Dr. Vivian Loftness

Biography

Vivian Loftness is a University Professor and the Paul Mellon Chair of Architecture at Carnegie Mellon University, with over 40 years of experience in building science research, education, and industry. She is an internationally recognized researcher and author, contributing extensively to the fields of environmental design, sustainability, and advanced building systems integration. As the head of the architecture program at Carnegie Mellon, she has been pivotal in enhancing design performance in relation to workplace productivity, health, and sustainability. Vivian has edited the 2013-2020 Springer Encyclopedia of Sustainable Built Environments and authored numerous books and reports on climate regionalism and architectural innovation. She has served on 25 boards, including those for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Advisory Council and the Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Advisory Committee. Her accolades include recognition from the Building Research Establishment in the UK and various honors from professional architectural organizations. Additionally, she holds engineering degrees, including a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Architecture, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Research Interests