Human-Centered Sustainable Interaction Research Centre


The Human-Centered Sustainable Interaction Research Centre is dedicated to pioneering research and innovation at the intersection of artificial intelligence, sustainable built environment, human factors and human computer interaction The centre focuses on harnessing new technologies to advance sustainable cities, buildings, and transportation systems enabling smarter urban environments with reduced energy consumption and carbon footprint. Our multidisciplinary teams explore sustainable product design and digital architecture, integrating cutting-edge technology with eco-friendly principles. Through collaborative research and practical solutions, we aim to promote low-energy systems and holistic sustainability, transforming the way people interact with the built environment for a more resilient and responsible future.

As Head of the Human-Centered Sustainable Interaction Research Centre, I am delighted to welcome you to our vibrant community of researchers, innovators, and collaborators. Our centre is driven by a vision to redefine how technology, design, and sustainability coalesce to shape the cities and products of tomorrow. We are focused on advancing artificial intelligence for more sustainable urban environments, pioneering digital architecture, and creating products that are both human-centric and environmentally responsible. We believe that impactful solutions emerge when diverse expertise is united toward a common goal. Our commitment to low energy and carbon strategies not only addresses pressing environmental challenges but also enhances the quality of life in our communities. I invite you to join us on this journey toward sustainable transformation—whether as a partner, student, or supporter—as we create meaningful change for a brighter, more sustainable future.
Prof. Wu Deng
Head of the Research Centre

Key research themes
  • AI-Driven Sustainable Urban Development and High-Performance Buildings
    Leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize energy usage, mobility, and resource management within cities; Applying data analytics and machine learning to inform and shape urban policies, planning, and strategy for sustainable development; Developing innovative design strategies, materials, and technologies to minimize environmental impact in architecture and construction.
  • Digital Architecture and Heritage Preservation
    Exploring the integration of digital tools, IoT, and intelligent systems to create adaptable, efficient, and user-centered living spaces, and more efficient, resilient, and inclusive heritage preservation ensuring that cultural treasures remain valued and protected amid changing times.
  • Sustainable Human-Centered and User Experience Design
    Investigating how people interact with sustainable products, systems and environments to enhance usability, adoption, and overall well-being; Designing products that are environmentally responsible, including circular economy principles, eco-materials, and extending product lifespans.
  • Human-Computer Interaction
    Investigating sustainable human factors to design intuitive UIs and AR/VR systems; Analysing cognitive mental workload to create efficient, accessible applications that promote well-being and positive outcomes in healthcare, education, and transportation.

Team members

Human-centred Sustainable Interaction Research Centre consists of 30 staff members and 95 PhD students from Architecture and Built Environment, Product Design and Manufacturing, Computer Science, Geographic Science and Civil Engineering.

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    Architecture and Built Environment / Faculty of Science and Engineering

    Wu Deng

    Professor in Architecture and Built Environment, Head of the Human-Centered Sustainable Interaction Research Centre

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    Computer Science / Faculty of Science and Engineering

    Boon Giin Lee

    Associate Professor in Computer Science, Deputy Head of the Human-Centered Sustainable Interaction Research Centre

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    Architecture and Built Environment / Faculty of Science and Engineering

    Edward Cooper

    Head of Department of Architecture and Built Environment, Associate Professor in Building Services Engineering

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    Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering / Faculty of Science and Engineering

    Xu Sun

    Associate Dean for Global Engagement and Partnerships, Professor in Product Design and Manufacture

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    Architecture and Built Environment / Faculty of Science and Engineering

    Jing Xie

    Professor in Architecture and Urbanism, Director of photogrammetry & BIM Lab

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    Architecture and Built Environment / Faculty of Science and Engineering

    Dengfeng Du

    Assistant Professor (Lecturer) in Building Physics, HCSI Event Coordinator

Core members

Alexander Zipprich, Architecture and Built Environment | Profile

Andrea Palmioli, Architecture and Built Environment | Profile

Giaime Botti, Architecture and Built Environment | Profile

Jun Lu, Architecture and Built Environment | Profile

Runqi Liang, Architecture and Built Environment | Profile

Tongyu Zhou, Architecture and Built Environment | Profile

Yat Ming Loo, Architecture and Built Environment | Profile

Yina Sima, Architecture and Built Environment | Profile

Zhiang Zhang, Architecture and Built Environment | Profile

Yimeng Wang, Architecture and Built Environment | Profile

Yucong Zhang, Architecture and Built Environment | Profile

Rabee Reffat, Architecture and Built Environment | Profile

Sung-Hugh Hong, Architecture and Built Environment | Profile

Byung Gyoo Kang, Civil Engineering | Profile

Elsaid Zahran, Civil Engineering | Profile

Matthew Pike, Computer Science | Profile

Nicholas Hamm, Geographical Sciences | Profile

Bingjian Liu, Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering | Profile

Gavin Lai, Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering | Profile

Jiang Wu, Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering | Profile

Loic Faulon, Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering | Profile

Yoke Chin Lai Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering | Profile

Enrico Marsili, CBI Life Science & Halthcare | Profile

Weihua Meng, CBI Life Science & Halthcare | Profile

 

Key research achievements

In 2021-2025, HCSI has published 268 publications, and received a total of over 20.2 million RMB in funds.

  • 28% papers published in the top 10% of the world’s leading journals.
  • 49%+ papers published in cooperation with international scientific research institutions.
  • 40+ authorised patents.
  • 40+ design awards including Red dot, iF design, A design, IEDA, IDA, MUSE 
Facilities and equipment

CNC, Climatic Chamber, Thermal Cameras, data loggers, drones, 3D printers, driving simulator, flying simulator, High-performance computers, Physiological sensors, VR headsets, AR glasses, EEG/fNIRS devices. 

Research partners

Boeing, gsk, Pfizer, Land Rover, Geely, University of Oxford, Harvard University, Tsinghua University, Zhejiang University, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Dundee, Keimyung University, University of New South Wales, Shenzhen University, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo Eye Hospital, Ningbo Eye Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo Society of Urban Sciences, Ningbo Society of Architecture and Civil Engineering etc. 

Contact us

 

Wu Deng

E. wu.deng@nottingham.edu.cn
T. +86 (0) 574 8818 0000 (ext 8543)