Professor Darren Robinson

PhD CEng FIBPSA

School of Architecture and Landscape

Chair in Architectural and Urban Sciences

Director of Research

Darren Robinson
Profile picture of Darren Robinson
d.robinson1@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 2220 308

Full contact details

Professor Darren Robinson
School of Architecture and Landscape
Arts Tower
Western Bank
91直播
S10 2TN
Profile

My main passion is for research that makes a difference. Much of my research is conducted at the interface between social physics (people), building physics (buildings) and urban physics (city): people 鈥 buildings 鈥 city.

This research is conducted at multiple scales: from the performance of individual buildings in their urban context and the how this performance is influenced by occupants; through the performance of entire complex urban systems and how their spatial and functional structures can be improved upon to maximise metabolic efficiency; to the performance of city, regional and national scale stocks of buildings and how these evolve over time.

Increasingly, I am interested in understanding how the implications on resource use of individuals, households, firms and institutions can be influenced (e.g. to invest in decarbonisation technologies, or to engage in more sustainable practices) and how this understanding can be embedded into predictive models.

In my spare time I am a keen triathlete, competing at standard (Olympic), middle (Half-Ironman) and long (Full Ironman) distances.

Research interests

My main research interests are in:

  • Statistical modelling of peoples鈥 presence, activities, comfort and behaviours.
  • Multi-agent stochastic simulation, integrating the statistical models of human behaviour with complementary representations of agents鈥 decisions (agent learning, belief-desire-intent, group decision making).
  • Modelling agents' (firms, households) investment decisions and changes in their resource-using (e.g. energy using) practices.
  • Solar radiation and daylight modelling in the urban context.
  • Urban energy simulation, in particular of buildings鈥 performance and the integration of buildings with smart heat and power grids.
  • Integrated modelling of the spatial structures and functioning of urban systems with a view to improving upon their metabolic efficiency.
  • Energy simulation of housing stocks at regional or national scale, and their temporal evolution, to inform decarbonisation policy.
  • Multiscale (urban, national, continental, global) integrated assessment modelling to support climate change policy. 
Publications

