Laboratory architecture
Introduction
The Laboratory of Architecture and Sustainable Habitat (LAyHS) is a research, development and university extension unit dependent on the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning of the National University of La Plata (UNLP), Argentina. Founded in 2009 as a spin-off of Research Unit No. 2 of the Institute of Habitat Studies (IDEHAB), the LAyHS specializes in energy efficiency of built habitat, bioclimatic design and environmental sustainability policies in urban and regional contexts.[1][2].
History
The LAHS emerged in 2009 as a split from Research Unit No. 2 ("Habitat, Energy and Environment") of the IDEHAB, founded in 1986 by the architect Elías Rosenfeld. This Unit, under the direction of Rosenfeld until 2009, developed pioneering research in bioclimatic architecture and energy efficiency in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area (AMBA). The creation of LAyHS, directed by Dr. Architectural Engineer Jorge Daniel Czajkowski, represented the continuation and specialization of that line, incorporating computational tools and multivariate analysis for the energy diagnosis of buildings.[1][2] Initially, the laboratory focused on the validation of software such as EnergoCAD and AuditCAD, derived from IDEHAB projects, and on massive audits of Argentine building stock.[3].
Since its founding, the LAyHS has grown as a postgraduate and extension center, promoting the Specialization in Architecture and Sustainable Habitat (2011) and the homonymous Master's Degree (2012), both pioneers in Argentina.[4] In 2022, it participated in the tribute to Rosenfeld 10 years after his death, consolidating itself as one of the heirs of his vision.[5].
Research lines
The LAHS prioritizes energy efficiency in the built habitat, with emphasis on:
- Environmental conditions in museums, reserves and libraries (hygrothermal, lighting and acoustic comfort).
- Urban environmental strategic planning and environmental impact assessment.
- Sustainable social housing and energy retrofitting.
- Standardization and regulation of efficient buildings (contributions to IRAM 11603 and 11604 standards).