work

passions

about

work

passions

about

work

passions

about

Sustainability analysis of novel
building materials.

I embarked on a 12-week research engineering summer internship at Autodesk's London office. My project centred on pioneering façade designs that employ cutting-edge, novel materials, with a vision aimed at shaping the future of green buildings.

Type

Internship

Role

Research Engineer Intern

Date

Jul 2023 - Sep 2023

INTRODUCTION

Sustainable building design takes into account the well-being of the natural environment and its occupants throughout the entire lifespan of a structure, focusing on:

⚡ Energy efficiency
🧱 Materials productivity
💨 Reduction of embodied carbon.

My focus within the team involved addressing this challenge through innovative façade materials, analysing and validating their impact using Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), and pioneering new workflows for comprehensive whole-life building carbon analysis in designs.

Sustainable building design takes into account the well-being of the natural environment and its occupants throughout the entire lifespan of a structure, focusing on:

⚡ Energy efficiency
🧱 Materials productivity
💨 Reduction of embodied carbon.

My focus within the team involved addressing this challenge through innovative façade materials, analysing and validating their impact using Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), and pioneering new workflows for comprehensive whole-life building carbon analysis in designs.

THE APPROACH

To establish a precise scope for the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) models, I engaged in discussions with various suppliers, sustainability experts, and technical supervisors (at Autodesk Technology Centres). This collaborative effort aimed to understand the sourcing, manufacturing, and processing of each innovative material. Recognizing sustainability analysis as an emerging field, I dedicated considerable time to mastering product-level and building-level LCAs using tools like OpenLCA and SimaPro. Additionally, I crafted a novel workflow for seamless integration of sustainability analysis into the team's overarching processes.

RESULTS & FINAL DESIGNS

Through numerous iterations, I was able to deliver an extensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) model that offered valuable insights and validation for the concurrent development of façade designs. Furthermore, I provided a sample building CAD model showcasing the implemented facades, along with wind and thermal Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models. These models were instrumental in rigorously testing the functional efficiency of the façades, establishing a seamless connection to the LCA models, and enhancing the overall analysis of the entire building.

Through numerous iterations, I was able to deliver an extensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) model that offered valuable insights and validation for the concurrent development of façade designs. Furthermore, I provided a sample building CAD model showcasing the implemented facades, along with wind and thermal Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models. These models were instrumental in rigorously testing the functional efficiency of the façades, establishing a seamless connection to the LCA models, and enhancing the overall analysis of the entire building.

Furthermore, I provided a sample building CAD model showcasing the implemented facades, along with wind and thermal Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models. These models were instrumental in rigorously testing the functional efficiency of the façades, establishing a seamless connection to the LCA models, and enhancing the overall analysis of the entire building.

Furthermore, I provided a sample building CAD model showcasing the implemented facades, along with wind and thermal Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models. These models were instrumental in rigorously testing the functional efficiency of the façades, establishing a seamless connection to the LCA models, and enhancing the overall analysis of the entire building.

During my internship, I had the opportunity to showcase my work to the broader research team on multiple occasions. I also presented a comprehensive 40-minute breakdown of my work, aiming to leave a lasting impression and emphasize the significance of sustainability in future manufacturing and design practices.

During my internship, I had the opportunity to showcase my work to the broader research team on multiple occasions. I also presented a comprehensive 40-minute breakdown of my work, aiming to leave a lasting impression and emphasize the significance of sustainability in future manufacturing and design practices.

INTERNSHIP TAKEAWAYS

My first work experience at a major tech company was both challenging and enlightening - I gained profound insights into my specific field and the value of collaboration. Regular showcases and team catch-ups honed my presentation skills, enabling me to seamlessly transition between multidisciplinary teams and helping me overcome my fear of public speaking. Meeting passionate co-workers and forming special connections with fellow interns made my time at Autodesk an unforgettable summer!

My first work experience at a major tech company was both challenging and enlightening - I gained profound insights into my specific field and the value of collaboration. Regular showcases and team catch-ups honed my presentation skills, enabling me to seamlessly transition between multidisciplinary teams and helping me overcome my fear of public speaking. Meeting passionate co-workers and forming special connections with fellow interns made my time at Autodesk an unforgettable summer!

© Rhea 2023 ⚡