The KAUST Urban Lab is equipped with a diverse collection of portable and stationary instruments that support field studies, environmental monitoring, and experimental analysis across multiple research themes. These tools are used for collecting real-time data on air quality, thermal performance, human comfort, lighting, sound levels, and more. Many instruments are essential for both research and community outreach activities and are regularly employed in student-led experiments and interdisciplinary collaborations. Below is a categorized list of key equipment and tools available in the Urban Lab:
Environmental Monitoring and Air Quality
A versatile tool that measures seven water parameters: pH, salinity, TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), conductivity, resistivity, mV, and temperature. Useful for environmental assessments, water sampling, and lab analysis.
Qty: 1
Detects and quantifies electromagnetic fields from common electronic devices and power sources. Assists in evaluating exposure levels and potential health risks in indoor environments.
Qty: 1
Measures and records UVA and UVC radiation levels along with temperature using thermocouples. Essential for environments with UV exposure, such as labs, healthcare facilities, or building façades.
Qty: 1
Measures concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and formaldehyde in real time. Ideal for evaluating air quality in enclosed spaces like homes, schools, and workplaces where off-gassing from materials may occur.
Qty: 2
This meter monitors indoor air quality by logging carbon dioxide (CO₂), temperature, and relative humidity. Useful for detecting inadequate ventilation and analyzing IAQ trends over time in residential, commercial, and institutional settings.
Qty: 2
A portable device designed to detect and quantify airborne particles, including PM2.5, PM10, and AQI levels, while also measuring temperature and humidity. Ideal for real-time air quality assessments in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Qty: 2
Building Physics and Comfort Analysis
Measures light intensity from artificial and natural sources in lux or foot-candles. Ideal for ensuring lighting conditions meet building code requirements and occupant comfort standards.
Qty: 2
Monitors and logs low-range differential pressures across building systems such as ventilation and ductwork. Useful for balancing airflow and verifying system integrity.
Qty: 2
Designed for HVAC diagnostics, this meter measures duct airflow, ambient temperature, and relative humidity. It helps verify HVAC system performance and comfort level regulation.
Qty: 2
Measures surface temperatures from a distance using dual laser targeting for accuracy. Useful for spot-checking HVAC systems, insulation effectiveness, and detecting thermal bridges.
Qty: 2
A precision instrument that calculates the thermal transmittance (U-value) of building components by measuring both surface and indoor air temperatures. Essential for evaluating insulation performance and identifying heat loss.
Qty: 2
Structural and Material Testing
Measures light intensity from artificial and natural sources in lux or foot-candles. Ideal for ensuring lighting conditions meet building code requirements and occupant comfort standards.
Qty: 2
Monitors and logs low-range differential pressures across building systems such as ventilation and ductwork. Useful for balancing airflow and verifying system integrity.
Qty: 2
Designed for HVAC diagnostics, this meter measures duct airflow, ambient temperature, and relative humidity. It helps verify HVAC system performance and comfort level regulation.
Qty: 2
Measures surface temperatures from a distance using dual laser targeting for accuracy. Useful for spot-checking HVAC systems, insulation effectiveness, and detecting thermal bridges.
Qty: 2
A precision instrument that calculates the thermal transmittance (U-value) of building components by measuring both surface and indoor air temperatures. Essential for evaluating insulation performance and identifying heat loss.
Qty: 2
Personal Monitoring and Imaging
Measures light intensity from artificial and natural sources in lux or foot-candles. Ideal for ensuring lighting conditions meet building code requirements and occupant comfort standards.
Qty: 2
Monitors and logs low-range differential pressures across building systems such as ventilation and ductwork. Useful for balancing airflow and verifying system integrity.
Qty: 2
Designed for HVAC diagnostics, this meter measures duct airflow, ambient temperature, and relative humidity. It helps verify HVAC system performance and comfort level regulation.
Qty: 2
Measures surface temperatures from a distance using dual laser targeting for accuracy. Useful for spot-checking HVAC systems, insulation effectiveness, and detecting thermal bridges.
Qty: 2
A precision instrument that calculates the thermal transmittance (U-value) of building components by measuring both surface and indoor air temperatures. Essential for evaluating insulation performance and identifying heat loss.
Qty: 2