Future environments research

We explore examples of living and social systems where communities grow and thrive. Our aim is to implement solutions and share knowledge and experiences. We work across socio-spatial systems including food, endangered species, sustainability, waste reduction and reuse, flood response, community well-being, urban resilience and regeneration.

The work is developing complex, emergent, and responsive networks that respond to our environmental, social, cultural, technological and economic issues as we live together in this land.

Co-leaders

• Andrew Burgess
• Priscila Besen
• Stacy Vallis
• Imelda Piri
• Ann Morrison

Members

• Frances Joseph
• Dermott McMeel
• Clinton Watkins
• Dave Moore
• Esther Aigwi
• Micheal McCabe
• Victoria Jackson-Wyatt
• Lawrence Joseph Paculan, PhD student
• Sebastian Gil Parga, PhD student
• Jaideep Vyas, PhD student
• Marzieh Shafiei, PhD student

The advanced construction and architectural research cluster pushes the boundaries of the built environment through transdisciplinary collaboration. We focus on developing innovative, cost-efficient, and sustainable solutions that ensure a resilient future.

Our research integrates critical analysis and innovative technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, 3D printing and the Internet of Things to revolutionise design, construction and building operations. We explore forward-thinking architectural and engineering concepts that prioritise sustainability, adaptability and resilience. To bridge the gap between design and construction, we champion integrated design and delivery methods.

Additionally, we investigate sustainable materials and construction processes throughout a building's life cycle. Through optimising stakeholder value, enhancing the performance of the built environment, and fostering sustainable development, Our research contributes to a future where the buildings we create have a positive impact on both people and the planet.

Co-leaders

• Dat Doan
• Roohollah Kalatehjari

Members

• John Tookey
• Nicola Naismith
• Mani Poshdar
• Funmilayo Ebun Rotimi
• Stefan Marks
• Anne Staal
• Mahesh Babu

The research centre Smart Cities and Infrastructure (SCI) specialises in intelligent infrastructure, smart cities and regenerative design explorations for the built environment. The team develop optimised solutions for complex issues in the design, construction, and manufacturing industry, with a focus on improving the wellbeing of human and natural systems.

The cluster investigates building efficiency, sustainable construction, urban, social and technological infrastructure planning, and the transformation of the respective industries towards a regenerative system. Our work encompasses a holistic approach, considering systems thinking, lifecycle perspectives, and the integration of sustainability principles to shape cities and create positive ecological impacts.

Co-leaders

• Megan Burfoot
• Ali Ghaffarian

Members

• Amir Ghaffarian
• Kamal Dhawan
• Pouyan Zarnani
• Shahab Ramhormozian
• Sherif Beskhyroun
• Lara Tookey
• Xichen Chen
• Zahra Jalali
• Ghazale Shojaei
• Ehsan Hosseini
• Ashish Poudel
• Hayman Ahmed

The indigenising research cluster is a research platform to develop and enact strategies towards indigenising a mainstream tertiary school led by the values of tika, pono and aroha.

Based in the School of Future Environments, this research cluster also recognises and seeks to build on wider initiatives in the Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies and AUT community towards indigenising tertiary education.

Our research aims to explore ways of thinking and enacting how we indigenise tertiary education in the fields of architecture, creative and emerging technologies and built environment engineering.

Co-leaders

• Jade Kake
• Rachel Shearer
• Amanda Yates (Māori)

Members

• Sibyl Bloomfield (Māori)
• Fleur Palmer (Māori)
• Maibritt Pederson-Zari
• Sangeeta Karmokar