Newcastle University

Introduction

I initially trained and practiced as an architect, combining practice with teaching architecture from 1996, before being appointed as a full-time lecturer in architecture, in 2001. I was promoted to senior lecturer in 2010.

Roles and Responsibilities

Acting Director of Architecture (2009/10)
BArch DPD and Admissions Tutor (2006/07-2008/09)
Module leader, stage 5 architectural design (2006/07-2008/09)
Module leader, stage 2 architectural design (2002/03-2005/06)
Module leader, stage 3 building construction (2002/03-2008/09)

Qualifications

PhD in Architecture, Newcastle University (2005)
MA in Architecture and Critical Theory, Nottingham University (1997)
RIBA Certificate of Professional Practice, Newcastle University (1991)
BArch (Hons.) First Class, Newcastle University (1990)
RIBA Presidents Silver Medal Nomination (1990)
BA (Hons.) in Architectural Studies, Newcastle University (1987)

Previous Positions

Self-employed architect, Newcastle (1999-2001)
Project architect, Alan J. Smith Partnership, Newcastle (1996-1998)
Project architect, Nottingham City Council (1995-1996)
Project architect, Alan J. Smith Partnership, Newcastle (1993-1995)
Graduate architect, John Potter Architect, Newcastle (1991-1992)
Graduate architect, FalknerBrowns, Newcastle (1990-1991)
Architectural assistant, Ellis Williams Partnership, Liverpool (1987-1988)

Memberships

International Association for People-Environment Studies

Research Interests

Essentially my research looks at the way cultures mix (or not as the case may be) and how that process manifests itself in architecture. Between 1999 and 2005, I spent much time in Kolkata, India, researching for my PhD. I completed my PhD in 2005, which used Homi K. Bhabha’s notion of hybridity as an interpretive tool on specific architectural sites of cultural dialogue in Kolkata.

My research in cultural hybridity, by its nature, involves multi-focussed, interdisciplinary, comparative work, and is focussed on open-ended analysis of cultural interaction. I have worked in areas such as anthropology, sociology, art, literature, and philosophy. Research methodology for my PhD combined traditional architectural techniques like measured surveys and photography, with more ethnographic methods like participant observation, and semi-structures interviews.

Why is it important?

•To understand the processes by which different cultures meet, and explore collaborative solutions that might be more responsive to those differences.
•To investigate minority ethnic perspectives and experiences of architecture
•To contribute to academic debates on architectural experience and identity, particularly with regard to ethnicity

Who is it important for?

Architects, planners, teachers, and anyone who is interested in issues of cultural identity and architecture.

Other Expertise

Registered architect

Current Work

I am currently working on two articles for an exhibition organised by the Indian Society of Oriental Art in Kolkata, during 1922, which involved artists from the Bauhaus, in Germany. The exhibition included 241 artworks by a diverse group of over 60 nationally and internationally known Indian artists, but also uniquely included 177 artworks by artists from the Bauhaus, in Germany. The articles explore cross-cultural dialogues generated by the exhibition between Bengali and Bauhaus artists of the time.

Working titles for the two articles are, "Hybrid Modernities: The Indian Society for Oriental Art and the Bauhaus Exhibition, Kolkata, 1922," and, "Mysticism and German Expressionism: The Bauhaus and India."

I am also developing a book proposal on the exhibition.

Future Research

For some time, I have wanted to bring my research, mostly set in Kolkata back to the region, and to strengthen the links between it and my teaching. I am presently developing a photographic project in collaboration with Northern Architecture and Architecture students, which will engage Tyneside school children from a range of minority ethnic communities, in discussions about architecture and their cultural identities.

Postgraduate Supervision

I welcome PhD and MPhil applicants and would be delighted to discuss projects related to my research. I am currently acting as second supervisor on three PhD projects:

Toyin Akin, "The Impact of Community Participation on sub-Urban Development Projects in Akure, Nigeria."

Mabrouk Alsheliby, "The Impact of Socio-economic factors on Urban Identity of the Saudi City Centre. A Case Study: Tabuk city centre."

Oluwafemi Olajide, "Spatial Analysis of Urban Poverty,  Security of Tenure, Informal Settlements, and Housing Conditions in Lagos Metropolis."

Under my supervision, the following students have successfully completed their PhD:

Lin Li, "Identity of Urban Spaces in the Changing context of Chinese cities with reference to Shanghai" (2010)

Rittirong Chutapruttikorn, "The Application of Vernacular Knowledge to Housing Design in Thailand"
Oluwatoyin Akin, "The Impact of Community Participation on suburban development projects in Akure, Nigeria" (2011)

Esteem Indicators

Referee for article submissions to Architecture Research Quarterly (Cambridge Journals)
Doctoral examiner at Newcastle University for 2 candidates

Funding

Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH UK Trust) 2000
British Academy Grant 2007

Undergraduate Teaching

First Year architecture coordinator

Module leader for ARC1001: Architectural Design (semesters 1 and 2)

• Beattie M. Collaborative Practices: Hybrid Ethnographies and Fieldwork Approaches in Barabazaar, Kolkata, India. In: Ewing, S; McGowan, JM; Speed, C; Bernie, VC, ed. Architecture and Field/Work. London: Routledge, 2010, pp.11-21.
• Beattie M. "Colonial Modernities: Building Dwelling and Architecture in British Inia and Ceylon", Peter Scriver & Vikramaditya Prakash (2007, London: Routledge). Landscape Research 2009, 34(4), 497-498.
• Beattie M. Hybrid Bazaar Space: Colonialisation, Globalisation, and 'Traditional' Space in Barabazaar, Kolkata (Calcutta), India. Journal of Architectural Education 2008, 61(3), 45-55.
• Beattie M. Hybrid Bazaar Space: Colonialisation, Globalisation, and ‘Traditional’ Space in Barabazaar, Kolkata, (Calcutta), India. In: Globalisation and Representation Conference. 2005, Brighton, UK.
• Beattie M. Hybrid Bazaar Space: Everyday Life and 'traditional' Space in Barabazaar, Kolkata (Calcutta), India. In: Ninth Conference of the International Association for the Study of Traditional Environments (IASTE). 2004, Sharjah, Dubai.
• Beattie M. Sir Patrick Geddes and Barra Bazaar: competing visions, ambivalence and contradiction. Journal of Architecture 2004, 9(2), 131-150.
• Beattie M. Colonial Space: Health and Modernity in Barabazaar, Kolkata. Traditional Dwelling and Settlements Review 2003, 14(2), 7-19.
• Beattie M. Hybrid identities: 'Public' and 'private' life in the courtyard houses of Barabazaar, Kolkata, India. In: Menin, S, ed. Constructing Place: Mind and the Matter of Place-making. London, UK: Routledge, 2003, pp.154-165.
• Beattie M. Problems of Translation: Lyonel Feininger and Gaganendranath Tagore at the fourteenth annual Indian Society of Oriental Art Exhibtion, Kolkata, India. 2012. Submitted.
• Beattie M. Whose Modernity? the Fourteenth Annual Indian Society of Oriental Art Exhibtion and the Bauhaus, Kolkata, India, 1922. Art History, Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism, or Interventions 2012. Submitted.