Architectural & Design Science

Research Areas

Acoustics and Audio
Acoustics of small rooms
Reduction of noise entering through ventilation openings
Neural network analysis of auditoria design
Recording and reproduction of sound in rooms
Controlling feedback in audio systems
Increasing apparent reverberation time of rooms

Computational Intelligence Applications
Integrated models for the synthesis of complex structural systems
Applications of soft computing techniques in modelling and design of building structures
Intelligent project management Information systems
Smart Information systems for managing complex assets
Modelling community perceptions using soft computing techniques

Facilities Management
Building information modelling
Productivity in workplace
Energy efficiency in the operations of buildings
Occupant impact on the sustainability of housing

Illumination
How people respond to the lit environment
Gloom and discomfort glare
Satisfaction with office working environments
Individual lighting control for people with poor vision
International Daylight Measurement Programme
Sky luminance distribution and models
Daylighting building interiors
Solar availability access and over shadow
Development of Australian/NZ/International lighting standards

Sustainable Design
Form and space making potential of sustainable design
History of climatic design in Australia
Simulation of Building Environmental Performance
Evaluation of Urban Microclimates
POE of Indoor Thermal Comfort and Air Quality

ACOUSTICS RESEARCH LABORATORY
The Acoustics Research Laboratory in the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning provides substantial infrastructure for research and teaching in acoustics and audio within and beyond the Faculty. The laboratory one of several substantial technical facilities associated with the Architectural Technical Services Centre (ATSC) of the Faculty.

The Laboratory is equipped to do a wide variety of acoustic measurements and procedures including:

* General measurement of sound
* Sound absorption coefficients and impedance using impedance tubes
* Sound transmission using impedance tubes
* Sound absorption and power level using a reverberant room
* Sound intensity
* Speech intelligibility, privacy and security
* Vibrometry (including single point laser)
* Air flow resistivity
* Subjective testing of sound
* Sound quality and psychoacoustics
* Source directivity
* Acoustic scattering
* Room acoustical measurements
* Computer modeling of rooms
* Field airborne and impact sound insulation
* Sound logging
* Sound-field spatial distribution
* Sound-field simulation
* Binaural recording and reproduction
* Loudspeaker electroacoustics

Neural Network Applications Research Unit