Journal articles

  • Wang D, Tang Y-T, He J, Robinson D & Yang W (2024) . Waste Management & Research: The Journal for a Sustainable Circular Economy, 734242X241271042. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Yi CY, Peng C & Robinson D (2023) . Building and Environment, 243. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Sayani R, Ortega-Arriaga P, Sandwell P, Babacan O, Gambhir A, Robinson D & Nelson J (2023) . Journal of Physics: Energy, 5(1), 014004-014004. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Hey J, Siebers P-O, Nathanail P, Ozcan E & Robinson D (2022) . Journal of Building Performance Simulation. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Whiteley TD, Avitabile D, Siebers P-O, Robinson D & Owen MR (2022) . Journal of the Royal Society. Interface, 19(190). RIS download Bibtex download
  • Purvis B, Mao Y & Robinson D (2022) . Sustainability Science, 17(1), 151-169. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D (2021) . Architectural Science Review, 64(6), 465-466. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Yi CY, Peng C, Childs C & Robinson D (2021) . Building and Environment. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D (2021) . Architectural Science Review, 64(5), 409-409. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Wang D, Tang Y-T, He J, Yang F & Robinson D (2020) . Energy. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Sousa G & Robinson D (2020) . Journal of Building Performance Simulation, 13(5), 516-531. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Zakhary S, Rosser J, Siebers P-O, Mao Y & Robinson D (2020) . Environment and Planning B: Urban Analytics and City Science. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Wang D, He J, Tang Y-T, Higgitt D & Robinson D (2020) . Journal of Cleaner Production, 251. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Wang D, Tang Y-T, Long G, Higgitt D, He J & Robinson D (2020) . Waste Management, 102, 452-463. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Wate P, Iglesias M, Coors V & Robinson D (2020) . Applied Energy, 258. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Rosser JF, Long G, Zakhary S, Boyd DS, Mao Y & Robinson D (2019) . ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 8(4). RIS download Bibtex download
  • Purvis B, Mao Y & Robinson D (2019) . Entropy, 21(1). RIS download Bibtex download
  • Wate P, Coors V, Iglesias M & Robinson D (2018) . Urban Energy Systems for Low-Carbon Cities, 257-287. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Rosser JF, Boyd DS, Long G, Zakhary S, Mao Y & Robinson D (2018) . Computers, Environment and Urban Systems. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Purvis B, Mao Y & Robinson D (2018) . Sustainability Science. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Chapman J, Siebers PO & Robinson D (2018) . Journal of Building Performance Simulation, 11(5), 604-621. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Sousa G, Jones BM, Mirzaei PA & Robinson D (2018) . Energy and Buildings, 172, 459-477. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Tran TH, Mao Y, Nathanail P, Siebers P-O & Robinson D (2018) . Omega. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Kruusimagi M, Sharples S & Robinson D (2018) . Applied Ergonomics, 69, 47-47. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Kruusim盲gi M, Sharples S & Robinson D (2018) . Building and Environment, 135, 10-30. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Beck A, Long G, Boyd DS, Rosser JF, Morley J, Duffield R, Sanderson M & Robinson D (2018) . Environment and planning. B, Planning & design. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Kruusimagi M, Sharples S & Robinson D (2017) . Applied Ergonomics, 65, 286-308. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Souza G, Jones B, Mirzaei P & Robinson D (2017) . Energy and Buildings, 151, 66-80. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Uribarri PM脕D, Eicker U & Robinson D (2017) . Energy Procedia, 116, 285-296. