Reframing the 'Wicked' retrofitting problem

This studentship is based in the College of Arts, Technology and Environment.

Retrofitting is a ‘wicked problem’, shaped by complex interdependencies between space configurations, occupant behaviour, building systems, and energy consumption. The influence of occupant behaviour on building performance is well established and is considered a leading cause of performance gaps between predicted and actual energy use. Behavioural factors often outweigh technical variations. However, existing simulation approaches remain technocentric, representing behaviour through simplified, static inputs such as fixed schedules. Socio-technical studies highlight that interactions between occupants and habitual space can produce unintended energy outcomes.

Current building performance models inadequately capture behavioural complexity. Occupant behaviour is frequently reduced to socio-economic proxies, while spatial configurations are treated as fixed variables. These limit understanding of how space influences behaviour and energy consumption, and vice versa. 

There is a lack of integrated models examining the reciprocal, spatiotemporal relationship between space, behaviour, and energy use. How spatial configurations shape habitual behaviour or how behaviour influences spatial energy patterns, and the role of space as an active driver of energy consumption remain underexplored. 

Aim

The aim of the research is to develop a spatiotemporal decision-making parametric model that enables fixity and variability of behavioural and spatial parameters, reconceptualising space as a determinant of energy consumption. and spatial parameters.

Methodology 

A methodology focus is on applied research wherein spatial configurations will be generated and manipulated using parametric modelling and explored through virtual reality to capture spatial interaction. Behaviour will be treated as constant (‘habitual’) across scenarios, while spatial variables are systematically varied, and vice versa to understand the dynamic relationship between space and behaviour. Models will be developed for predictive ‘space-usage’ and analysed through spatiotemporal energy consumption patterns.

The research will produce novel, ‘flipped’ building performance models that vary habitual behaviour as space as the optimisable variable and vice versa, enabling retrofit strategies that leverage spatial design to support sustainable practices and reduce energy consumption. The project will produce accessible energy simulations models library for open use.

For more information about the studentship please contact Dr Chaitali Basu at Chaitali.Basu@uwe.ac.uk.

Essential eligibility requirements

• Excellent first degree in a relevant discipline such as Architecture, Building Services Engineering, Architectural Technology, Architectural Technology and Design, or a closely related built environment field.
• Excellent postgraduate degree in a relevant area, preferably with a strong research component, demonstrating research experience relevant to the proposed PhD topic through dissertation/thesis.
• Demonstrable experience using building or energy modelling software (e.g. simulation tools for building energy performance, urban energy modelling, or system modelling).
• Ability to apply modelling tools to analyse building energy performance, energy demand, or decarbonisation strategies.
• Excellent written and spoken English, demonstrated through academic writing, publications, reports, or conference presentations. 

Desirable eligibility requirements

• Experience or understanding of building retrofit and decarbonisation strategies, including energy efficiency improvements in existing buildings.
• Programming or analytical tools for energy data analysis.
• Working in or collaborating with sustainability, energy, or environmental consulting in the built environment sector. 

The studentship is available from 1 October 2026 for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory progress and includes a tax-exempt stipend, which is currently £20,780 (2025/26) per annum.

In addition, full-time tuition fees will be covered for up to three years (Home).

Please submit your application online. When prompted use the reference number 2627-OCT-CATE18. 

Application deadline

The closing date for applications is 22 May 2026.

Apply now

Supporting documentation

You will need to upload your research proposal, all your degree certificates and transcripts and a recognised English language qualification is required.

You will need to provide details of two referees as part of your application.

Interview dates

It is expected that interviews will take place on weeks commencing June. If you have not heard from us by July, we thank you for your application but on this occasion you have not been successful.