Professor Philip Oldfield
PhD (Architectural Science), DipArch (Distinction), BArch (First Class)
I am Head of School at UNSW Built Environment and a Professor of Architecture.
My research examines how we can meet the needs of society by creating housing, buildings and infrastructure, while also reducing the environmental impact of our built environment to mitigate climate change and achieve net zero outcomes. This includes special interests in embodied carbon, tall building architecture and high-density housing, and climate literacy in architectural education. I am an active member of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), and author of the book “The Sustainable Tall Building: A Design Primer” published by Taylor and Francisin 2019. I have led over $800k of funded research projects with diverse inter-disciplinary teams from industry and academia, tackling issues varying from how built environment leaders use evidence in the creation of buildings, to measuring the reduction of embodied carbon possible in the Australian office sector. Research i have led on embodied carbon has contributed to national methodologies and industry-wide guidance.
I have a passion for teaching in higher education, across both architectural studio and science courses, recognised with an appointment as a Scientia Education Fellow at UNSW (2017-2021). In addition, i am passionate about science communication, being a former British Science Association Media Fellow (2015). I write regularly about my research and the need for a more sustainable, equitable and resilient built environment for The New York Times, The Guardian, Dezeen, Architecture Australia and more.
- Publications
- Media
- Grants
- Awards
- Research Activities
- Engagement
- Teaching and Supervision
Professional / Academic Engagement roles
- Honorary Fellowship, Australian Institute of Architects
- Editorial Advisory Board, Energy and Buildings
- Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat,
- James Martin Institute for Public Policy,
- British Science Association, Media Fellow (2015)
- UNSW Scientia Education Fellowship (2017-2021)
Media engagement and Op Eds
My Research Supervision
Linda Romanovska: Evaluation of urban green infrastructure from a whole-of- life perspective
Florence Wong: Mass Engineered Timber (MET) Construction - Opportunities & Barriers of its development in Asian Pacific cities
Noni Nuriani: Energy Modelling in Australia's Commercial Buildings: Practices, Processes and Performance to Minimize Energy Performance Gap
Louise O'Brian: How can Utzon's study of nature inspire contemporary and interdisciplinary practice for a low-carbon future?