What does it take to create indoor environments where everyone feels comfortable – and do so efficiently? In this presentation at ISH 2025, a leading trade fair for HVAC and water in Frankfurt, Germany, current research reveals a clear shift in building design: away from rigid standards and toward health-focused, user-centric solutions. Drawing inspiration from the automotive industry, new technologies such as personalized climate zones, individually adjustable temperatures, and intelligent feedback systems show great potential to enhance comfort while saving energy.
Using striking examples from both advanced research labs and real-world buildings, this session offers a forward-looking perspective on building technologies that are already capable of responding dynamically, intuitively, and flexibly to occupants’ needs – paving the way for a healthier and more comfortable built environment.
This lecture is supported by FGK- Fachverband Gebäude-Klima e. V.
Dirk Müller…
… has been Professor and Head of the Institute for Building and Room Climate Technology at RWTH Aachen University, one of Germany’s leading technical universities, since 2007. With a background in mechanical engineering and a PhD from RWTH Aachen, he brings both academic depth and industry experience. Prior to his current role, he was appointed professor at TU Berlin in 2003. His research focuses on energy systems for buildings and urban districts, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality, making him a recognized expert in the field of intelligent, sustainable building systems.
