Intelligent Human-Buildings Interactions lab (IHBI), Umeå University, Sweden

The Intelligent Human-Buildings Interaction (IHBI) Lab at Umeå University offers facilities that combine immersive virtual environments with a state-of-the-art climate chamber. This infrastructure enables alternative design and renovation solutions to be tested under controlled, repeatable conditions, including simulations of climate stressors and extreme events (e.g., heatwaves). It also supports measurement of occupants’ behavioural, perceptual, and physiological responses using advanced sensing and biometrics, including EEG. Building on this experimental evidence, IHBI can translate lived experience into actionable design and governance guidance for inclusive, health- and well-being–oriented transformation and thermal comfort solutions.

Below calls are relevant to our lab

NEB-2026-01-PARTICIPATION-03: Understanding inhabitant’s experiences of neighbourhoods to support their health and well-being

NEB-2026-01-REGEN-01: Sustainable, inclusive, affordable and beautiful solutions for thermal comfort in buildings

NEB-2026-01-PARTICIPATION-02: Innovative approaches for the spatial design of neighbourhoods