Pablo Martinez Alcaraz
Creating smarter systems from a human-centred perspective
Delft, The Netherlands
About
I am a PhD candidate in Architectural Engineering and Technology in the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment. My research focuses on how occupant preferences can inform more responsive building controls and smarter building systems.
With a background spanning energy systems, industrial engineering, and the built environment, I bring a multidisciplinary perspective to technology in buildings. My experience across research, policy, and applied building services has shaped a clear approach to my work: smart systems should respond to human needs and values, not the other way around.
In parallel with my research, I have practical experience in HVAC design and control, building services integration, and predictive maintenance planning.
Research
My doctoral research explores how occupant preferences can inform the design and operation of responsive building systems. I investigate how occupants perceive and use smart controls. I examine which factors shape comfort and acceptance. I study how building automation can become more adaptive, transparent, and human-centred.
Core themes
- Human-value alignment in smart systems
- Occupant-centric building controls
- Human-building interaction and experience
- Sustainable energy transitions with occupant engagement
- Smart HVAC systems and thermal comfort
Publications
Selected publications from my research and related work. For the full publication record, see my Google Scholar and academic profiles.
Current Trends and Future Directions for Addressing Multi-domain Occupant Demands in Building Automation and Control Systems
Building and Environment, 2026
Photovoltaic panels diffusion in Switzerland: understanding adopters profiles using clustering methods
Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions, 2025
Interface design for lighting and shading controls: device type, position, and system cues influencing user preference and acceptance
Building and Environment, 2025
Personalised Building Controls Based on Individual Thermal Preferences for Energy Efficiency and Thermal Comfort
International Association of Building Physics, 2024
What is the net PV energy production in Switzerland and how can we maximise it?
Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2023
The 35-35 energy equation: understanding Switzerland's goal of 35 TWh renewable energy in 2035 through the lens of cumulative energy demand
Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2024
Research Profiles
Projects
Selected consultancy and professional work in building services and renovation.
Circuito Ricardo Tormo VIP Box Renovation
HVAC Design and Photovoltaic Integration
HVAC design and renewable energy integration for the VIP box renovation at Circuito Ricardo Tormo, Valencia. The project exceeded €2 million in value and included load calculations, system design, control strategy development, and photovoltaic integration to improve energy performance.
Palacio de Congresos de Albacete HVAC Remodelling
HVAC Upgrade and Solar Integration
HVAC remodelling and solar integration for the Palacio de Congresos de Albacete, addressing water-damage-related infrastructure issues while modernising building services. The project exceeded €2 million in value and included system redesign, thermal performance optimisation, and renewable energy strategy.
Awards and Funding
Selected funding, mobility, and recognition relevant to my academic and professional development.
TU Delft Climate Action Seed Fund
2024 — €20,000
Energy-Wise Archetypes: A Web-Based Tool to Encourage Responsible Climate-Adaptive Behaviour
This project develops a web-based tool that links individual indoor environmental preferences, such as temperature, lighting, acoustics, and air quality, to energy use. By using AI-based archetypes, it aims to raise awareness, support behavioural change, and inform occupant-centric control strategies that improve both energy efficiency and well-being.
Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP)
2022 — 2,200 CHF
Funding awarded to support international academic mobility in higher education through the Swiss programme associated with Erasmus+.
Quedate Programme, Universitat Politècnica de València
2019
Recognition awarded on the basis of academic performance and transversal competencies, as part of a university initiative connecting graduates with major employers.
Contact
I am interested in collaborations across research, consultancy, and applied projects at the intersection of human-centred design and smart systems. If you are working on occupant-centric building controls, building automation, architectural technology, or industrial HVAC, I would be glad to connect.