We conduct research in wide range of areas including but not limited to: 3D Scanning, Agent-based modelling, Architectural Visualisation, Augmented Reality, Building Information Models, Heritage Documentation, Performance Analysis, Smart Cities, Space Syntax, Space-time movement, Sub-way climatology, Usability of spatial environments, Vehicle and pedestrian simulation, Virtual City Models, and Virtual Reality. An evaluation of noise mapping, wind modelling, and thermal imagery technologies is being conducted alongside studies with the Department of Psychology into peoples' perceptions of safety in cities are also part of our research spectrum.
Our flagship research and enterprise work is directly related to Virtual City Models (VCM) and since 2008 we have been working with local authorities to establish one definitive city model that they can utilize for many different purposes. Virtual NewcastleGateshead (VNG) and Virtual Sunderland (VS) are the VCMs we are currently working on.
The UK Technology Strategy Board funded project is being conducted into the integration of building information modelling (BIM) technologies with digital city models and this, alongside a requirement to integrate with the cities current GIS systems, will develop the model from its primarily visualisation-based applications to more information-based applications in the future –working towards creation of smart cities.
EU funded Interreg Electric Mobility project aims to increase accessibility of e-mobility both public and private electric car transport and freight across the North Sea Region
AHRC-funded virtual reconstruction of Medieval Newcastle project aims to develop methodologies that integrate VR, digital technologies, archaeological, and historic building information to support interpretation and representation of the built heritage, using an example case for Newcastle upon Tyne.
MyPlace: Mobility and Place for the Age-friendly City project aims to develop and test through real-world research, a digital platform and toolkit that will enable members of the public to engage with local councils and other organisations more effectively in the research, planning and design of the urban environment.
You can find individual research interest of the academic staff by going to their profile pages. Group’s research activities are also supported by PhD projects and post-graduate visiting/Erasmus students who would like to carry our research within our area of expertise. Below list shows the ongoing and completed projects by students.
Research Students
- James Charlton (Doctoral thesis: An integrated approach to the design of city centre squares, using three-dimensional computer representations, 2011)
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Angie Johnson (Doctoral thesis: The Role of Goals and Attention on Memory for Distance in Real and Virtual Spaces, 2011)
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Martin Podevyn (Developing an Organisational Framework for Sustaining Virtual City Models, 2013)
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Godwin Yeboah (Doctoral thesis: Understanding Urban Cycling Behaviours in Space and Time, 2014)
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Eiman El-Banhawy (Project: To Understand, Model and Design an E-Mobility System in Its Urban Context, on going)
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Ian Wyre (Project: A Methodology for Spatial Archaeology: Visualising the Legacy of Medieval Newcastle upon Tyne using Digital and Virtual Toolsets, on going)
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Zi Qian (Project: Proactive and responsive options for subway security, on going)
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Muhammet Burak Tosun (Project: Islamic Architecture, Shape Studies, Generative Design, and Computational Design, on going)
- Cally Gatehouse (Project: The Social Impact of Networked Public Space)
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Chris Brown (Project: The Aesthetic Experience of Architecture, Monuments and Ruins)
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Sebastian Messer (Project: Activism | Architecture | Appropriation)
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Jakub Krukar (Project: Usability of Museum Spaces: The Influence of Spatial Layout on Human Memory and Attention for an Art Exhibition)
Visiting Students
- Harm Nomden, project: Traffic modelling: using VNG data to support the modelling of traffic flows within Newcastle
- Chung Wang, project: Traffic modelling: using VNG data to support the modelling of traffic flows within Newcastle (Continuation)
- Michael Rosmain, project: Pedestrian modelling within underground stations: Case study monument metro
- Arian Zand, project: Attaching live datasets to virtual city data
- Tommy Funtik, project: 4D BIM
- Ruben Junius, project: Attaching live datasets to virtual city data (Continuation)
