Students are collecting various lighting information to create a dataset that is later analyzed using computer science methods.
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Feb. 27, 2025) – In an era where sustainability is a growing priority, the Artificial Intelligence for High-Performance Buildings (AI+HPB) Lab at Prairie View A&M University is leading the charge in transforming how buildings are designed, constructed, and operated. Founded with a mission to integrate artificial intelligence into architecture and urban planning, the lab is dedicated to creating smarter, more energy-efficient, and resilient buildings. With structures contributing significantly to global carbon emissions, the lab’s research aims to reduce energy waste, enhance occupant comfort, and lower costs through cutting-edge AI applications.
PVAMU’s AI+HPB Lab under the School of Architecture was established with an initial $400,000 from Title III, later receiving an additional $100,000 from the National Science Foundation to support its director, Dr. Rania Labib, associate professor in the SOA, in developing larger grant proposals. This funding has allowed the lab to explore AI-driven innovations that address real-world challenges in sustainable building design. AI can process massive amounts of data and predict how buildings will perform over time, enabling architects and planners to make smarter decisions that prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability.
Students using an advanced augmented reality (AR) headset to aid in the fabrication of complex models
A key motivation behind the lab’s creation was the slow adoption of AI in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. While AI is revolutionizing other sectors, its integration into sustainable design remains limited. The lab seeks to bridge this gap by demonstrating how AI can be used to optimize energy use, improve natural lighting, and support climate-responsive urban planning. By doing so, it not only advances research but also prepares students and professionals for careers in green building design, urban planning, and energy efficiency consulting.
One of the lab’s significant developments is the introduction of a new course, AI for AEC, which has been submitted for approval and is expected to launch in Fall 2025. This course will offer hands-on experience with AI tools, equipping students with the skills to tackle sustainability challenges using data-driven insights. Once available, students will have the opportunity to work on real-world projects related to sustainable design, energy efficiency, and construction management, positioning them at the forefront of a rapidly evolving industry.
A student is using a research-grade drone to collect geospatial data. The collected data is analyzed using computer vision (CV), an advanced AI method, to identify various urban features.
The lab has already made strides in research, publishing studies on AI-powered daylighting simulations that help architects maximize natural light while reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Other projects have explored AI-driven models to predict daylight performance and computer vision techniques to detect glare on building facades, improving both energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Looking ahead, the lab plans to expand its focus to urban-scale AI modeling, climate adaptation planning, and the development of AI tools that assist architects and city planners in making data-driven decisions about sustainability.
In short, PVAMU’s AI+HPB Lab is poised for growth. The increasing demand for AI-driven solutions in sustainable design underscores the lab’s relevance, and its work is gaining recognition in both academic and professional circles. Dr. Labib has been invited to speak at institutions such as The University of Texas at Austin, The University of Houston, and The Boston Architectural College, further amplifying the lab’s impact.
Students are using a research-grade thermal camera to collect thermal images of various building elements. The collected images are later analyzed using various data science techniques to detect thermal anomalies in buildings.
As AI continues to reshape architecture, its applications in energy optimization, generative design, and material analysis will become essential in the fight against climate change. The AI+HPB Lab stands at the intersection of technology and sustainability, preparing the next generation of architects, engineers, and urban planners to lead the way toward a more sustainable built environment. With continued research, educational initiatives, and industry collaborations, the lab is set to drive meaningful change, proving that AI is not just a tool for efficiency—it’s a catalyst for a greener future.
Additional research:
- Labib, R. (2024). Utilizing Physics-Informed Neural Networks to Advance Daylighting Simulations in Buildings. Available at SSRN 4741587
- Labib, R., & Nagy, Z. (2023). The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Buildings. ASHRAE Journal, 65(3), 26–32
- Labib, R. (2022). Machine Learning-Based Framework to Predict Single and Multiple Daylighting Simulation Outputs Using Neural Networks
- Labib, R. (2022). Integrating Machine Learning with Parametric Modeling Environments to Predict Building Daylighting Performance. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1085, 012006. IOP Publishing
- Labib, R. (2021). Utilizing High-Performance Computing to Improve the Application of Machine Learning for Time-Efficient Prediction of Buildings’ Daylighting Performance. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2069, 012153. IOP Publishing
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