Professor Des Fagan

Professor of Computational Architecture

Additional Information

Head of Architecture at Lancaster, my field of research interest is in Optimisation and Deep Learning (Artificial Intelligence) for Decision Support Systems in design. I am particularly interested in the impact that Machine Learning will have on design processes and the regulatory and policy implications for the RIBA and ARB.

In my current role as Chair of the National Practice and Policy at the RIBA, I oversee the development of a programme of policy and public affairs activity, representing over forty thousand UK architects, to affect change in Whitehall, Westminster and beyond. My roles in the field of AI and Architecture includemember of the Expert Advisory Group on Data and AI in Practice (RIBA), and Lead of the Working Group on AI in Architectural Education (SCOSA) where I lead a network of industry partners including AutoDesk, Google and OpenAI, to guide the future integration of AI across UK practices and teaching across all 65 Schools of Architecture.

Prior to working in academia, I worked on several international award‐winning projects, including as Project Architect for the London Olympic Village 2012 and for Glasgow Transport Museumat Zaha Hadid Architects, winner of European Museum of the Year 2013.

I am currently working on a UKRI funded project: AILab: Artificial Intelligence in Low Carbon Building (PI- ?20k) with the Eden Project and Grimshaw Architects, to realise the advantages of Machine Learning for low carbon construction of Eden Morecambe. I have published two books ‐ ‘UEM’ which reimagines the future of a sustainably eco‐centric City, and ‘Datascape’ – a collaborative research document which records the data activities and exchanges of a city.


10/01/2024 → 10/01/2025
Research


09/01/2024 → 05/07/2024
Consultancy


10/10/2023 → 11/11/2024
Research


03/01/2023 → 09/07/2024
Research


04/10/2022 → 04/10/2022
Other


01/04/2022 → 31/03/2026
Research


23/04/2021 → 31/05/2021
Consultancy


01/03/2020 → …
Research


11/02/2019 → …
Consultancy


07/01/2019 → 07/01/2023
Research


01/10/2018 → …
Consultancy


01/03/2016 → 22/05/2018
Research


Expert Opinion


Influence on Policy, Practice, Patients & the Public


Member of Advisory Panel


Member of Advisory Panel


Types of External academic engagement - Hosting an academic visitor


Membership of committee


Other


Membership of committee


Other


Other


Membership of committee


Other


Member of Advisory Panel


Member of external research organisation


Invited talk


Other


Membership of committee


Participation in conference -Mixed Audience


Invited talk


Other


Visiting an external academic institution


Other


Other


Public Lecture/ Debate/Seminar


Membership of board


Membership of committee


Prize (including medals and awards)


Prize (including medals and awards)


Prize (including medals and awards)


Prize (including medals and awards)

  • Evaluation
  • School of Architecture
  • Space & Place