Professor Des Fagan
Professor of Computational ArchitectureAdditional 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.
I am Deputy Chair of the QAA Subject Benchmark for Architecture in 2025 and 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.
I am currently working on a UKRI funded project: AILab: Artificial Intelligence in Low Carbon Building 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.
Research Overview
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Architecture
- Machine Learning (ML) for Architectural Design
- Explainability / Interpretability of AI in Architecture and Building
- Future Regulation of the Architect
- Decoding A.I for the Architect
- Parametric Architecture for Design
- Optimisation Software for Design
- Bioclimatic / Kinetic Facades
- Prototyping in Architecture
Current Teaching
As Head of Architecture, I am responsible for contributing to the ethos, content, quality, and direction of the teaching environment for both the BA (Hons) Architecture and Master of Architecture courses, devising course structures, and writing module descriptors and content for internal and external course approvals and PSRB validation.
I was the UK lead for processes of prescription across all 65 accredited architecture schools as Academic Advisor to the ARB between. In this nationally significant role, I reviewed course documentation to make recommendations on over 85 architecture courses between 2015-21,
My influence in teaching extends to teaching-related publications in my own field of research. I am the Leader of the Working Group on AI in Architectural Education at the Standing Council of the Heads of Schools of Architecture (SCHOSA) where I coordinate a group of world-leading academics to produce guidance on the assessment challenges and opportunities for AI integrated with Architectural education for all 65 Schools of Architecture and 21,000 UK students.
ARCH401 (PG) 30cr – Conv. - Studio Workshops - (2022-23); (2023-24)
ARCH402 (PG) 30cr – Conv. - Studio Workshops - (2022-23); (2023-24)
ARCH403 (PG) 20cr – Conv. - Lectures and Seminars - (2022-23); (2023-24)
ARCH501 (PG) 30cr – Conv. - Studio Workshops - (2023-24)
ARCH502 (PG) 30cr – Conv. - Studio Workshops - (2023-24)
ARCH503 (PG) 30cr – Conv. - Lectures and Seminars - (2023-24)
ARCH202 (UG) 30cr - Conv. - Studio Workshops - (2021-22)
ARCH203 (UG) 30cr - Conv. - Lectures and Seminars - (2022-23)
ARCH103 (UG) 30cr - Conv. - Lectures and Seminars (2020-21) (2022-23)
Current Research
My current funded research project: AILab: Artificial Intelligence in Low Carbon Building (PI- ?20k) with project partners the Eden Project and Grimshaw Architects, will realise the advantages of AI to reduce carbon expenditure in the construction of Eden Morecambe. The project will change the sustainability workflow of Grimshaw Architects and go on to advise HM Government on improved AI-based sustainable procurement frameworks in 2024.
The goal of my research is to highlight our new School of Architecture, and the University more widely, as a destination at the forefront of AI-based research for processes of sustainable optimisation in the Built Environment.
In parallel, as a member of the Editorial Advisory Board for the Construction Innovation Journal, I advise on journal focus and contribute to the review of papers to advance innovation in construction sustainability and productivity. I undertake the review of EPSRC proposals as member of the peer review college, attending panels and providing knowledge and reviews in the area of AI / ML integration with AEC.
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.
PhD Supervision Interests
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Architecture Machine Learning (ML) for Architectural Design Social and Ethical Role of the Architect Explianability / Interpretability of AI in Architecture and Building Future Regulation of the Architect Decoding A.I for the Architect Parametric Architecture for Design Optimisation Software for Design Bioclimatic / Kinetic Facades Prototyping in Architecture Dataset Bias Architecture
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01/04/2025 → 31/03/2026
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01/01/2025 → 30/06/2026
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10/01/2024 → 10/01/2025
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09/01/2024 → 05/07/2024
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10/10/2023 → 11/11/2024
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02/10/2023 → 31/07/2024
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03/01/2023 → 09/07/2024
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04/10/2022 → 04/10/2022
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01/04/2022 → 31/03/2027
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23/04/2021 → 31/05/2021
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01/03/2020 → …
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11/02/2019 → …
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07/01/2019 → 07/01/2023
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01/10/2018 → …
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01/03/2016 → 22/05/2018
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Influence on Policy, Practice, Patients & the Public
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Prize (including medals and awards)
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- Evaluation
- Imagination Lancaster
- Morecambe Bay Curriculum
- School of Architecture
- Space & Place