Liam O’Brien, PhD, is an assistant professor in Carleton University new Architectural Conservation and Sustainability program. Liam is researching design processes and energy simulation for high performance solar houses. For his PhD, he developed a design tool for solar houses that will enable efficient and highly-visual exploratory design of both passive and active solar systems. The tool is directly inspired by some of Liam’s experiences using simulation tools for consulting.
Liam is interested in studying energy use and production on all levels of society from building to communities and city-level. Specific research topics are on solar energy availability in urban areas and the impact of occupant behaviour on building performance. Liam aspires to use his skills to aggressively push the envelope towards more sustainable buildings and urban environments. He would like to use his research and models to influence designers, planners, and policy makers. His TEDxTalk illustrates how real world occupant behaviour can affect energy-efficient design in unexpected ways.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.
About TEDx
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)
This talk is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
