Posted on 9 June 2026
AchievementProviding building and construction solutions that support both people and the planet has been a long-standing research focus for Dr Negin Imani, Senior Academic Staff Member in the Built Environment team at Open Polytechnic.
This ongoing work has led to the publication of several books in the field, including her latest co-authored book called Biomimetic Adaptive Buildings.
“My interest in this topic, comes from exploring how natural systems respond to environmental conditions efficiently, and how those principles can be translated into building design and construction,” Negin says.
Biomimetic Adaptive Buildings published by MDPI Books, builds on Negin’s extensive body of work in biomimetics (the emulation of nature to solve complex human problems) and building performance, particularly the role of building envelopes (physical barriers) in regulating heat, light and air flow.
The book was developed for more than a year through a collaborative process with contributors from around the world, aligning diverse research perspectives, and refining the content to ensure a clear link between theory and application.
“It was produced as a collaborative, co-authored volume alongside a Special Issue in the Biomimetics journal, bringing together interdisciplinary work on adaptive façades, smart bio-based materials, and integrated systems such as automated shading devices and Building-integrated photovoltaic/thermal (BIPVT) systems,” Negin says.
Negin’s work aims to bridge research and practice by translating recent advances in technology into practical applications in the built environment.
“I am particularly interested in improving building performance through interdisciplinary approaches that integrate computational design, AI-enabled analytics, and climate-responsive strategies.”
Negin, who is Wellington-based, has been teaching at Open Polytechnic for four years, across qualifications in Architectural Technology, Construction Management, and Quantity Surveying.
Her background is in architectural engineering, with approximately ten years of industry experience prior to entering academia.
“My work focuses on building performance, adaptive façade systems, and the integration of emerging technologies, including AI, smart materials and advanced fabrication, into the building envelope,” Negin says.
Negin also serves on the Academic Board and Research Ethics committees at Open Polytechnic, contributing to academic matters and is a Senior Research Fellow at Bodeker Scientific, leading a multidisciplinary and multi-institutional team for an MBIE-funded project.