Urban environments face challenges in maintaining thermal comfort due to urbanization and heat island effects. This study introduces a computational optimization approach to enhance thermal comfort through strategic tree canopy configurations, emphasizing its application at early design stages. By leveraging advanced simulation tools, it addresses the need for innovative landscape strategies to mitigate urban heat and improve outdoor spaces.

The methodology employs parametric modeling and simulation across Boston, Los Angeles, and Miami. Two scenarios, a tennis court and a pathway, were evaluated with a limited number of trees: five for the tennis court and three for the pathway. Using 3D parametric models and Ladybug and Grasshopper plugins, the study calculated the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) to assess thermal comfort under different configurations.

Single-objective optimization minimized mean UTCI, while multi-objective optimization balanced UTCI reduction with tree mass volume. This dual approach provides valuable insights for early-stage design decisions by exploring thermal improvements within spatial constraints. Results showed notable benefits: mean UTCI reductions of 1.31°C to 1.59°C in the tennis court scenario and 0.82°C to 1.41°C in the pathway scenario across cities.

This research highlights how computational tools can guide early-stage Landscape design by optimizing green spaces for thermal comfort. By integrating simulation, parametric modeling, and optimization, it establishes a framework for creating thermally comfortable urban landscapes while addressing spatial and environmental constraints.

Research has demonstrated that well-designed living spaces significantly impact both physical and mental health. However, many residents face challenges like poor temperature control, inadequate heating and cooling systems, and insufficient natural lighting, which contribute to discomfort and a lower quality of life. This study delves into how residents of low-and moderate-income (LMI) urban housing perceive their indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and how it affects their daily lives, including energy consumption and adaptive behaviors. To better understand these issues, we surveyed 158 LMI residents in New Jersey, asking about their homes, energy use, and how they feel about their indoor environments. We gathered detailed information on their household characteristics, energy-related challenges, and the strategies they use to stay comfortable, such as adjusting thermostats, using portable fans or heaters, and opening windows. Our analysis revealed that residents' perceptions of their IEQ often lead to behaviors that increase energy consumption, like frequently adjusting the thermostat and relying more on artificial lighting. While some residents were satisfied with aspects of their IEQ, such as natural lighting and window views, many expressed dissatisfactions with temperature control and air quality, particularly during summer. By integrating human-centric design principles with technical solutions, we aim to create living environments that support the well-being and sustainability of LMI communities.

In response to the growing demand for energy-efficient solutions in the built environment and Austin's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, this study investigates the impact of retrofitting single-family homes in Austin, Texas, with electrochromic (EC) glass. With buildings accounting for a substantial share of global energy consumption, retrofitting existing structures using dynamic glass technologies presents a promising strategy to reduce energy demand while improving thermal and visual comfort. This paper explores the potential of EC glazing to lower the energy use intensity (EUI) in residential buildings, focusing on its effectiveness in mitigating internal heat gain and reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Using OpenStudio software, the energy performance of single-pane, double-pane, and electrochromic window systems was evaluated in both whole-home and simple box configurations. The results indicate that EC glazing decreases cooling loads, which is the major load in the Austin climate, by up to 55.65%. This reduction significantly drops the use of electricity, especially in peak summer months. EC glazing, however, increases heating loads by approximately 4.8%. In addition, an economic evaluation finds that, for single-family homes, the cost-effectiveness of EC glazing even with the effect of the Inflation Reduction Act to reduce the initial investment by tax credits remains a challenge since the estimated return on investment (ROI) and payback period exceed practical implementation timeframes. The current review provides a preliminary background for in-depth studies of smart glass technologies and the potential of such technologies to enhance sustainable building practice.