PhD Studentship: Dynamic External Shading for Enhanced Visual and Thermal Comfort in Schools

School buildings must be adapted to provide an indoor environment conducive to learning for children in a warming climate. External shading is a cost-effective solution that can improve thermal comfort in buildings, but may reduce daylighting for children to study by or increase wintertime heating demand. Dynamic external shading systems could solve this problem by responding to variables such as indoor/outdoor temperature, solar radiation, and wind speed to extend or retract the shading system.

The aim of this PhD is to create a dynamic external shading device control algorithm which provides optimum visual and thermal comfort, thereby improving schoolchildren’s cognitive performance and health outcomes. Three objectives will be used to achieve the aim: (1) Under a variety of different control strategies and shading types, evaluate the effectiveness of dynamic external shading systems on schoolchildren’s cognitive performance and thermal comfort; (2) measure indoor temperature, humidity, and daylighting and refine the dynamic shading control strategies; (3) interview school staff (teachers) to determine their experience with shading devices, preferred level of interaction (i.e., do they prefer automatic or manual control?).

This project builds on an existing partnership with the BBSA who currently co-fund two ERBE CDT PhD students (both supervised by Ben Roberts). The industrial partner will provide the motorised shading systems to test on school buildings. Outputs include new design guidelines for the implementation of dynamic shading systems in schools and optimised dynamic shading control strategies to account for visual and thermal comfort. 

Funding details

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.

The studentship is for three years and provides a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum (2024/25 rate) for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees. 

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. A relevant master’s degree and/or experience is desirable. 

How to Apply

All applications should be made online via the above ‘Apply’ button and must include a completed studentship application form (instead of a personal statement) and a two-page research proposal based on the project description outlining how you would approach the project and what methods you would use. Under programme name, please select 'Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering'. Please quote reference number ABCE25-SA.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents including an up-to-date CV, but a personal statement is not required.

ABCE will use these selection criteria to make a decision on your application.

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