Dr Nicholas Foulcher
Lecturer
School of Architecture and Built Environment (Architecture)
- Email:nicholas.foulcher@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:(02) 491 38526
Using immersive technologies to transform public spaces
Architecture is built on traditional principles. But owing to the work of Dr Nicholas Foulcher, these are being challenged in favour of more innovative and experimental methods using emergent technology—and Newcastle has been the living lab.
Nicholas’ research is an intersection of social science, architectural theory and the evolving computational technologies and practices that shape them.
It emerged from a curiosity and passion for digital technologies and their impact on architectural education—one that stemmed from his own study at a school of architecture with a curriculum deeply embedded in traditional principles of architectural design education.
“In my PhD thesis, I focused on two established architectural schools known for their particular pedagogical approaches,” Nicholas shares.
“My thesis investigated how architectural educational experiences manifest through the nexus of analogue and digital design technologies.”
“This analysis revealed the complex relationship between digital technology and educational ethos, furthering my exploration of how unarticulated cultural preferences inform student learning and design processes.”
Enlivening urban wasteland
Nicholas’ most recent focus on immersive digital projection technology in the public realm, formed part of a series of grant-funded public activation projects that have revitalised areas in the city of Newcastle currently struggling with renewal.
His pioneering initiative, Honeysuckle Lights, recognised with the NSW Landscape Architecture Award of Excellence in 2019, laid the foundation for the creation of the Lightscape Projects. This collective endeavour incorporated Lightscape (2019), James Street Plaza (2021), and Neural Noise (2022).
“With a focus on improving visibility and considering factors such as contrast, wayfinding cues, and sensory experiences, my research seeks to solve the complexities surrounding safety, accessibility, and usability for people of diverse backgrounds, converting the urban wasteland of residual Newcastle into an interactive and immersive ‘lightscape’,” Nicholas explains.
“It also delves further into the temporal aspect of architectural experiences, enabling a variety of moods and narratives to be evoked and explored within given contexts.”
By employing projections, he seeks to temporally alter and enliven such environments, providing insights into how dynamic and adaptable spaces can positively influence people's interactions and engagement with their surroundings.
Activation 1: Honeysuckle Lights (2018)
In the heart of Newcastle, the Honeysuckle Point Railway Workshops stand as a testament to the city's industrial heritage.
While the adaptation and reuse of these buildings have been largely successful, a crucial element remains missing: a creative interpretation that breathes life into the built environment and honours the stories of the past.
Part of the larger Honeysuckle Placemaking project, Honeysuckle Lights used various illumination and projection techniques to promote Honeysuckle and its heritage by increasing both safety and night-time economy for different groups in the area.
Aligning with the City of Newcastle’s Smart City Strategy, this novel type of public art reimagined the existing city, forming new connections between the built environment and the arts—and the public and place.
As Nicholas further explains, “Our project seeks to bridge this gap by delving into the rich history of these structures and employing new technologies and techniques to revitalise interest in Newcastle's industrial identity.”
He elaborates that by embracing both the past and the future, the team created an immersive experience that not only preserves the heritage of the Honeysuckle Point Railway Workshops but also fosters a deeper connection between the community and its history.
Through innovative approaches, he hopes that these historic landmarks can continue to inspire and educate future generations about Newcastle's industrial legacy.
Activation 2: Lightscape (2019)
Following his work as Project Investigator for Honeysuckle Lights, Nicholas leveraged funding networks to establish himself as Chief Investigator on ‘Lightscape’, funded by the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund.
‘Lightscape’ formed a continuation of placemaking lighting installations, this time exploring sensor technology as an interactive platform to engage the community by activating Brake Block Park, a dimly lit green space located at 101 Honeysuckle Drive.
The project received ethics approval to map the activities of the public as they interacted with the project installation, compiling a data set to analyse metrics intended to better inform activation activities in Newcastle.
As documented through the associated Participant Observation study, approximately 1,000 people interacted to various degrees with the creative work over a 27-day period. This demonstrated a high level of impact and community engagement.
Activation 3: James Street Plaza
Continuing his work in digital installation and activation in the public domain, Nicholas partnered with the City of Newcastle, Hamilton BIA and FASTLab to prototype and execute the James Street Plaza activation.
This third placemaking activation solidified a strong track record for the research team (Mr Jack McGrath and Dr Jane Shadbolt) with the development of the interactive night-time display infrastructure, celebrating Hamilton's rich history and character.
Activation 4: Neural Noise (2022)
Nicholas’ fourth and most recent activation, Neural Noise, crosses the interdisciplinary fields of architecture, arts and psychology and delves into the transformative potential of immersive technologies.
He explored how the integration of immersive technology, including lighting installations, projections and extended reality software, can enhance and transform the user experience.
