Dr. Umberto Berardi
Areas of Specialization
Energy efficiency
Sustainability
Urban physics
Nanotechnologies
Acoustics
Lighting
Education
| Year | University | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Politecnico di Bari | PhD |
| 2009 | University of Southampton | MEng |
| 2008 | Politecnico di Bari | MArch |
Courses Taught
| Course Code | Course Title |
|---|---|
| BL8100 | Building Science Theory |
| BL8104 | Building Design Studio |
| ASC 521 | Light/Sound in Architecture |
Spotlight
The view from the conference room window is breathtaking: a cherry tree in full bloom, dappled light shining through the branches. That the window does not open may seem to be a negative. But for Umberto Berardi, it’s a valuable reminder of the crucial role that design plays in our lives. “As architects and building scientists,” he says, “we should aim to encourage symbiosis between the outdoors and indoors.”
Berardi is passionate about the relationship between buildings, the environment and ourselves, and sees advancements in technology as playing a major role. From automatic shading controls, to innovative thermal storage, the technology we use to engage with buildings is advancing quickly, including Berardi’s own research. Concerned with improving building energy performance by incorporating nanotechnologies and aerogels, he’s excited about the shape his work is taking and its potential for contributing to a reduction in energy consumption.
As for his students, Berardi is confident that they will push architecture far and transform cities. “They look forward to challenging conventions,” he says, tapping on the glass that separates him from that beautiful tree. “Like this window.”
Umberto's Twitter Profile, external link, opens in new window
Umberto's Facebook Profile, external link, opens in new window
“More and more, we are giving people ways to react and engage with the buildings they occupy.”
- Most Cited Author, the journal Resources, Conservation & Recycling (2020)
- Best Paper Award, 7th ICSD Conference, New York (2019)
- Best Paper Award, 4th AIGE/IIETA International Conference (2019)
- Early Research Career Excellence Award, Ryerson University (2018)
- CFI - JELF, BeTOP – Building efficiency: Testing, Operation and Performance of advanced building systems (2017)
- Ontario Ministry of Research, Innovation and Science, Early Researcher Award (2017)
- Franco Strazzabosco Award for Best Young Engineer – ISSNAF, Italian Scientists and Scholars in North America Foundation (2016)
- U. Berardi, J. Paulos, Optimizing the Thermal Performance Of Window Frames Through Aerogel, Applied Energy, 2020
- Z. Jandaghian, U. Berardi, Selection of the urban canopy model for climate modelling: a case study in the Greater Toronto Area, Sustainable Cities and Society, 2020
- U. Berardi, P. Jafarpur, Assessing the impact of climate change on building heating and cooling energy demand in Canada, Renewable Energy and Sustainable Reviews, 2020
- S. K. Asphaug, U. Berardi, Moisture Control Strategies of Habitable Basements in Cold Climates, Building and Environment, 2020
- Z. Jandaghian, U. Berardi, Analysis of the cooling effects of higher albedo surfaces during heat waves coupling the Weather Research and Forecasting model with Building Energy Models, Energy and Buildings, 2020
- Member of the Editorial Board of the following journals: Energy and Buildings, Sustainable Cities and Society, Journal of Building Performance Simulation, and Building Simulation.
- Editor-in-chief of the "Canadian Acoustics" journal
- Associate Editor of "Intelligent Building International"
- IBPSA-Canada, Member of the Board of Directors, 2018-2020
- Canadian Association of Acoustics, Member of the Board of Directors, 2017-2020