March 3, 2026Open Access

Building as a Lab guidelines

Key Points

This approach validates product performance in authentic conditions, improving market readiness.
It creates testing environments within occupied structures, measuring interactions with actual weather and occupants.
Engagement of diverse stakeholders ensures comprehensive evaluation and optimization of products before launch.
The step-by-step workflow provides a practical tool for understanding and implementing this innovative methodology.

Abstract

The ‘Building as a Lab’ approach transforms occupied buildings into open-innovation test beds. This method measures the performance of innovative façades and envelope products in real-world conditions. It creates controlled yet authentic testing environments within functioning structures, allowing products to be evaluated with real occupants, actual weather patterns, and typical building operations. This approach is great both for product developers and building owners by allowing the validation and improvement of products before their market launch. The process involves various stakeholders including building owners, product manufacturers, and management teams. This step-by-step workflow tool will help you understand this approach effectively. https://tools.eeb.eurac.edu/startrack/

Building as a Lab guidelines

Key Points

Abstract

Cite This Study