Waterloo Engineering research in the news
Prof and grad student reimagine modular housing design
A Waterloo Engineering research team has developed an innovative design that allows modular timber structures to be easily relocated, reassembled and reconfigured in either urban or remote areas.
Dr. Daniel Lacroix, a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Daniela Roscetti, a recent master's student, led the design development of a novel connector plate that, unlike traditional fasteners, connects cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels in a way that enables disassembly for easier reassembly and reuse.
Research team grows green walls to generate energy
Waterloo Engineering researchers have developed an innovative double-skin building façade that contains microalgae and uses machine learning to generate energy.
Led by Dr. Mohamad Araji, director of Architectural Engineering, the team optimized the cavity between a building's double-skin glass façade to expand the use of microalgae with the aim of making buildings net producers of energy, self-sustainable and independent of the power grid.
Explore Future Communities research labs and centres
Meet our researchers and discover their areas of expertise
Accessibility and Mobility
Accessibility and mobility research investigates how people of all abilities navigate environments, evaluating barriers, transportation systems, urban design, and technologies to improve equitable movement, independence, and inclusive participation in life.
- Carolyn Ren
- Christian Bachmann
- Cosmin Munteanu
- David Fortin
- Lisa Aultman-Hall
- Nadine Ibrahim
- Sibel Alumur Alev
- Woi Sok Oh
Air Quality
Air quality and carbon capture involve monitoring and reducing pollutants and greenhouse gases, implementing technologies and strategies to improve environmental health, mitigate climate change, and promote sustainable atmospheric conditions.
Architecture
Architecture involves designing and planning buildings and structures, integrating aesthetics, functionality, safety, and sustainability to create spaces that meet human needs and environmental considerations.
Climate Change
Climate change studies examine Earth’s shifting climate systems, investigating causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies, integrating atmospheric science, ecology, policy, and human behavior to understand and address global environmental transformations today.
- Alana Lund
- Amy Li
- Andrea Scott
- Bruce MacVicar
- Claudio Canizares
- Costa Kapsis
- Dipanjan Basu
- Lisa Aultman-Hall
- Marie-Paule Macdonald
- Pejoohan Tavassoti
- Rebecca Saari
- Rodrigo Costa
- Woi Sok Oh
- Zhao Pan
Construction
Construction involves planning, designing, and building infrastructure, buildings, or facilities, combining materials, labor, and technology to create safe, functional, and durable structures that meet project requirements.
Digital Design
Digital design blends creativity and technology to craft user-centered interfaces, visuals, and interactions across screens and devices, focusing on usability, accessibility, and coherent experiences that support effective communication and engagement.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics involves designing tools, workspaces, and systems to fit human abilities and limitations, enhancing comfort, safety, efficiency, and overall performance in physical and cognitive tasks.
Health Technologies
Health technologies involve developing and applying medical devices, digital tools, and systems to improve diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and overall healthcare delivery for better patient outcomes and efficiency.
Housing and Home Improvement
Housing and home improvement involve designing, building, renovating, and maintaining living spaces to enhance comfort, functionality, safety, and aesthetic appeal for residents.
Northern and Indigenous Communities
Northern and Indigenous communities focus on preserving culture, traditions, and languages while addressing unique social, economic, and environmental challenges, promoting sustainable development, self-determination, and community well-being.
Public Spaces and Communities
Public spaces are areas accessible to all, such as parks, plazas, and streets, designed to encourage social interaction, recreation, safety, and community engagement.
Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency
Renewable energies and energy efficiency involve generating power from sustainable sources like solar, wind, or hydro, while optimizing energy use to reduce waste, lower costs, and minimize environmental impact.
Smart Buildings and Cities
Smart buildings and cities use connected technologies, sensors, and data analytics to optimize energy use, enhance safety, improve services, and create efficient, sustainable, and responsive urban environments.
Solid Waste Management
Solid waste management involves reducing, collecting, transporting, processing, and disposing of waste responsibly, using policies, technologies, and community practices to minimize environmental impact and promote resource recovery and circular economies.
Water Management
Water management focuses on sustainably sourcing, distributing, conserving, and treating water, using science, policy, and infrastructure to ensure reliable supplies, protect ecosystems, reduce risks, and support communities under changing environmental conditions.
Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure
Sustainable and resilient infrastructure involves designing and building systems that minimize environmental impact, use resources efficiently, and withstand environmental, social, and economic challenges to ensure long-term reliability and adaptability.
Traffic and Human Movement
Traffic and human movement involve studying and managing the flow of people and vehicles to improve safety, efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability in transportation systems and urban environments.
Transportation Infrastructure
Transportation infrastructure involves planning, constructing, and maintaining systems like roads, bridges, railways, and ports to enable efficient, safe, and sustainable movement of people and goods.
Urbanization and Planning
Urbanization and planning involve managing the growth and development of cities through strategic design, infrastructure, and policies that promote sustainability, livability, and efficient use of resources.
Vulnerability and Risk Assessment
Vulnerability and risk assessment involves identifying, analyzing, and evaluating potential threats, weaknesses, and impacts to develop strategies that reduce risks and enhance resilience in systems, organizations, or communities.
