PhD Study : Visualisation and Immersive technology to improve stakeholder participation in net Zero Emission Buildings and Neighbourhoods (ZEN) in Smart Cities

Summary

The objective of this PhD is to develop visualisation methods including User Interface i.e. dashboards, and other immersive technologies using diverse media, such as (but not limited to) Virtual reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), to support the evaluation of net zero emission neighborhood (ZEN) design concepts with respect to greenhouse gas emissions and potential environmental impacts.

The aim is to explore how these emerging technologies can help involve and improve participation from interdisciplinary groups involved in the net ZEN design process including diverse stakeholders, such as, politicians, municipality planners, designplanning practitioners, and citizens. Immersive technologies that enable users to truly immerse themselves, explore and interact with the real environment onsite in real ZEN pilot projects will be investigated.

Visualisation and immersive environments are instrumental to bridging the gap between design and emissions and transforming the way we communicate complex data in an interactive, user friendly way to make it easier for diverse stakeholders to understand and to participate in the design process which would lead to reduced GHG emissions both in operation, monitoring and in the design of ZENs.

This project will build upon the work already conducted by Houlihan Wiberg et al. in this area, including the dynamic integration of the ZEB tool with Revit BIM using a Dynamo plugin and an integrated visual approach using Virtual Reality (VR). A proof of concept ZEN dashboard is also available for further development.

This integrated and visual approach provides holistic, dynamic and visual feedback on design choices, such as, changes in form and orientation, emissions from energy use and life cycle GHG emissions attributable to the materials used in buildings. Is advanced visual communication a possible strategy to bridge the gap between ZEN research and design and lead to improved diverse stakeholder participation? How can a digital approach lead to reduced GHG emissions through better design, build, operate, and integrate the built environment? To what extent can ICT provide a means to integrate science-based knowledge on GHG emissions (and other KPIs) early and throughout the design process?   How can existing extended reality (XR) technologies, such as augmented and virtual reality, and User Interfaces (UI) be adapted to provide visualise feedback?

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