To investigate these concepts, he employed a MuseTM Electroencephalogram (EEG) Powered Headband, allowing real-time monitoring of brain frequency, body movement, heart rate and breath.
By mapping these parameters in a visual programming environment, an immersive monochromatic (one colour) experience was created, reflecting the participant's brainwave activity in real time.
“By harnessing the power of immersive technologies, we explored novel ways of creating architectural experiences that go beyond traditional understanding,” says Nicholas.
“These technologies engage the senses, provoke emotions, and evoke unique individual responses. Neural Noise contributed to the field's comprehension of the intricate relationship between individuals and their built environment, shedding light on the transformative potential of immersive technologies and the significance of individual engagement.”
He goes on to say that by exploring the interplay between individuals, immersive environments, and architecture expanded to include the 'virtual experience', we can unlock new possibilities for designing spaces and experiences that captivate, engage, and transform their occupants.
Neural Noise was exhibited at the Newcastle Museum as part of the esteemed Brain and Biomes 2022 exhibition over National Science Week festival. Several respected media organisations publicised and highly recommended the very well-attended event.
The exhibition also involved distinguished personnel from various disciplines contributing to future collaborations.
Answering questions, expanding knowledge
Nicholas’ research addresses key questions in the field: How can we leverage emergent technology to rapidly develop agile solutions that not only prioritise safety, sustainability and cost-effectiveness but also actively engage the community in the decision-making process?
His findings have challenged and expanded current understanding and offered innovative and experimental alternatives to traditional architectural practices. They show how novel applications of technology, through tactical interventions, might stimulate interest and investment in the local economy.
Ultimately, he aims to expand disciplinary knowledge by demonstrating the potential of emerging technologies as transformative tools. His findings have illuminated the possibility of creating engaging, inclusive and sustainable scapes that respond to evolving needs.
The challenges of public installations
Like with most research, Nicholas’ work isn’t without challenges.
Creating successful public-facing installations, such as the Lightscape Projects, requires overcoming several technical, budgetary and documentation factors.
To address this, Nicholas and his teams have done rigorous testing to help address technical issues, careful budget planning and fund sourcing, and kept detailed records of the projects, including design plans, technical specifications, user feedback and media coverage.
Creating a new architectural blueprint
Many aspects of his work make Nicholas proud and keep him motivated.
This includes his ability to draw on the diverse disciplines of social science, architectural theory and emerging computer tech to address real-world urban renewal challenges. It also includes that he’s going beyond theoretical discussion to actively contribute to public activation projects in his own region and abroad.
His research challenges and expands current understandings in his field, offering sustainable, cost-effective alternatives to traditional architectural practices and exploring novel applications of technology.
“I find the community engagement aspect fulfilling, as it allows me to contribute directly to the wellbeing of the local community,” says Nicholas. “I also find the work personally enriching as it allows me to continuously learn, adapt and apply my knowledge in diverse ways.”
Using immersive technologies to transform public spaces
Nicholas Foulcher’ research is an intersection of social science, architectural theory and the evolving computational technologies and practices that shape them.
Career Summary
Biography
Dr Nicholas Charles Foulcher is a Lecturer at the School of Architecture and Built Environment. His teaching and research interests stem from an intersection of social science, architectural theory, and the 'emergent' computational technology and practices that shape them. Through this nexus, Dr Foulcher understands the field of design education and research as inherently dynamic yet questions the sense of 'stasis' that often characterises distinct architectural institutions through definitions of particular educational ethe; that is, standardised systems, which are culturally internalised and that transcend consciousness.
