Mehdi Azimi | Energy | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Mehdi Azimi | Energy | Best Researcher Award 

First member, at Department of Architecture Faculty of Art and Architecture Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

Mehdi Azimi is an Iranian research-oriented architect born in November 1992. He is a professional architectural engineer with an interdisciplinary approach to energy, technology, and design. After completing his military service, he began his career as an independent consultant and architect. He believes that research should be practical, sustainable, and serve to improve the quality of urban life. He is involved in various projects from interior design to project management and energy analysis, and works with tools such as Rhino, Revit, AutoCAD, Grasshopper, and plugins such as Ladybug and EnergyPlus. Mehdi has experience in collaborating with Tarbiat Modares University and research institutions, and has an active presence in conferences and publishing scientific research articles.
📬 For contact: azimi.mehdi186@gmail.com / 09364680711

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

🎓 Education

Mehdi began his academic studies with a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering at the Hamedan Non-Profit University of Civil Engineering and Development (2014–2017). During this period, Bacharizi learned the basics of architectural design, structures, and building technology, and gained experience in writing and advancing a thesis with an energy approach in smart facades.
Then, to continue his studies, he entered the master’s degree program in architecture at Tarbiat Modares University in 2022 (2022–2024). During this period, he conducted interdisciplinary research based on energy technologies, advanced simulation (Envi-met, EnergyPlus, Ladybug), and data-driven design. His thesis, titled “Investigation of Smart Moving Facades and Interaction with HVAC,” has been published in a structured format. His education has provided a strong combination of theory, data analysis, and application in real-world design.

đź’Ľ Professional Experience

After completing his military service, Mehdi started his career as an independent architect and technical consultant. His areas of expertise include architectural design of first and second phase projects, interior design, and project management. He specializes in projects that combine technology and energy. His skills include mastering Rhino, Grasshopper, Envi-met, EnergyPlus, and Ladybug, which he uses in native designs, climate analysis, and energy optimization.
He has also been a consultant on urban design projects and has prepared data-driven reports to improve thermal conditions and building performance. He was active as an organizer and mentor in workshops at Tarbiat Modares University, which led to the transfer of experience and training of others.

🔬 Research Interests

Mehdi’s main interest in the field of climate architecture is urban sustainability and architectural technological solutions. His focus is on analyzing urban climate conditions and designing facades that are responsive to environmental changes using IoT and EMS technologies. His approach is based on advanced simulation using tools such as Envi-met, EnergyPlus and Ladybug to provide solutions for minimal energy consumption and thermal comfort in buildings.
Another focus of his research is optimizing the use of PCM (phase change material) in passive buildings to increase energy efficiency and long-term sustainability. In addition, he has developed interactive algal bioreactor systems in facades to exploit natural light and heat transfer.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

✔️ Effective participation and cooperation in the “27th National Conference on Urban Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering and Environment” with two poster articles and a speech:

  • An article about “smart moving views” with an emphasis on improving energy efficiency and daylight management.

  • Another paper examined the “Effect of Surrounding Buildings on the Roof of Argo Factory”, which proposed a composite facade performance analysis.
    📚 In addition to national conferences, he has published a book titled “Smart Moving Facades: Energy Management Systems and Performance Analysis in Modern Buildings” under Taha Science and Culture Publishing. This book is the result of in-depth studies of his master’s thesis and presents scientific evidence in analyzing the relationship between facades and HVAC.
    His educational activities in academia and industry, as a mentor and workshop organizer, have also been noted.

đź“‘ Top Noted Publications

  • “Smart Animated Views: Energy Management Systems and Performance Analysis in Modern Buildings” (Book, Taha Science and Culture Publications, 1404)

  • Poster & Presentation at the 27th National Conference on Urban Planning, Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering:

    • Review of smart facades to improve energy efficiency

    • Investigating the impact of surrounding buildings on the formation of the Argo factory roof

Subcycle of articles under review:

  • Energy Conversion and Management:

    • “Analysis of urban block conditions…”, “A comprehensive data-driven approach for urban configuration…”

  • Case Studies in Thermal Engineering:

    • “Real-Time Adaptive Algae Bioreactor Facades…”

  • Solar Energy:

    • “High-performance Office Building: A Novel… HVAC System Details”

  • Results in Engineering:

    • “A Synergistic Approach: Automating PCM and Passive Strategies…”

  • Intelligent Animated Views… Modern Buildings (Book, 1404): Published by Taha Science and Culture Publications; For more information and to receive a short program or chapter, please contact us via email.

