This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the University of Bath URSA competition , for entry in September 2025.

Early application is encouraged, as excellent candidates may receive an early offer of a funded place before the end of the year. To be eligible for early consideration, you must apply before 24 November 2024.

Project Background:

Buildings contribute 39% of global carbon emissions. The techniques to reduce these are now well-tested for both new-build and retrofit techniques, similar to the well-known Passivhaus standard.

Unfortunately, a surprising and unintended side effect of such a design philosophy, is the loss of nooks and crannies in buildings which are used by several fauna for nesting or roosting. Swifts, in particular are vulnerable as they fly from Africa to the same mate and nesting site in England each year. The removal or unavailability of suitable nesting sites has resulted in dramatic falls in swift populations, the species being red-listed and classified as endangered. Similar trends have been observed for other species too.

It is hence clear that it would be ideal if the success of a low carbon / energy strategy promotes, rather than resists, an increase in biodiverse outcomes – i.e.one that is regenerative. A recent literature review on Swifts and buildings conducted by members of the RENEW centre has identified two possible routes for investigation (building or urban level), one of which this project will address:

Building level:

1. Given that climate change will induce heatwaves of greater intensity and frequency, what are the maximum temperatures a swift can withstand?

2. Which of the building-integratable swift nesting products on the market are likely to produce temperatures commensurate with (1) and provide long-term resilience?

3. How do the above interact with a super low-energy building design philosophy?

OR

Urban level:

1. What are the implications for urban design, particularly blue and green spaces given that modern farming practices might be having a negative impact on swift-suitable insect feedstock?

2. How can we manage the above during cold and/or wet weather?

2. What do any requirements around nest requirements tell us about the types of urban morphology that would best support swift regeneration?

The above work will draw on the recently concluded literature review and we expect use of the UK’s only 5 km resolution weather files suitable for use in computer simulations, developed at Bath. Either route will suit those with a high degree of curiosity and independence.

Candidate requirements:

Applicants must have, or be about to obtain, a UK Honours degree 1 ^st or 2.1, or international equivalent.

For the building-level route: Being able to work with physical prototypes including on-site measurement plus skills in computer modelling (e.g. Energy+, ESPretc) would be highly desirable.

For the urban level route: Knowledge of urban physics and/or urban ecology would be highly desirable.

Non-UK applicants, who are not currently studying in the UK, must meet the programme’s English language requirement before the application deadline – no exceptions will be considered.

Enquiries:

Informal enquiries are encouraged! Direct these to Dr Sukumar Natarajan - [email protected] .

Application Instructions

Please follow the below instructions carefully.

You must make a formal application via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Architecture.

Please note that you can apply for a maximum of two PhD projects on this programme.

In the ‘Funding Your Studies’ section, you must select ‘University of Bath URSA’ from one of the drop-down menus.

In the ‘Your PhD project’ section, you must quote the project title in the PhD project title field, and you must quote the lead supervisor’s name in the field ‘Name of intended supervisor at University of Bath.’

If you are applying for two projects, you must quote the project title for your second choice project in the field ‘Project 2 Title’ and the lead supervisor’s name in ‘Name of intended supervisor for 2 ^nd choice project at University of Bath.

You must ensure that you follow the above steps correctly. Failure to complete these steps will cause errors in the automated processing of your application and may mean that you are not considered for a particular project.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We value a diverse research environment and strive to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We encourage applications from under-represented groups.

If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.

The Disability Service ensures that individuals with disabilities are provided the support that they need. If you state if your application that you have a disability, the Disability Service will contact you as part of this process to discuss your needs.

Keywords

Regenerative design and engineering; Passivhaus; low-energy buildings; urban ecology