Further to this, the charge of emergent design technologies has encouraged a re-evaluation of an essential and defining element of culture. Through an ongoing analysis of this phenomenon within the architectural discipline, his Design Studio teaching and live projects explore the paradoxical relationship between analogue skills, functioning as symbolic reserves of 'cultural capital', and the expanding digital skill set. Dr Foulcher's aim is to inform contemporary understandings of the relationship between students, educational structures and cultures as part of a changing and digitising architecture and design field.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Newcastle
- Master of Architecture (Honours), University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Design (Architecture), University of Newcastle
Keywords
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computational Design
- Emergent Technology
Languages
- English (Mother)
Fields of Research
Code | Description | Percentage |
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330104 | Architectural history, theory and criticism | 50 |
330102 | Architectural design | 50 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
Title | Organisation / Department |
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Lecturer | University of Newcastle School of Architecture and Built Environment Australia |
Academic appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
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1/1/2017 - 31/12/2017 | Associate Lecturer | School of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Newcastle Australia |
Awards
Prize
Year | Award |
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2018 |
Research Award School of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Newcastle |
Teaching
Code | Course | Role | Duration |
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ARBE6201 |
Architectural Management School of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Newcastle Deals with the project management context within which architecture is practiced. Students will consider the development of professional expertise, and be introduced to the methods used to generate work and charge fees. The course will also address the project briefing and contract administration phases of an architectural project, including the development of a design brief and project feasibility analysis, development and contract law, project management frameworks, consultancy agreements, and the administration of a standard form lump sum building contract. |
Course Coordinator | 26/2/2018 - 8/6/2018 |
ARBE3220 |
Architecture Studio 5 School of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Newcastle This course considers public buildings and the needs of major institutional clients, building users and the general public. The architectural projects within the studio: analyse and evaluate the client's requirements and objectives; explore the application of architectural theories and processes; resolve design issues relating to occupancy and functionality; evaluate factors influencing project costing; and document the integration of construction systems and materials consistent with the project brief. |
Studio Tutor | 26/2/2018 - 8/6/2018 |
ARBE1103 |
Digital Communication in the Built Environment School of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Newcastle This course prepares the future generation of professionals in the built environment to respond to a range of existing and emerging digital technologies. The course content provides an overview of current information technologies and digitally mediated communication strategies within the building industry. By extending traditional methods of communication utilised within the built environment, the course aims to develop an understanding of digital media through the application of digital communication and documentation. |
Course Coordinator | 24/7/2017 - 3/11/2017 |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Conference (8 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
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2016 |
Foulcher NC, Askland HH, Gu N, 'Disruptions: Impact of digital design technologies on continuity in established design process paradigms', CAADRIA 2016, 21st International Conference on Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia - Living Systems and Micro-Utopias: Towards Continuous Designing (2016) [E1] This paper aims to provide a critical understanding of the discipline of architectural education, exploring how digital technology forms part of two Australian architecture school... [more] This paper aims to provide a critical understanding of the discipline of architectural education, exploring how digital technology forms part of two Australian architecture schools. Generally accepted as the unbroken and consistent existence or operation of something over a period of time, continuity represents stability without interruption. In the context of architectural design education, continuity aligns almost symbiotically with the design process; a system that facilitates a continuous loop of input, output and feedback for the designer- from defining the brief, collecting information, synthesising and presenting a design proposal. Preliminary findings of a larger research study that investigates the role of technology in architecture education, suggest that cultural patterns of technology adoption and valuation exist, valorising particular tools and establishing a framework for design teaching and practice that might disrupt the continuity of students' design process. Moreover, the study shows evidence of a disruption of continuity in design school narratives, emphasising the need to rethink design pedagogy and the place of technology herein. Reflecting on these observations, this paper explores the question: When the tools of digital technology challenge the established design process paradigm of an architectural school, how do educators respond to such a disruption in continuity?.
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Nova | |||
2015 |
Morrison T, Giggins H, foulcher N, 'Preserving Lost Industrial Heritage: Newcastle Australia', Across Space and Time. Papers from the 41st Conference on Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology, The University of Western Australia (2015) [E1]
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Nova | |||
2014 |
Foulcher NC, Gu N, Askland HH, 'The perceived effect of digital design technology on student learning in architectural technology', Across: Architectural Research through to Practice: 48th International Conference of the Architectural Science Association, Genova (2014) [E1]