  • Critique of smart facades… Energy efficiency (27th conference): presented and published, still lacking the “cited by” index.

  • Analysis of the impact of surrounding buildings… Argo Factory Roof (27th Conference): Presented, no formal citations yet.
    ● The articles under review have not yet been formally published, so they do not have formal external citations and citations — when published, links to journals and the number of citations will be provided.

Conclusion 

Mehdi Azimi demonstrates a highly promising and impactful research trajectory, with:

A strong academic and technical foundation.

A clear commitment to sustainability and innovation in architecture.

A balanced mix of theoretical, experimental, and applied research.

Niima Es-sakali | Energy | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Award and Honors

Dr. Niima Es-sakali | Energy | Women Researcher Award 

Doctorate, at Green Energy Park (UM6P-IRESEN), Morocco.

Dr. ES-SAKALI Niima is a distinguished researcher specializing in energy efficiency, thermal sciences, and AI applications in building technologies. Currently, she serves as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Green Energy Park (UM6P – IRESEN) and as an Adjunct Professor at the School of Architecture and Planning, UM6P, starting September 2024. Her academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. focusing on sustainable building technologies, with significant contributions to modeling, simulation, and AI-based optimization. Dr. Niima has held guest lecturer roles internationally and is a Guest Editor for the peer-reviewed journal Environments (MDPI). Her research bridges academic rigor and real-world applications, leading national projects, collaborating globally, and mentoring early-career researchers. She has advanced Morocco’s research capacity in smart energy systems and contributed to open-access knowledge on climate-smart architecture.

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Google Scholar

🎓 Education 

Dr. Niima completed her Ph.D. in Energy Efficiency, Thermal Sciences, and Building AI Applications, focusing on sustainable building technologies. Her doctoral research emphasized modeling, simulation, and AI-based optimization techniques to enhance energy efficiency in building systems. She has since contributed significantly to the field, with over 20 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals such as Applied Energy, Sustainable Cities and Society, and Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. Her academic background provides a strong foundation for her current roles at Green Energy Park and UM6P, where she continues to advance research in energy-efficient building systems and AI applications. Dr. Niima’s educational journey reflects a commitment to addressing global challenges in building energy systems and sustainability.

💼 Experience 

Dr. Niima’s professional experience spans academia, research, and industry. At Green Energy Park (UM6P – IRESEN), she leads research initiatives focusing on energy efficiency and AI applications in building technologies. Her role as an Adjunct Professor at the School of Architecture and Planning, UM6P, starting September 2024, underscores her commitment to education and mentorship. Dr. Niima has been involved in international collaborations, including a completed project with Offenburg University-Germany, financed by the DAAD, focusing on rural school buildings. She is also engaged in ongoing research projects related to smart control strategies for HVAC systems and energy-efficient urban planning for net-zero energy buildings. Her consultancy experience includes a project centered on building certification (LEED), demonstrating her ability to bridge research and practical applications in the field of sustainable building technologies.

🔬 Research Interests 

Dr. Niima’s research interests encompass building energy systems, HVAC optimization, AI applications in building technologies, passive design strategies, digital twins, thermal comfort, energy modeling, and the development of net-zero energy buildings. She has developed innovative, AI-enhanced methods for optimizing HVAC systems and building energy use, contributing to climate-responsive design in semi-arid regions. Her work bridges academic rigor and real-world applications, leading national projects, collaborating globally, and mentoring early-career researchers. Dr. Niima’s contributions have advanced Morocco’s research capacity in smart energy systems, focusing on achieving net-zero energy buildings using passive and AI-optimized strategies tailored for climate responsiveness. A notable contribution is a multi-objective optimization framework for rural Moroccan schools, improving energy efficiency by up to 35.6% and thermal comfort across six climatic zones, contributing to affordable and sustainable school designs.

🏆 Awards 

Dr. Niima’s exemplary contributions to sustainable building technologies have been recognized through various awards and honors. Her innovative research in energy-efficient building systems and AI applications has garnered attention in both academic and professional circles. Notably, she has been nominated for the Women Research Award, acknowledging her significant impact in the field. Her work has also led to national projects and international collaborations, further cementing her reputation as a leader in sustainable building technologies. Dr. Niima’s commitment to advancing research capacity in Morocco and her contributions to open-access knowledge on climate-smart architecture underscore her dedication to addressing global challenges in building energy systems and sustainability.

