Research and expertise
My areas of interest are sustainable and energy-efficient architecture. I have a keen interest in passive design strategies and indoor comfort.
As an architect and academician, I aim to play my part in finding practical and viable solutions that could reduce the energy consumption requirements of the building while ensuring occupant's comfort.
I worked on glazed building facades for my MSc dissertation, achieving a distinction. The study aimed to investigate the potential of reducing energy consumption through appropriate glazing design for the climate of Lahore, Pakistan using a simulation tool.
Recent publications
- Altaf, M. and Hill, F., 2021. Identifying optimum glazing property for conserving energy in hot semi-arid climate regions. Journal of Green Building, 16(1), pp.91-101.
- Altaf, M. and Hill, F., 2019. Optimizing Window to Wall Ratio for conserving energy in office buildings for cooling dominant climates with and without daylight utilization. Journal of Green Building, 14(3), pp.129-142.
- Altaf, M. and Zulfiqar, Z., 2021. Assessing the possibilities of using locally available sustainable materials for construction purposes. International Journal of Energy, Environment and Economics, 29(4), pp.457-470.
- Altaf, M., 2018. Renewable Energy; Identifying potential and development of solar energy to contribute to sustainable energy delivery in Pakistan. International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology, 7(3), pp.28-33
Profile
I joined Loughborough University in 2023 as a Doctoral Researcher in Energy Resilience and the Built Environment (ERBE), with the School of Architecture, Building, and Civil Engineering (ABCE).
I completed my undergraduate degree in Architecture from UET, Pakistan, and later pursued my postgrad degree in Sustainability and Adaptation from the Centre for Alternative Technology, UK.
My MSc changed my way of looking at buildings and shifted my focus towards sustainability and energy efficiency of the built environment. I completed my dissertation with distinction and later published two research papers based on my MSc dissertation work.
Before joining the ERBE CDT, I worked as an Assistant Professor in the School of Architecture at the University of Lahore, Pakistan. I taught subjects such as architectural design studio, sustainable design, climate and the built environment to undergraduate students of architecture.
I have also worked as an architect on various residential and commercial projects in Pakistan.
Professional affiliations
- Member PCATP (Pakistan Council for Architects and Town Planners)
- Member IAP (Institute of Architects, Pakistan)