PhD Study : Communicating the built environment: testing assumptions of how experts and non-experts process development visualisations in consultation processes

Summary

This PhD explores technical processes of consultation in urban regeneration in the context of increasingly complex art work – including virtual reality simulation – and data visualisation.  Indeed, big data has a key role in the planning and delivery of resilient cities that are smart and inclusive. Reflecting societal changes in the use of social media, location information and scenario testing, built environment decision makers are deploying innovative methods to engage with stakeholders.  These include methods previously the preserve of mega development schemes or which technologically were simply not possible. Examples here include interactive 3D models; GIS-based map viewers; online consultations based on identifying user preferences; and dynamic video representations of proposed development schemes.

As the power of computing / information technologies grows exponentially, so too does the pace of creating and marketing new products, both in terms of hardware (tablet PCs; smart phones) and software (various apps).  This raises a variety of issues including data accessibility and privacy. However, there is a more fundamental question: are the assumptions around the human process and consumption of built environment visualisations correct? In other words, is there is a mismatch between how design ideas are developed and communicated by experts – architects, urban planners, surveyors, engineers – and how non-experts receive and understand these ideas? Innovative technologies have recently emerged in discipline areas outside of urban planning that are capable of quantifying the extent to which these new methods assist in stakeholder understanding and engagement of development proposals.

The Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment (BSABE) has recently invested in this technology. It is anticipated the doctoral research linked to this project will make extensive use of these facilities.  Empirical research data will also be collected through a variety of supporting means, such as interviews with stakeholders and practitioners.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living