📚 Top Noted Publications 

Dr. Niima has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, including Applied Energy (Impact Factor: 10.1), Sustainable Cities and Society (Impact Factor: 10.5), and Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (Impact Factor: 16.3). Her research covers topics such as HVAC optimization, energy modeling, passive design strategies, and net-zero energy buildings. One of her significant contributions is a multi-objective optimization framework for rural Moroccan schools, which improved energy efficiency by up to 35.6% and thermal comfort across six climatic zones. This work has been cited in various articles, highlighting its impact on the field. Dr. Niima’s publications reflect her commitment to advancing knowledge in sustainable building technologies and her dedication to addressing climate-responsive design challenges.

1. Review of Predictive Maintenance Algorithms Applied to HVAC Systems

2. Implementing a Digital Twin-Based Fault Detection and Diagnosis Approach for Optimal Operation and Maintenance of Urban Distributed Solar Photovoltaics

  • Authors: S.I. Kaitouni, I. Ait Abdelmoula, Niima Es-Sakali, Mohamed Oualid Mghazli, H. Er-retby, et al.

  • Journal: Renewable Energy Focus, Article 100530

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.ref.2024.100530

  • Year: 2024

  • Summary: This paper presents a digital twin-based approach for fault detection and diagnosis in urban distributed solar photovoltaic systems, aiming to optimize their operation and maintenance.

3. Recent Progress, Limitations, and Future Directions of Macro-Encapsulated Phase Change Materials for Building Applications

  • Authors: I. Ait Laasri, Niima Es-Sakali, Moha Cherkaoui, Mohamed Oualid Mghazli, A. Outzourhit

  • Journal: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Article 114481

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2024.114481

  • Year: 2024

  • Summary: This review discusses the advancements, challenges, and future prospects of macro-encapsulated phase change materials in building applications, focusing on their thermal performance and integration into building systems.

4. Energy Efficiency and Hygrothermal Performance of Hemp Clay Walls for Moroccan Residential Buildings: An Integrated Lab-Scale, In-Situ, and Simulation-Based Assessment

5. Static and Dynamic Glazing Integration for Enhanced Building Efficiency and Indoor Comfort with Thermochromic and Electrochromic Windows

  • Authors: Niima Es-Sakali, Samir Idrissi Kaitouni, Imad Ait Laasri, Mohamed Oualid Mghazli, Moha Cherkaoui

  • Journal: Thermal Science and Engineering Progress, Volume 52, Article 102681

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.tsep.2024.102681

  • Year: 2024

  • Summary: This paper investigates the integration of static and dynamic glazing, including thermochromic and electrochromic windows, to enhance building energy efficiency and indoor comfort. The study demonstrates energy savings and improved thermal and visual comfort. ScienceDirect

6. Evidence-Based Numerical Building Model Enhancement and Building Energy Efficiency Evaluation in the Case of Morocco

  • Authors: Niima Es-Sakali, Samir Idrissi Kaitouni, Imad Ait Laasri, Mohamed Oualid Mghazli, Moha Cherkaoui, M. BĂĽhler

  • Journal: Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, Article 103606

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.csite.2023.103606

  • Year: 2023

  • Summary: This study enhances numerical building models with empirical data to evaluate building energy efficiency in Morocco, providing insights into energy-saving strategies tailored to local conditions.

7. Advanced Predictive Maintenance and Fault Diagnosis Strategy for Enhanced HVAC Efficiency in Buildings

  • Authors: Niima Es-Sakali, Zakaria Zoubir, Samir Idrissi Kaitouni, Mohamed Oualid Mghazli, Moha Cherkaoui, Jens Pfafferott

  • Journal: Applied Thermal Engineering, Article 123910

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2024.123910

  • Year: 2024

Conclusion

Dr. Niima Es-Sakali demonstrates a robust blend of academic rigor, innovative research, leadership, and global collaboration, especially in the field of sustainable and AI-driven energy systems. Her contributions align strongly with the ethos of the Women Researcher Award, particularly in terms of gender representation, climate impact, and emerging technologies. With minor enhancements in professional affiliations and broader outreach, she has the potential to serve as a role model for women in engineering and sustainability fields.