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Nova | |||
2013 |
Giggins H, Morrison T, Foulcher N, 'Bringing Together the Present with the Industrial past: the Newcastle Digitalised Heritage Project', Tourism and the Shifting Values of Cultural Heritage: Visiting Pasts, Developing Futures, Taipei city (2013) [E2]
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Nova | |||
2013 |
Morrison T, Giggins H, Foulcher N, 'Timeline Newcastle: Reconstructing Industrial Newcastle - Implementation and Exhibition', Electronic Visualisation and the Arts (EVA London 2013), London (2013) [E1]
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Nova | |||
2012 |
Morrison T, Giggins HP, Foulcher NC, 'Evolving architectural history and digital intangible heritage', NODEM 2012: Archiving and Visualization of Intangible Heritage, Hong Kong (2012) [E3]
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2012 | Morrison T, Gu N, Foulcher NC, 'Applying augmented reality to preserving industrial heritage', Proceedings. EVA London 2012: Electronic Visualisation and the Arts, London, UK (2012) [E1] | Nova | |||
2011 | Foulcher NC, Gu N, 'A study for exploring student's perceptions on the role and effect of CAD in conceptual design', Conference Proceedings 45th Annual Conference of the Australian and New Zealand Architectural Science Association, Sydney, NSW (2011) [E1] | Nova | |||
Show 5 more conferences |
Creative Work (9 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
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2022 |
Foulcher N, Shadbolt J, Neural Noise, Newcastle Museum (2022)
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2021 |
Foulcher N, Mcgrath J, Shadbolt J, Lighting Activation James Street Plaza, James Street Plaza, Hamilton (2021)
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2019 |
Kelly M, Pohlman S, Marlin S, Shaw G, Shadbolt J, Freeman E, et al., Brain @ Watt Space, Watt Space Gallery, Newcastle, Australia (2019)
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2019 |
Foulcher N, McGrath J, Shadbolt J, Lightscape, Break Block Park, Newcastle, Australia, Break Block Park, Honeysuckle (2019) [J1]
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2018 |
Foulcher N, Shadbolt J, Railway Workshop Projections, 1 Wright Place, Honeysuckle (2018)
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2018 |
Ware SA, Flatman N, Sauni A, Reilly W, Chapman M, Martin K, et al., Honeysuckle Placemaking, Honeysuckle Precinct and Foreshore, Newcastle, NSW Australia (2018) [N1]
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2013 | Foulcher NC, Gu N, City Evolutions: Lanescape, 25-27 Watt St Newcastle (2013) [J2] | ||||
2012 |
Morrison T, Foulcher NC, Giggins HP, Reconstructing Victorian Newcastle, Newcastle Museum (2012) [J1]
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Show 6 more creative works |
Report (1 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
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2019 |
Ware SA, Sparks K, Richardson J, Guthrey E, Foulcher N, Shadbolt J, Uon Students, 'Honeysuckle Placemaking', University of Newcastle, 105 (2019)
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Grants and Funding
Summary
Number of grants | 5 |
---|---|
Total funding | $324,822 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20231 grants / $67,655
Digitalise, Revitalise & Reimagine Delprat Cottage: An Immersive Exploration and Reinterpretation through Extended Reality (XR) $67,655
Funding body: Department of Regional NSW/Regional Development, Hunter and Central Coast
Funding body | Department of Regional NSW/Regional Development, Hunter and Central Coast |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Nicholas Foulcher |
Scheme | Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2023 |
Funding Finish | 2023 |
GNo | G2300159 |
Type Of Funding | C2300 – Aust StateTerritoryLocal – Own Purpose |
Category | 2300 |
UON | Y |
20211 grants / $57,364
Lighting Animation for James Street Plaza$57,364
Funding body: Newcastle City Council
Funding body | Newcastle City Council |
---|---|
Project Team | Mr Jack McGrath, Doctor Nicholas Foulcher, Doctor Jane Shadbolt |
Scheme | Small Research Consultancy |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2021 |
Funding Finish | 2021 |
GNo | G2101192 |
Type Of Funding | C2300 – Aust StateTerritoryLocal – Own Purpose |
Category | 2300 |
UON | Y |
20191 grants / $61,006
Lightscape: Brake Block Park$61,006
Funding body: Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation
Funding body | Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Nicholas Foulcher, Doctor Jane Shadbolt, Mr Jack McGrath |
Scheme | Newcastle Port Community Contribution |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | G1900438 |
Type Of Funding | C2400 – Aust StateTerritoryLocal – Other |
Category | 2400 |
UON | Y |
20182 grants / $138,797
Placemaking in Honeysuckle$135,797
Funding body: Hunter Development Corporation
Funding body | Hunter Development Corporation |
---|---|
Project Team | Professor Sue Anne Ware, Doctor Jane Shadbolt, Doctor Nicholas Foulcher, Doctor Warren Reilly, Professor Michael Chapman, Mr Nicholas Flatman, Ms Amber Sauni |
Scheme | Newcastle Port Community Contribution |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2018 |
Funding Finish | 2018 |
GNo | G1800360 |
Type Of Funding | C2300 – Aust StateTerritoryLocal – Own Purpose |
Category | 2300 |
UON | Y |
Railway Workshop Projection (Honeysuckle Placemaking Project)$3,000
Funding body: Newcastle City Council
Funding body | Newcastle City Council |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Nicholas Foulcher, Doctor Jane Shadbolt |
Scheme | Community Place Making Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2018 |
Funding Finish | 2018 |
GNo | G1801251 |
Type Of Funding | C2300 – Aust StateTerritoryLocal – Own Purpose |
Category | 2300 |
UON | Y |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Current Supervision
Commenced | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2020 | PhD | Architecture and the Truth Machine: The Convergence of Blockchain Technology with Digital Design Assets in Architectural Practice | PhD (Architecture), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2017 | PhD | Drawing Thought | PhD (Architecture), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
Past Supervision
Year | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | PhD | Empowering Communities through Autonomous Vehicles: A Decentralised Framework for Equitable Integration in Urban Environments | PhD (Architecture), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
Dr Nicholas Foulcher
Position
Lecturer
School of Architecture and Built Environment
College of Engineering, Science and Environment
Focus area
Architecture