The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) has awarded the 2023 CTBUH International Research Seed Funding grant of $20,000 to a duo of researchers associated with the University of Toronto. Their project focuses on exploring thermal efficiencies in specific variants of twin tower high-rise designs.

Dr. Adams and Dr. Jayasooriya, sponsored by Sun Hung Kai Properties, will explore the thermal comfort and energy efficiency trends in non-uniform twin tower skyscrapers, focusing on the case study of the Absolute World Towers in Mississauga, Canada.

With an emphasis on architectural harmony and sustainable practices, this study investigates the intricate relationship between building design, microclimate dynamics, and energy performance in cold climatic regions. The research methodology combines field experiments, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling, and wind tunnel testing. The findings contribute to the knowledge base of energy-efficient building design and offer strategies for optimizing occupant comfort while reducing heating energy demands in non-uniform twin tower skyscrapers. These insights hold implications for sustainable urban development, fostering the creation of harmonious and environmentally conscious built environments in cold climates.

The CTBUH 2023 International Research Seed Funding Initiative is a key aspect of the advancement of the CTBUH’s Research Division. The initiative was created to assist researchers in developing projects and ideas to a level that can secure more significant funding, in the form of collaborations and joint proposals in conjunction with the CTBUH.