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Sancho-Tom谩s A & Sumner M (2017) . Energy and Buildings, 135, 350-366. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Monsalvete P, Robinson D & Eicker U (2015) . Energy Procedia, 78, 3360-3365. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Jones B, Das P, Chalabi Z, Davies M, Hamilton I, Lowe R, Mavrogianni A, Robinson D & Taylor J (2015) . Building and Environment, 92, 644-656. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Wilke U, Haldi F, Scartezzini J-L & Robinson D (2013) . Building and Environment, 60, 254-264. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Schweiker M, Haldi F, Shukuya M & Robinson D (2012) . Journal of Building Performance Simulation, 5(1), 55-74. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D & Haldi F (2012) . Journal of Building Performance Simulation, 5(1), 1-3. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Haldi F & Robinson D (2011) . Journal of Building Performance Simulation, 4(4), 323-338. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D & Haldi F (2011) . Journal of Building Performance Simulation, 4(4), 301-302. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Haldi F & Robinson D (2011) . International Journal of Biometeorology, 55(5), 681-694. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Rasheed A, Robinson D, Clappier A, Narayanan C & Lakehal D (2011) . International Journal of Climatology, 31(2), 289-301. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Haldi F & Robinson D (2010) . Building and Environment, 45(11), 2440-2457. RIS download Bibtex download
  • K盲mpf JH, Wetter M & Robinson D (2010) . Journal of Building Performance Simulation, 3(2), 103-120. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Haldi F & Robinson D (2010) . Journal of Building Performance Simulation, 3(2), 135-153. RIS download Bibtex download
  • K盲mpf JH & Robinson D (2010) . Energy and Buildings, 42(6), 807-814. RIS download Bibtex download
  • K盲mpf JH, Montavon M, Bunyesc J, Bolliger R & Robinson D (2010) . Solar Energy, 84(4), 596-603. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Haldi F & Robinson D (2009) . Building and Environment, 44(12), 2378-2395. RIS download Bibtex download
  • K盲mpf JH & Robinson D (2009) . Applied Soft Computing, 9(2), 738-745. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Haldi F & Robinson D (2008) . Building and Environment, 43(12), 2163-2177. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D & Haldi F (2008) . Energy and Buildings, 40(7), 1240-1245. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Page J, Robinson D, Morel N & Scartezzini J-L (2008) . Energy and Buildings, 40(2), 83-98. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D & Haldi F (2008) . Journal of Building Performance Simulation, 1(1), 43-55. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D, Campbell N, Gaiser W, Kabel K, Le-Mouel A, Morel N, Page J, Stankovic S & Stone A (2007) . Solar Energy, 81(9), 1196-1211. RIS download Bibtex download
  • K盲mpf JH & Robinson D (2007) . Energy and Buildings, 39(4), 445-453. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D (2006) . Solar Energy, 80(12), 1643-1648. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D & Stone A (2006) . Solar Energy, 80(3), 260-267. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D & Stone A (2005) . Building Services Engineering Research and Technology, 26(4), 271-284. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D & Stone A (2004) . Solar Energy, 77(3), 295-309. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Wetter M, van Treeck C, Helsen L, Maccarini A, Saelens D, Robinson D & Schweiger G () . IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 323, 012114-012114. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Girindran R, Boyd DS, Rosser J, Vijayan D, Long G & Robinson D () . Urban Science, 4(4), 47-47. RIS download Bibtex download

