Built Environment Practices
The built environment shapes how people live, work, and connect – yet the way it is delivered is becoming increasingly complex. Climate pressures, rapid urbanisation, and technological change are transforming how projects are conceived and delivered.
Our research responds to this complexity by focusing on both what we build and how we build it. We examine how buildings and infrastructure perform over time, and how decisions, systems, and relationships influence outcomes across the project lifecycle.
Guided by a commitment to serving society through a more resilient built environment, our work aims to generate economic, social, and environmental value in practice. We collaborate with industry, government, and community partners to develop practical, evidence-informed approaches that improve project outcomes, strengthen capability, and support more sustainable and inclusive built environments.
Research focus
Our work is organised around five interconnected themes that reflect how the built environment operates in practice:
- People – leadership, equity, workforce capability, and community engagement
- Governance – decision-making, policy, regulation, and organisational systems
- Technology – digital transformation, innovation, and emerging construction technologies
- Processes – project delivery, procurement, risk, and supply chain dynamics
- Practices – construction and design management, and resilient built environment practices
Across these themes, we focus on two core areas:
- Improving how built environments are designed, delivered, and maintained over time
- Strengthening the organisational and stakeholder systems that enable sustainable outcomes.
Our researchers
Research Group Leaders:
Members:
- Associate Professor Marcus Jefferies
- Dr Anna Tweedale
- Beck Boyle
- Dr Buddhini Ginigaddara
- Cameron Beard
- D’Arcy Newberry-Dupe
- Maria Cano Dominguez
- Dr Nicholas Foulcher
- Associate Professor Sittimont Kanjanabootra
- Dr Tanvi Newaz
- Associate Professor Kim Maund
- Professor Thayaparan Gajendran
Current projects
Sustainable Infrastructure and Renewable Futures
Collaborative research examining sustainable infrastructure delivery, renewable energy transitions, and implementation challenges across Australia and international contexts. Current activities focus on governance, stakeholder coordination, resilience, and industry capability in complex infrastructure and built environment systems.
Future Workforce and Inclusive Built Environment Cultures
Research exploring workforce participation, leadership, inclusion, and organisational culture across construction and infrastructure sectors. Current work investigates gender equity, workforce retention, future skills, and industry practices that support safer, more inclusive, and sustainable workplaces.
Digital Transformation and Project Innovation
Research examining how digital systems, innovation practices, and project coordination shape construction and infrastructure delivery. Current activities explore project governance, collaboration, emerging technologies, and organisational capability development within rapidly evolving built environment contexts.
International Sustainable Built Environment Partnerships
Collaborative international initiatives focused on sustainable built environment practices, mobility programs, and cross-cultural research partnerships. Current activities involve academic, industry, and government engagement across Australia and Asia to support knowledge exchange and sustainable infrastructure capability development.
Design, Place and Sustainable Urban Futures
Research exploring how design, planning, architecture, and spatial practices contribute to sustainable, resilient, and inclusive built environments. Current activities examine urban futures, place-based design, environmental performance, community experience, and interdisciplinary approaches to shaping healthier and more sustainable cities and communities.
Creative Practice, Materials and Built Environment Innovation
Research examining innovative design practices, material systems, and creative approaches within the built environment. Current activities explore experimentation, sustainability, circularity, digital fabrication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and emerging approaches to architectural and construction innovation.
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.