VR-Renovate is a multidisciplinary project that involves 3D rendering, Virtual Reality (VR), and visualization technology in order to ease societal transition into sustainable home design. 

As the Netherlands transitions into more sustainable housing in line with the EU energy efficiency goals, sustainable home renovation plays a key role. Often, existing tenants must choose or approve home renovations intended to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, e.g., solar panels or heat-exchange system installation. Guiding tenants through sustainable renovation is a means to support transformational societal change while remaining flexible enough to adapt to individual needs. In order to help tenants make smart choices during these renovations, effective communication is crucial. Such communication needs to go beyond written reports, as knowledge can influence people’s perception and acceptance of energy measures.

The VR-Renovate project is aimed at addressing the communication gap. The goal of this project is to research and test effective real-time graphics and visualization technology based on virtual reality displays, intended to provide an accurate depiction and understanding of the results of sustainable home renovations.

Within the scope of the project, we aim at developing realistic material and lighting models that allow for rendering at the high framerate and resolution needed for VR headsets. Realistic rendering results are necessary in order to provide tenants with the most accurate representation of a completed renovation. We will also investigate how to best present different design alternatives in order for the tenants to be able to effectively compare and contrast different choices for their homes. Effective visualization must balance the realistic depiction of the tenant's residence and also visually salient depictions of renovation changes in order to reduce the chance of unforeseen results for tenants. Furthermore, the use of VR eye-tracking technology can potentially help us better convey information and obtain feedback in order to refine the system. Knowing where users visually fixate can allow us to analyze and understand common concerns, detect when information is not being effectively conveyed, or guide users towards important elements.

We are looking for a candidate who meets the following requirements:

• You are talented and enthusiastic about research.
• You preferably have a Master in Computer Graphics, Mathematics or related field.
• You have strong programming skills (C++, OpenGL or GPU programming languages are a plus).
• You have good communication skills and are able to work in a team.
• You are creative, ambitious, hardworking and persistent.
• You have a good command of the English language (knowledge of Dutch is not required).

Fixed-term contract: 4 jaar.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2434 per month in the first year to € 3111 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three disciplines - electrical engineering, mathematics and computer science. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make future-proof. We are also working on a world in which humans and computers reinforce each other. We are mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. There is plenty of room here for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1,100 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.