Graham Petrie

Biography

I have a specific research interest in environmental architecture, developing the potential for building performance to adaptively respond to changes in human behaviour and comfort. I graduated with a Post Graduate Diploma in Advanced Architectural Studies from Aberdeen in 1993 and subsequently practiced as an architect in the UK for five years. After moving to Dublin in 1999, I worked as a senior architect with Bucholz McEvoy Architects, before establishing PAC Studio in 2007, an architectural and environmental design practice. At that time I also joined the faculty of SAUL to develop the Environmental Systems and Forces course of modules. This programme incorporates a range of environmental design strategies, from climate, geography, human comfort and wellbeing to emerging technology and experimental construction techniques. The potential for environmental considerations to inflect new models of integrated design are tested through studio projects.

Research Interest

Graham has led two research projects of building performance with graduate students from the School of Architecture Intelligence Unit. In 2010-2011, the Limerick Clare Energy Agency in association with Limerick County Council appointed the University of Limerick to undertake an evaluation of the relationship between occupant comfort, energy use and and building fabric at Limerick County Hall. Through the research development, we developed a process of monitoring and analysis of human behaviour patterns as related to environmental conditions and associated energy use. As a result of this study, the research team were able to advise and assist with a reduction of energy consumption within the building by 50% over a two-year period, whilst tuning internal working environments to meet occupancy comfort needs. In 2011-2012, a similar research study was undertaken at Westmeath County Hall and Portlaoise County Hall, again providing invaluable data and strategic improvement strategies to both Authorities to reduce energy consumption whilst making improvements to occupant comfort and experience. These pilot research studies have been developed to the submission of an FP7 Research Proposal for Large Scale Energy Reduction in Buildings within the European market. The School of Architecture, University of Limerick is coordinating a team of 10 research partners from Finalnd, Germany, France and the UK.