Design for wellbeing and positive social impact

Design and design processes that center human health and wellbeing, inclusion, and social justice.

Research streams

• Contemporary Workplaces
• Contextual Shifts
• Te Ātea

Academic staff

Name	Research interests
Victoria Chanse	Co-design and participatory design Climate change planning and adaptation Stormwater management and adaptation Sea level rise adaptation Performance of design landscapes: social, environmental and economic Landscape ecology and habitat planning in design
Nigel Isaacs	Environmental performance of buildings Understanding the how’s, why’s, where’s and when’s of energy and water use in residential and non-residential buildings
Bruno Marques	Integration of Indigenous methods in participatory design and place-making in landscape rehabilitation and ecosystem services Health and wellbeing of communities
Christine McCarthy	Prison architecture Architectural drawing and representation Architectural history
Jacquie McIntosh	Therapeutic and rehabilitative designed environments Multidisciplinary and multi-institutional bicultural research Design of the built environment for wellness including social and cultural inclusion
Joanna Merwood-Sailisbury	Nineteenth and early-twentieth-century architecture and urban design, with a special interest in United States history and issues of race and labour The history and theory of interior architecture and design History and theory of public space Architecture and social justice
Emina Petrovic	Ethical, ecological, and sustainable building materials Toxicity of building materials Perception of sustainability in architecture Construction waste Applications of digital technologies to achieve sustainability History of interdisciplinarity in architecture Toxicity of building materials Perception of sustainability in architecture Construction waste Applications of digital technologies to achieve sustainability History of interdisciplinarity in architecture
Robyn Phipps	Performance of homes and schools including heating, ventilation, and energy efficiency Finding sustainable and low-cost solutions for healthy indoor environments Low carbon homes and schools Universal design, and health and safety Environments that promote wellbeing for the occupants and the workers that make the buildings
Mark Southcombe Research website	Collective Housing Urban Housing Ecologies Ecologies Design Design-Led Research Design Pedagogy theory and practices Prefabrication Whanganui NZ Architectural Histories

Study options

The following postgraduate programmes allow you to pursue this research:

Master of Architecture (MArch)

Explore the theoretical side of architecture and dive deeper into its history and theory. Develop your analysis and critical thinking skills with in-depth study into your area of interest.

In this thesis-based programme, you can build on the knowledge you gained at undergraduate level. Or, if you’re already working in the industry, you can expand your knowledge through research.

Find out more about the Master of Architecture (MArch)

Master of Architecture (Professional) (MArch[Prof])

Prepare to work as a professional architect. Hone your skills as a designer, develop your ability to think visually and in three dimensions, and learn how to best meet your clients’ needs through practical, real-life experiences.

Graduates with a Bachelor of Architectural Studies in Architecture and a Master of Architecture (Professional) will have met the academic requirements to register as a professional architect.

Find out more about the Master of Architecture (Professional) (MArch[Prof])

Master of Interior Architecture (MIA)

Become a specialist in the architectural design of interior spaces. Examine the relationships between materials, people, and space. Make a difference to people’s wellbeing through the innovative design of interior spaces.

Our MIA is internationally recognised through two professional bodies.

Find out more about the Master of Interior Architecture (MIA)

Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)

Develop your creative expertise and become a professional landscape architect. Gain the knowledge and skills to create innovative design solutions for outdoor spaces.

Our MLA is one of only three programmes in New Zealand that meet the standards for accreditation with the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects (NZILA).

Find out more about Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)

Master of Architectural Science (MArchSc)

Become an expert in the science of the built environment and increase your understanding of the connections between architecture, engineering, testing, and building research.

The MArchSc is professionally recognised by the New Zealand Institute of Building (NZIOB).

Find out more about the Master of Architectural Science (MArchSc)

Master of Architectural Science (Research) (MArchSc[Res])

Research and write a thesis within the broad field of architectural science, under the expert supervision of our academic staff.

You must complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Science before you can enrol in this Master’s.

Find out more about the Master of Architectural Science (Research) (MArchSc[Res])

PhD

On our PhD programme, you'll produce an original body of research that expands the discipline. Your work will be largely independently driven, with two supervisors available to advise you. Typically the PhD is studied on-site, but in suitable cases it may be studied by distance.

Find out more about the PhD.