Human-Centric Operations of Smarter Higher Educational Buildings
Time: Mon 2024-05-20 10.00
Location: Kollegiesalen, Brinellvägen 8, Stockholm
Language: English
Subject area: Energy Technology
Doctoral student: Katarina Bäcklund , Tillämpad termodynamik och kylteknik, Akademiska Hus, Energiteknik
Opponent: Professor Michael Monsberger, TU Graz
Supervisor: Professor Per Lundqvist, Skolan för industriell teknik och management (ITM), Department of Energy Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Brinellvägen 68, 11428 Stockholm, Sweden; Dr. Marco Molinari, Skolan för industriell teknik och management (ITM), Department of Energy Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Brinellvägen 68, 11428 Stockholm, Sweden
Abstract
This PhD thesis is based on four articles, each focused on distinct research areas: building occupants, smarter higher educational buildings, smart building systems and the digital transformation of real estate organizations. Rather than concentrating on one specific research area, the objective was to provide a comprehensive view of the broader system and delve into these four key research areas. Thus, they are all interdependent and require equal attention to facilitate the digital transformation within the commercial real estate industry. This transformation aims to create a more climate neutral built environment while ensuring good quality indoor comfort.
The findings reveal a paradox within smart building systems, where building occupants are often treated as passive agents and interactions are intentionally reduced. However, it can be argued that some interactions will be beneficial, as building occupants considered as active agents could contribute to a more sustainable building operation. This study also concludes that current smart buildings are not yet smart enough and that all data is not smart data. Furthermore, the investigation into what constitutes a smart building has led to the identification of key features of smarter higher educational buildings. Finally, the concluding part of this study delved into the organizational challenges associated with digital transformation, proposing potential solutions to enhance innovation processes. Based on these findings, a framework for human-centric digital transformation was proposed.