Chapters

  • Robinson D (2019) , Building Performance Simulation for Design and Operation (pp. 659-695). Routledge RIS download Bibtex download
  • Wate P, Coors V, Iglesias M & Robinson D (2019) , Urban Energy Systems for Low-Carbon Cities (pp. 257-287). Elsevier RIS download Bibtex download
  • Agugiaro G, 脕lvarez de Uribarri PM, Cajot S, Coors V, Goy S, Iglesias M, Prieto MP, Robineau J-L, Robinson D, Rodrigues P , Sancho-Tom谩s A et al (2019) , Urban Energy Systems for Low-Carbon Cities (pp. ix-x). Elsevier RIS download Bibtex download
  • Perez D & Robinson D (2012) Urban Energy Flow Modelling: A Data-Aware Approach, DIGITAL URBAN MODELING AND SIMULATION (pp. 200-220). RIS download Bibtex download

Conference proceedings papers

  • Amponsah K, Zakhary S, Robinson D, Nathanail P, Logan B & Siebers PO (2019) Distributed building energy simulation with the hla. Simulation Series, Vol. 2019-July RIS download Bibtex download
  • Waldron JA, Lawson G, Robinson D & Cobb S (2017) Variability of human behaviour in outdoor public spaces, associated with the thermal environment. Proceedings of 33rd PLEA International Conference: Design to Thrive, PLEA 2017, Vol. 1 (pp 1328-1335) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Purvis B, Mao Y & Robinson D (2017) . Procedia Engineering, Vol. 198 (pp 802-812). Shanghai, China, 5 September 2016 - 9 September 2016. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Wolf S, W枚lki D, Robinson D & Treeck C (2017) Evaluation and re-training of two window opening models using an independent dataset. Healthy Buildings Europe 2017 RIS download Bibtex download
  • Chapman J, Siebers PO & Robinson D (2017) . Building Simulation Conference Proceedings, Vol. 3 (pp 1613-1622) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Sancho-Tom谩s A, Chapman J, Sumner M & Robinson D (2017) . Building Simulation Conference Proceedings, Vol. 1 (pp 359-368) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Sousa G, Jones B, Mirzaei PA & Robinson D (2017) . Building Simulation Conference Proceedings, Vol. 1 (pp 405-413) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Allen A, Zakery S, Mao Y & Robinson D (2017) . Procedia Engineering, Vol. 198 (pp 826-835) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Wang K, Siebers P-O & Robinson D (2017) . Procedia Engineering, Vol. 198 (pp 366-374) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Page J, Robinson D & Scartezzini J-L (2007) Stochastic simulation of occupant presence and behaviour in buildings. BUILDING SIMULATION 2007, VOLS 1-3, PROCEEDINGS (pp 757-764) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson D & Haldi F (2007) An integrated adaptive model for overheating risk prediction. BUILDING SIMULATION 2007, VOLS 1-3, PROCEEDINGS (pp 745-750) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Wate P, Coors V, Robinson D & Iglesias M () . ISPRS - International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, Vol. XLII-2/W2 (pp 127-134) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Wate P & Robinson D () Emulation-based Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analysis of a multi-zone dwelling. IBPSA-England Building Simulation and Optimization 2020 RIS download Bibtex download
Research group
Grants
  • RCUK Innovation Fellowship in UK Housing Stock Decarbonisation (2018 鈥 21): 拢268k, ESRC [original applicant of Fellowship, now held by Dr Gustavo Sousa].
  • Unlocking the Potential of Model-Predictive Control in Non-domestic Building Energy Management (2016 鈥 19): 拢541k, EPSRC [CI]
  • Sustaining Urban Habitats: An Interdisciplinary Approach, Leverhulme Research Programme Grant (2015 鈥 20): 拢1.75m + 拢1.65M institutional support (拢3.4M total) [PI].
  • Smart cities with sustainable energy systems, Marie Curie ITN (2014 鈥 17): 鈧270k [CI].
  • InSMART鈥 Integrative Smart City Planning, EC FP7 (2013 鈥 16): 鈧320k [CI].
  • Innovative instruments for the planning and management of urban energy systems: Swiss Federal Office of Energy (2009 鈥 2011): 250 kCHF [CI]
  • An investigation of strategies leading to a 2kW city using a bottom-up model of urban metabolism: Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) (2009 鈥 2012): 480 kCHF. [PI]
  • Ecosystemic Modelling of Urban Metabolism Based on Modern Thermodynamics: SNSF (2005 鈥 2008): 500 kCHF [CI].
  • Multiscale Modelling of Building-Urban Interactions: SNSF (2005 鈥 08): 250 kCHF [CI].
  • Project SUNtool, Framework 5, European Commission (2003 鈥 2005): 1.94 M鈧 [PI].
Teaching interests
  • Principles of building physics
  • Multiscale simulation
Teaching activities

Module Convenor: Principles of building physics for sustainable design

Professional activities and memberships
  • FIBPSA
  • MCIBSE
Awards and external activities

Awards:

  • 2020   Best Paper Award: Sustainability Science journal, 14, p681鈥695, 2019.
  • 2015   Elected Fellowship: International Building Performance Simulation Association
  • 2013   Sir Edmund Happold Senior Visiting Research Fellowship: University of Bath.
  • 2011   Best Paper Prize: 2010/11, J. Building Performance Simulation: 3(2) p135-153, 2010
  • 2010   Best Paper Award, Building and Environment Journal: 45(11), p2440- 2457, 2010.
  • 2009   Best Paper Award, Building and Environment Journal: 44(12), p2378-2395, 2009. Arup Prize, BS2009 paper on Simulation & Design. Visiting Professorship (2009 鈥 2011): Technical Research Centre of Finland.
  • 2007   CIBSE Napier-Shaw Medal for work in radiation modelling: BSER&T 26(3) p271-284.

External activities:

  • 2006-15   Member: Sustainable Towns Panel: French national research agency (ANR).
  • 2012-16    Member, then Co-Chair then Chair: Scientific Advisory Board: Joint Programming Initiative 鈥 Urban Europe.
  • 2015   Member: Mathematics, Physical Science and Technology Panel: Research Council of Norway (RCN).
  • 2016   Conference Co-Chair (with Karen Seto): Inaugural Urban Transitions Global Summit
  • 2016   Member: International Advisory Board, Efficacit茅 Institute, France.
  • 2014-18   Member: Science and Technology of Construction and the Built Environment Panel: Research Flanders Foundation (FWO).
  • 2019-20   Chair: Science and Technology of Construction and the Built Environment Projects Panel: Research Flanders Foundation (FWO).
  • 2020   Member: Planning Panel: Research Council of Norway (RCN).