Noah Akhimien

Research

Research interests

Energy and Resource Efficiency in Buildings.

In simple terms, Noah's research focuses on Energy and Resource Efficiency in buildings through the adoption of Passive Design Strategies and Circular Economy Principles. Wherein, buildings are designed to be more energy-efficient through bioclimatic considerations to cut down C0₂ Emissions.

Consideration of the materiality of the building components for the ease of Disassembly, Reuse, and Recycling. Hence, the adoption of Design for Disassembly, Design for Recycling principles as well as Optimisation of the Energy Performance of  Buildings in a Circular Economy.

Most of his projects are centred on sustainable design strategies, renewable energy sources, green buildings/Eco-designs, Landscaping and Future forms for sustainability. As an Academic and Researcher, he has severally been appointed as team Leader for research groups, coordinated several research projects and expeditions. He coordinated an Eco-design competition for Architectural students in which they demonstrated various Eco-design integration strategies.

He worked on a funded programme by PIND for the design and construction of an energy-efficient workspace at the ATED centre (Appropriate Technology Enabled Development) - A demonstration project to create awareness for energy efficiency in buildings, affordability, clean energy with emphasis on sustainability.

Keywords: Building Physics, Design for Disassembly, Design for Recycling, Building Materiality, Building Performance, Circular Economy, Architectural Sustainability

Teaching

• Studio Tutor/Instructor for 2021-CPT911: 20/21-CPT911 Spring Studio, Urban Design and Research, Cardiff University, UK.


• Architectural Technology Assessor for year 3 students at the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University, UK.


• Lecturer at the Department of Architecture, Ambrose Alli University.


• Supervisor: Research-Based Design Project 2021-CPT854: 20/21-CPT854, (MAUD) Cardiff University, UK.


• Instructor for 2021-CPT910: 20/21-CPT910 Autumn Studio (MAUD) Urban Design and Research, Cardiff University, UK.


• Research Supervisor for 1920-CPT854: 19/20-CPT854 Research-Based Design Project. (MAUD) Cardiff University, UK.


• Worked as Tutor for 1920-CPT911: 19/20-CPT911 Spring Studio, (MAUD) Cardiff University, UK.


• Worked as Instructor for 19/20-CPT910 Autumn Studio, (MAUD) Cardiff University, UK.


• Digital Demonstrator for GEOPL-DIGITAL: GEOPL Digital Design and Technology Skills, (MAUD) Cardiff University, UK.


• Worked as Teaching Assistant for 19/20-CPT852 Urban Design Foundation Module, (MAUD) Cardiff University, UK.


• Served as secretary to the Departmental Board of Studies at Ambrose Alli University.


• Worked as Research Assistant, Cardiff University, UK.


• Project Coordinator and Team Leader for the design and construction of an energy-efficient workspace for PIND/ATED Foundation.


• Served as Time-table Officer at the Department of Architecture, Ambrose Alli University.


• Reader/Invigilator at Cardiff High School, UK.


• Library Representative: Department of Architecture, Ambrose Alli University.


• Computer-based Examiner (CBE): Department of Architecture, Ambrose Alli University.


• A departmental representative for Faculty Time-table committee: Faculty of Environmental Science, Ambrose Alli University.


• Structural Design Lecturer: Architectural Elementary Structures, Department of Architecture, Ambrose Alli University.


• Graphics and Descriptive Geometry Lecturer: Architectural Graphics and Construction, Department of Architecture, Ambrose Alli University.


• Architectural Design Mentor: Architectural Design, Department of Architecture, Ambrose Alli University.


• Final Year Research Supervisor: Dissertation and Research Design Supervisor, Department of Architecture, Ambrose Alli University.

Thesis

A framework for incorporating Circular Economy in the Design of Energy Efficient Residential Buildings in Tropical Savannah Climate

The study focuses on establishing an energy and resource-efficient residential building design framework which will serve as a guide for incorporating circular economy in the design of energy-efficient residential buildings in Tropical Savannah Climates - using Abuja, Nigeria as a case study. Our world is constantly changing due to the environmental activities orchestrated by humans. Climatic change continues to pose a threat as the built environment continues to build up carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) is on the increase on the planet and globally, buildings are responsible for approximately 40% of carbon emissions (IEA, 2019). Prompt measures need to be taken to combat the effect of global warming and associated threats. Nigeria is a population hot spot that is expected to have the third-largest population of about 500 million people by 2050, after India and China, (World Bank 2015). The country currently has a population of 185 million (National Pollution Commission – NPC 2018) and a shortfall of 17 million homes, (World Bank 2015). Against this background, it is critical that Nigeria meets this demand in a cost-effective and energy-efficient manner also with a bid to reduce building material waste by adopting circular economy strategies. Research inference will be analysed and assessed for optimal performance according to best practices. In Nigeria, sustainable energy-efficient design strategies are still at their infancy stage. This justifies the need for a framework/template/guide that will serve as an energy and resource-efficient design framework for developers.

Keywords: Energy Efficiency, Residential Buildings, Circular Economy

Supervisors

Publications

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