems,” which simulates programmatic spatial development scenarios resulting from integrated modeling of the energy system and the built environment.