Postdoctoral Position in Technologies: Architectural and Urban Prototyping

JOB OPPORTUNITIES: POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS

Technologies: Architectural and Urban Prototyping

Preamble

The research group Architectural and Urban Prototyping investigates agile iterative prototyping approaches for designing liveable environments, ranging from the building scale to the urban scale. It researches emerging computational generative and evaluative techniques for 1) discovering the relationships between built form and its environmental, social, and economic impacts, and 2) modelling, testing and evaluating different planning and design scenarios for optimal solutions, in particular within the context of high density Asian cities.

In order to support agile iterative prototyping approaches, the research foci areas are, among others, generative methods based on procedural and rule-based modelling applied to architecture and urban planning, interoperability of generative and evaluative tools and workflows operating at various urban scales, data interoperability between Building Information Models and CityGML city models, and data-augmented urban planning and design.

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In the case of generative methods, the research group employs both procedural and rule-based approaches as well as hybrid approaches combining the strengths of both. For example, in collaboration with JTC, we are developing agile iterative urban prototyping approaches, exploring the application of a procedural modeller, Mobius, developed by Patrick Janssen, to generate alternative urban planning scenarios for the Jurong Industrial Estate in support of JTC’s own work processes. In collaboration with researchers from UC Berkeley and U Cambridge (in the context of NUS’s Global Alliance with both universities), we are exploring the integration of Mobius as a generative (and evaluative) tool with ViziCities as a visualization engine. We are also exploring linking these tools with spatial equilibrium models to incorporate human-centric parameters – such as well-being and social equity – to better forecast future urban development.

In order to support agile iterative prototyping approaches, we envision an larger ecosystem of generative and evaluative tools that can be connected within varying workflows in order to support a variety of urban planning and design processes. In this context, we propose the appointment of a Post-Doc researcher to explore the development and elaboration of this ecosystem of generative and evaluative tools integrating both Mobius and Vizicities and other evaluative methods and tools that have resulted from research at the Department of Architecture and the School of Design and Environment or are extensively used by its researchers.

Duties and Responsibilities expected from the Post-Doc Candidate

The successful applicant is expected to work closely with members of the Architectural and Urban Prototyping group, researching agile iterative prototyping approaches, including a computational ecosystem of generative and evaluative tools.
Tasks include: support for initiating new projects, applying for research funds, producing joint publications, organising seminars and workshops, and seeking collaboration with industry partners for the application of the tools. The scope of work also includes assisting teaching of generative and evaluative tools in planning and design studios, lectures and seminars.

Qualification & Requirements

The candidate must have

• PhD in architectural/urban design/planning, preferably
• Either practical work or research experience relating to architectural/urban design/planning, preferably in the context of high density cities in Asia
• Familiar with GIS and related spatial modelling and analysis tools
• Familiar with basic programming with, e.g., Python, Java, and related tools
• Familiar with GIS and related spatial modelling and analysis tools is a bonus
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in both speaking and writing

Appointment Details

Duration of Appointment

2 years. (Note: Candidate is expected to commence work starting 9 September 2019)

Application Deadline

Until the position is filled. Appreciate your understanding in advance that only selected qualified applicants will receive responses.

Compulsory Information to Include

In accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), please provide consent for the collection, use and disclosure of personal data, using the NUS Personal Data Consent for Job Applicants form.
For more information, please visit NUS > Careers > Academic Appointments.
Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Interested applicants, please send in the following documents to researchdoa@gmail.com

• Cover letter describing career goals and motivations
• CV
• Examples of two to three pieces of  scholarly writings
• Other forms of research work
• 3 recommendation letters

The National University of Singapore is a research-active university that offers an attractive employment package. Appointees will find, within the Department, a stimulating and well-resourced environment to pursue innovative and multi-disciplinary designs backed up by research that addresses the needs and conditions in Asia.