Prof Xiaofei Chen, Qingdao University of Technology, China
Prof. Xiaofei Chen is an Associate Professor at Qingdao University of Technology, China, with a focus on green architecture and urban design. She holds a PhD in Architecture from the University of Sydney and has extensive experience in energy-efficient building design, urban energy systems, and sustainable urban planning. Prof. Chen has led cutting-edge research that explores the integration of renewable energy and energy-efficient façades in architecture, contributing to low-carbon urban design. Her work on pedestrian wind comfort and wind-energy-harvesting building skins has significantly influenced urban planning and architectural innovation in Asia. With numerous publications, patents, and industry collaborations, Prof. Chen is a recognized leader in sustainable architectural research.
Profile
ORCID
Early Academic Pursuits 🎓
Prof. Xiaofei Chen began her academic journey with a passion for architecture and urban design, which has since evolved into a career focused on sustainable architecture and energy-efficient building systems. She completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the University of Melbourne, one of Australia’s premier institutions, where she laid the foundation for her expertise in architectural design and urban planning. Her studies ignited an interest in the intersection of architecture and environmental sustainability, especially in energy conservation in urban environments.
Prof. Chen then went on to earn a PhD in Architecture from the University of Sydney, where she deepened her knowledge of green architecture and urban energy systems. During her time in Sydney, she not only mastered complex architectural theories but also gained practical insights into how urban spaces can be designed to reduce energy consumption while maintaining aesthetic appeal. This academic background provided her with a strong theoretical foundation, which she would later build on through her professional endeavors.
Professional Endeavors 🏛️
After completing her academic qualifications, Prof. Xiaofei Chen transitioned into professional practice, blending her academic knowledge with real-world application. She has served as a tutor for multiple courses at the University of Sydney, where she imparted her knowledge to the next generation of architects. Her experience as a teaching assistant at Osaka City University further expanded her global perspective, allowing her to collaborate with peers and students from diverse cultural backgrounds.
In addition to her academic roles, Prof. Chen worked extensively on several consultancy projects related to urban design and energy-efficient buildings. These projects allowed her to apply her research to real-world challenges, such as designing energy-efficient urban systems and integrating renewable energy solutions in architectural projects. Her focus on creating green buildings that minimize energy consumption and reduce carbon footprints became the hallmark of her career, influencing both academic research and professional practices across the field.
Contributions and Research Focus 🌱
Prof. Xiaofei Chen is a pioneer in the field of sustainable architecture. Her research focuses primarily on green architecture, energy-efficient building design, and urban spatial structures that promote climate resilience. She has made significant contributions to understanding how buildings can be designed to use less energy and have minimal environmental impact, particularly in urban areas prone to the effects of climate change.
One of Prof. Chen’s most notable projects was her investigation into the adaptivity of China’s newest apartment models across different climates. This research aimed at reducing HVAC energy use (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) by 18-25% across five different climate zones. The results were instrumental in shaping building codes and architectural practices in China, providing a comprehensive, climate-adaptive framework for sustainable construction.
Her focus on wind-energy-harvesting building skins and dynamic solar overhangs also resulted in several patents, contributing directly to sustainable architecture technologies. These innovations are designed to harvest renewable wind energy and manage solar heat, reducing the reliance on conventional energy sources. Prof. Chen’s 12 SCI papers have been widely cited and have influenced ongoing developments in energy-efficient architecture.
Moreover, Prof. Chen’s monograph, which compared urban design and spatial structure between China and Japan, offered valuable insights into low-carbon city planning in Asia. This research has shaped policy decisions and urban planning strategies in multiple Asian cities, enhancing the region’s sustainability efforts.
Accolades and Recognition 🏅
Prof. Xiaofei Chen has earned numerous accolades and recognition throughout her career. Among her most significant achievements is her book publication titled Sustainable Building Design in Asia (ISBN: 9781032355221), which has been widely regarded as a pivotal resource for architectural researchers and urban planners. Her contributions to sustainable urban design have also been acknowledged through her appointment as an editor for the Journal of the World Association of Chinese Architects.
Her work has earned her several prestigious awards, including the 2023 Thermoacoustic Research Excellence Award, recognizing her innovations in thermoacoustic systems for energy-efficient urban environments. Prof. Chen’s career has also been highlighted through the National Natural Science Foundation of China as part of a major collaborative research group on sustainable urban energy systems.
Impact and Influence 🌍
The impact of Prof. Xiaofei Chen’s research extends far beyond academia. Her work on energy-efficient urban design and green architecture has influenced policy decisions and sustainable practices at both the local and national levels in China. Her designs have been implemented in several high-profile projects, ranging from residential apartment complexes to large-scale urban developments. These projects have contributed to reducing the carbon footprint of urban areas, making them more resilient to climate change.
Prof. Chen’s contributions to wind-energy-harvesting technologies and solar energy systems in buildings have influenced the global architecture community. Her research has inspired other scholars to explore renewable energy integration into building designs, leading to more sustainable and environmentally friendly urban development.
Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮
As Prof. Xiaofei Chen continues her work in green architecture, her legacy is already firmly established as a leading figure in the sustainable architecture field. Her research has not only pushed the boundaries of energy-efficient building design but also provided a framework for future generations of architects to build in a more sustainable way. Her ongoing projects promise to further shape the future of smart cities, urban planning, and renewable energy integration into urban spaces.
In the years to come, Prof. Chen envisions a future where sustainable building practices are the norm, not the exception. She is committed to advancing technologies that will revolutionize urban environments, helping to combat climate change while ensuring that future cities are resilient, adaptable, and energy-efficient. Her future contributions will likely continue to inspire and empower architects, urban planners, and policymakers to create sustainable, green cities for generations to come.
Conclusion 🌟
Prof. Xiaofei Chen’s academic journey, professional achievements, and groundbreaking research have left an indelible mark on the field of sustainable architecture and urban design. Through her innovations in energy-efficient systems, wind-energy-harvesting technologies, and climate-resilient urban designs, she has not only contributed to academic literature but also had a significant impact on the global architectural community and urban policy. With her ongoing work, Prof. Chen is poised to continue leading the way in creating sustainable, green urban environments.
Publications Top Notes
Wind comfort criteria and numbers of wind directions: the dual impact mechanism on pedestrian wind comfort evaluation in Qingdao, China
Contributors: Xiaofei Chen; Haoxing Hu; Ziqi Xu; Zifei Wu; Rui Ma; Xingtian Wang
Journal: Building and Environment
Year: 2025
A systematic review of research methods and economic feasibility of photovoltaic integrated shading device
Contributors: Chen, X.; Qiu, Y.; Wang, X.