Research

Research Clusters:

Please see the individual links below which will direct you to specific Research Areas within the School.

Centre for Built Environment Research: research in this cluster is concerned with developments in infrastructure that support life in a more sustainable manner. Director of Research - Professor Muhammed Basheer

Institute Spatial Environmental Planning: seeks to confront the challenges created by the uneven relationships within and between society and the built and natural environments. Director of Research - Professor Frank Gaffikin

School Research Office Portal:  This area contains general information for current and prospective researchers.

There are two general themes that form the backbone of architectural research at Queen’s:

Sustainable Buildings and Communities: This theme addresses sustainability as it relates to the built environment in its entire range - Physical, Economical and Socio-cultural. The goal is to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in this area by developing research findings - based on both conceptual and empirical approaches. Delivering sustainable environments is the core of investigation in this theme. Additionally, issues addressed involve the development of tools for analysing, designing, assessing, and delivering sustainable environments at different scales that range from interior spaces and near environments, to exterior spaces, and urban public spaces.

Architectural Design Research: Modern Built Environment research combines innovations in materials, interaction of people with the Built Environment, meeting social needs of housing, simulation studies for energy efficiency in Built Environment, and the use of information technology for the efficient use of space, light, energy and acoustics. With the recent appointment of research active staff in architecture technology, CBER now is fully equipped to undertake research in all these topics. The architecture history and culture are brought into this research theme to give vigor and depth to the area.

Recent research projects:

  1. BRAID – Bridging Research in Ageing and ICT Development. This project will develop a comprehensive RTD roadmap for active ageing by consolidating existing roadmaps and by describing and launching a stakeholder co-ordination and consultation mechanism. It will characterise key research challenges and produce a vision for a comprehensive approach in supporting the well-being and socio-economic integration of increasing numbers of senior citizens in Europe. (€1.2m EU FP7). Dr Karim Hadjri. Further information on this project can be found here:http://www.braidproject.eu/.
  2. Marie Curie IAPP Transfer of Knowledge Programme project VALUE AGEING – Incorporating European Fundamental Values into ICT for Ageing: A Vital Political, Ethical, Technological, and Industrial Challenge. This project is an Industry-Academia Partnerships and Pathways Action which aims to foster co-operation between non-commercial and commercial entities on a joint research project about the incorporation of Fundamental Values of the EU in Info-Communication Technology (ICT) for Ageing. ICT gives individuals as well as societies the possibility to improve their lives and to free them from certain constraints. (€1.83m EU FP7). Dr Karim Hadjri. Further information on this project can be found here: http://www.valueageing.eu/.
  3. LAP Best Practice Manual: A project funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG) in the Republic of Ireland and is being undertaken in partnership with Loci Planning Consultants, Dublin. The project aims at undertaking a comprehensive review and evaluation of practices and projects of Local Area Plans currently produced in Ireland and electing best practice examples for the future guidance of Irish planners. The project will result in the production of LAP Best Practice Manual that accompanies the DEHLG’s Planning Guidelines as a formal policy document. Dr. Mohamed Gamal Abdelmonem, Dr. Karim Hadjri, Dr. Stephen McKay, Prof. Michael McGarry.
  4. The development of Cognitive Health and Wellbeing Hub (COGWORKS) supported by a consortium of funding bodies and research councils as part of a larger program managed by Medical Research Council (MRC). This is a major cross-council initiative supporting multi-disciplinary research addressing factors across the life course that influence healthy ageing and wellbeing in later life. Dr Karim Hadjri. http://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/cogworks/
  5. As part of RHYZOM, a collaborative EU research network for cultural production and trans-local dissemination, in partnership with PS2, Belfast-based art initiative. The project is funded by the EU Culture Programme and will result in effective international collaboration and publications in the field of creative industries and cultural production. Prof Ruth Morrow.
  6. A research network funded by CARDI-Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland, research partners include Trinity College, Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (Dublin), PLACE, Architecture Centre for NI, Belfast. The networks aims to scope out and initiative future research activities in the field of ageing and inclusive design activities. Dr Yasemin Afacan, Prof Ruth Morrow.
  7. Tactility Factory: a concrete / textile initiative in collaboration with University of Ulster (T. Belford) Funded through multiple sources, Arts and Humanities Research Council, Higher Education Innovation Fund and more recently Invest NI and Cultural Industries Innovation Fund. Prof Ruth Morrow.