Community Talks @ infrared.city

Revolutionary Entrepreneurs of the AEC industry: Dimitrie Stefanescu

In this densely layered episode of Infrared City's Community Talks, Angelos Chronis (CEO, infrared.city) welcomes Dimitrie Stefanescu, CEO and co-founder of Speckle, for a catalytic exchange on evolutions in AEC data interoperability, the mechanics of open-source ecosystems, and the deeper sociotechnical implications of digital collaboration. Dimitri shares his journey from disillusioned architecture student at UCL to building Speckle—an open-source platform that's changing how the construction industry handles data. This isn't a typical startup success story, but rather a thoughtful exploration of how technology can reshape entire industries when built with the right principles. The conversation covers crucial topics like why current file-based systems hold back collaboration, how Speckle's approach to data modeling enables better project coordination, and the challenges of building sustainable open-source infrastructure in a venture-backed world. They discuss Speckle's evolution from early plugins for Grasshopper and Dynamo to becoming a comprehensive platform that serves the entire AEC ecosystem. Diverging from today's AI hype, Dimitri and Angelos explore how structured AEC data could genuinely improve machine learning applications—without exploiting user data. They examine what it means to build transparent, accountable tools in an industry hungry for real innovation. Key insights include: * Why moving beyond file-based workflows unlocks better project coordination * How tracking design changes at the transaction level enables smarter risk analysis * The undervalued importance of team dynamics in successful co-founder partnerships * What it means for AEC tools to be both flexible and accountable This conversation is between two innovators who understand that digital transformation in architecture isn't just about better software—it's about who controls the underlying systems and how that shapes our built environment. Real change comes not from flashy interfaces or AI buzzwords, but from examining the ownership structures in the foundational protocols that power our industry. Whether you're working in AEC technology, computational design, or researching the intersection of practice and theory, this episode offers a clear perspective: code isn't neutral, and the future of construction depends on what we choose to make transparent, modular, and shared. Speckle represents more than a platform—it's testing a hypothesis about how open collaboration can transform industries. Learn more at speckle.systems Through infrared.city Community Talks, we connect experts who share knowledge and tools for building a more sustainable future. Learn more and join a growing revolution in realtime simulation for data informed design at infrared.city. Stream now and help us debug the future. Join the community at infrared.city #AEC #OpenSource #DataInteroperability #DigitalInfrastructure #ComputationalDesign #SpeckleSystems #InfraredCityTalks

The Carbon Clash: Embodied vs Operational with Dr. Emanuele Naboni and Sustainability Expert, Giovanni Betti

What happens when leading climate scientists, architects, and strategists go head-to-head on the carbon equation in the built environment? This episode is a deep technical dive into one of the most urgent and misunderstood dimensions of sustainable design: the interplay between operational and embodied carbon. Far from a binary choice, the debate unpacks how lifecycle carbon accounting is disrupting design norms and reshaping the construction industry. Drawing from cutting-edge urban case studies in Helsinki and Silicon Valley, our guests share how regional benchmarks—like a 30% reduction in operational energy from 2020 levels—are being engineered into real-world projects. We explore the transformation of certification systems, with an inside look at innovations from CarbonCure and the anticipated LEED v5 framework. What does it mean when embodied carbon becomes quantifiable at concept stage? What pressures are designers and developers facing as net-zero targets shift from voluntary to expected? This is not a theoretical discussion: it's a data-driven look into the technologies and frameworks setting the next standard. Whether you're a sustainability consultant or a policymaker drafting your next climate action plan, you’ll find clarity—and challenge—here. Through our community efforts at infrared.city we aim to introduce experts that share the knowledge and tools necessary to actively contribute towards a more sustainable built environment. If you would like to know more and gain access to our real-time simulation tool, signup on our waitlist at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://infrared.city/⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://infrared.city/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0]

Shaping data-driven urban futures with Dr. Laura Narvaez Zertuche

In this episode of infrared.city Community Talks, Angelos Chronis hosts Dr. Laura Narvaez Zertuche, partner at Foster + Partners, collaborator at Urban AI and a self-declared urban scientist, for a deep-dive discussion on sustainable urban design and the future of city planning. They explore the balance between environmental, social, and economic factors in creating resilient cities, the potential of data-driven design in urban planning, and the role of AI in future development processes. Laura shares her insights on holistic sustainability approaches, the importance of real-time analytics in design, and rethinking urban spaces through community engagement and flexible planning. The conversation also touches upon the challenges and opportunities in adopting innovative technologies in urban design, and the need for a shift in approach to create more adaptable and efficient cities. Tune in to learn about the future of data-informed urban planning and the cutting-edge technologies shaping our built environment in an era of rapid urbanization and climate change. Through our community efforts at infrared.city we aim to introduce experts that share the knowledge and tools necessary to actively contribute towards a more sustainable built environment. If you would like to know more and gain access to our real-time simulation tool, signup on our waitlist at: ⁠⁠⁠https://infrared.city/⁠⁠⁠ [https://infrared.city/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0]

Building Performant Habitats for Extreme Futures with Melodie Yashar

In this episode, Oana Taut hosts Melodie Yashar, VP of Building and Design Performance at ICON and former NASA collaborator, for a deep-dive discussion on space architecture and 3D printing technology. They explore the parallels between designing for the extreme environment of Space and sustainable construction on Earth, the potential of additive manufacturing in revolutionizing building design, and the role of AI in future construction processes. Melodie shares her insights on performance-driven design, sustainability and resilience in extreme environments, and rethinking architectural aesthetics through 3D printing. The conversation also touches upon the challenges and opportunities in adopting these innovative technologies in the building industry, and the need for a shift in approach to create more adaptable and efficient structures. Tune in to learn about the future of space-inspired architecture and the cutting-edge technologies shaping our built environment both on Earth and beyond. Through our community efforts at infrared.city we aim to introduce experts that share the knowledge and tools necessary to actively contribute towards a more sustainable built environment. If you would like to know more and gain access to our real-time simulation tool, signup on our waitlist at: ⁠⁠⁠https://infrared.city/⁠⁠⁠

Towards climate informed design with the founders of infrared.city

September 2024 Community Talks In this episode, Oana Taut, Angelos Chronis, Theodore Galanos, and Christos Chatzakis, the founders of Infrared City, get together to share insights and views on AI in architecture and sustainable design. They delve into the transformative potential of AI in the AEC industry, the challenges of data interoperability, and how AI tools can democratize expertise in environmental performance. The founders share their experiences in developing infrared.city and offer perspectives on balancing AI capabilities with human creativity. They share thoughts about the importance of real-time data in design decisions, the shift towards more actionable insights in environmental simulations, and the exciting launch of infrared.city's new product. Through our community efforts at infrared.city we aim to bring together experts in technology, sustainability and AEC to share their knowledge, tools and views on how to contribute towards a more sustainable built environment. If you would like to know more and gain access to our real-time environmental simulation tool, signup on our waitlist at: ⁠⁠https://infrared.city/⁠⁠ Angelos Chronis is an architect and computational design researcher, specializing in environmental design and simulation. Theodore Galanos is an expert in AI and machine learning applications in architecture. Christos Chatzakis is a software developer with a background in architecture and sustainable design. Oana Taut is an architect and AI researcher with a drive on building products for the AEC industry. Together they founded Infrared City GmbH, a startup focused on making environmental simulations fast, accessible and actionable for the AEC industry.