Group Research
Research within the Advanced Architectural Technologies (AAT) Group is organised around three themes:
- Design in a Digital World
- Process and Management in Architecture
- Sustainable Buildings and Environments
Design in a Digital World
Dr Carlos Calderon, Dr Martyn Dade-Robertson, Dr John Kamara
This theme is concerned with the development of digital tools for design and the application of architectural methods to the design of digital systems. To this end research areas include:
- Information architectures
- Digital design, representation and visualisation
- Knowledge based design and generative systems
- Computer integrated construction and manufacturing
- Visual and spatial reasoning technologies
- Human-computer interaction for design
Process and Management in Architecture
Dr John Kamara, Mr Peter Walker
This theme deals with process and management aspects of architecture and construction and includes the following research areas:
- Project development (with respect to the capture and representation of client requirements in design and construction)
- Information and knowledge management
- Collaborative working in design and construction
- Procurement and construction processes and modelling
Sustainable Buildings and Environments
Dr Neveen Hamza, Dr Steve Dudek
The focus of this theme is on integrating sustainability at various levels in the design phase of buildings; the impact of various energy policies on the design process, and the implementation of the findings of research into the effect of energy saving policies on the design team and on the architectural form and urban settings of buildings. Research areas and expertise include:
- Thermal performance of materials and also the applications of various architectural techniques (e.g. Double Skin Facades) to passively improve the environmental performance of buildings and improve occupants comfort.
- The integration of renewable energy harnessing technologies in the building form and orientation.
- General thermal performance and monitoring of buildings and building elements
- The use of non destructive testing techniques incorporating a blend of laboratory measurements, building thermal and daylight simulation and field work to produce a holistic view of building performance.
- The development of novel insulating materials and the dynamic characteristics of building elements incorporating these materials to promote energy conservation.