School research
Academics in the School of Architecture and Built Environment have an international reputation for the quality of their research. Our research performance is excellent, and our researchers regularly work on both national and international projects.
Several school staff hold prestigious research grants from the Australian Research Council, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth, state and local governments, as well as the APN and UN.
PhD and research masters
Our research strengths
The School of Architecture and the Built Environment is a research-intensive school with expertise in a wide range of areas including:
- Architecture (Theory and Practice)
- Community and Engagement
- Environment
- Equity
- Health
- Heritage
- History
- Indigeneity
- Industrialisation
- Materials
- Management
- People
- Policy
- Technologies
- Communities
- Housing
- Risk
Over the last decade academics in our School have been awarded more than $7,000,000 in research income and have published more than 300 research books, chapters and papers.
Our research strengths in creative endeavour (research by design) are also significant, and academics have both curated and had their works featured in state, national and international exhibitions.
Associate Professor Sam Spurr, Head of Discipline, Architecture
Spotlight on our strengths
Community resilience and sustainable development
Our school has adopted the theme of community resilience and sustainable development for our work. We are inspired to exercise leadership in the face of some of the challenging situations our society faces that revolve around the quality of life in human settlements and nurturing resilience in community settings.
Dr Marcus Jefferies, Head of Discipline, Construction Management
Climate-Smart Adaptive Resilience and Engagement for Animal Evacuation
A team of researchers from the University of Newcastle have been awarded $468,000 as part of the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant to assist communities in recovery and resilience in the wake of the 2019-20 fires.
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Addressing Construction Workforce and Skill Gaps in Regional NSW
The Australian construction sector is one of the fastest growing industries in Australia. However, it faces massive labour shortages resulting in major skills gaps.
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PhD and research masters
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.