Program Overview

Introduction to the EngD Smart Buildings & Cities Program

The EngD Smart Buildings & Cities program is a post-master's level education that focuses on designing and developing innovative solutions for smart buildings and cities. The program consists of two main parts running in parallel: post-master level education and an individual design project in collaboration with a company or consortium.

Program Structure

• The program is divided into two main parts:
  • Post-master level education, which accounts for 42% of the curriculum and includes generic design projects and courses focused on design methods, societal challenges, and professional skill development.
  • An individual design project, which accounts for 58% of the curriculum and is conducted in collaboration with a company or within a consortium involving multiple companies and research groups.

Post-Master Level Education

• The post-master level education component includes:
  • Generic design projects
  • Courses focused on design methods
  • Courses focused on societal challenges
  • Courses focused on professional skill development
• Trainees can also select from several SBC Technical knowledge courses and have the option to choose TU/e EngD Shared Elective courses or any master-level course from 4TU.

Individual Design Project

• The individual design project is a key component of the program, where trainees work on a project in collaboration with a company or consortium.
• Trainees are primarily responsible for managing and executing their project, with support from both a company advisor and an academic advisor (often referred to as a university supervisor).
• The project culminates in a thesis defense, where trainees must write a thesis and present their results in a public presentation.
• The Thesis Evaluation Committee, appointed based on the subject of the company project, evaluates the final outcome.

Company Projects

• The program includes a wide range of company projects, such as:
  • Design of a Building-integrated Thermal (BIT) Collector Integrated with Heat Pump Systems
  • Window-integrated Bifacial PV Coupled with Solar Shading: A Multi-Parameter Model and Tool to Evaluate Daylight and Energy Performance
  • Additive manufacturing of functional concrete: Lightweight mortar with cork & local composition control
  • A Design Tool for Virtual Test Environment of Buildings and Local Energy Communities
  • Design and Performance Evaluation of the VKLS System: A Sustainable Approach to Organizing Underground Utilities
• These projects are conducted in collaboration with companies and research groups, providing trainees with hands-on experience and industry connections.

Career Opportunities and Cooperation

• The program offers career opportunities and cooperation with industry partners, providing trainees with a strong network and potential job prospects.
• The program also includes vacancies and opportunities for further education and research.

Conclusion

The EngD Smart Buildings & Cities program is a unique and innovative education that combines post-master level education with an individual design project in collaboration with industry partners. The program provides trainees with a comprehensive education and hands-on experience, preparing them for a career in smart buildings and cities.