Dorsa Fatourehchi

PhD Details

My PhD aims to propose a ‘Human-building Interaction’ model based on which the occupants' comfort-related building performance, owing to the available adaptive and design opportunities in student accommodation, can be understood. Considering the important role of design and indoor environmental quality in affecting occupants’   thermal, visual and acoustic comfort, this study explores how students interact with passive and active building systems to restore their comfort and whether different environmental affordances could affect students’ health while achieving high-performance building. This model could improve our understanding of high-performance student accommodation in Melbourne and the way to achieve resilient occupants and built environment in future.

Q & A

Why did you decide to do a PhD?
After my master's studies in architecture related to high-performance housing, I was intrigued by the dual challenge of maintaining occupant comfort and health while optimising building design and indoor environmental quality performance. My curiosity grew towards understanding the profound impact of healthy design on the occupants, leading me to this in-depth research journey.

What do you enjoy reading?
I enjoy reading mystery novels. I love the excitement of solving puzzles and getting lost in vibrant storylines.

What do you enjoy doing when you're not working on your PhD?
I enjoy watching documentaries and playing music.

Name one fun fact about you.
If solving mysteries in books were a sport, I'd be an Olympic champion!