Professor Philip Oldfield

Professor Philip Oldfield

Professor

PhD, DipArch (Distinction), BArch (First Class)

Arts,Design & Architecture
School of Built Environment

Philip Oldfield is Head of School at UNSW Built Environment, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture.

Philip’s research interests are focused primarily on sustainable design, embodied carbon and tall building architecture. He is an active member of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), and is author of the book “The Sustainable Tall Building: A Design Primer” published by Taylor and Francis in 2019. He has led over $1 million of funded research projects with diverse inter-disciplinary teams from industry and academia, tackling issues varying from how we use evidence to create high performance buildings, to strategies to simultaneously reduce embodied carbon and cost in buildings. He was a guest editor for Energy and Buildings on a special issue dedicated to embodied carbon, and has also published in The Journal of Architecture, Architectural Science Review, Solar Energy, A+U, Emotion Space and Society and more.

He has a passion for teaching in higher education, across both architectural studio and seminar courses, and has been recognised as a Scientia Education Fellow at UNSW. In addition, he is a British Science Association Media Fellow and regularly writes articles for Architecture Australia, Architects’ Journal, the Guardian and many other publications.

Phone
02 9065 2436
Location
Red Centre, Room 5013
  • Books | 2023
    Prasad D; Kuru A; Oldfield P; Ding L; Dave M; Noller C; He B, 2023, Delivering on the Climate Emergency: Towards a Net Zero Carbon Built Environment, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-6371-1
    Books | 2019
    Oldfield P, 2019, The Sustainable Tall Building A Design Primer, Routledge, London / New York, http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9781315695686
  • Book Chapters | 2021
    Kuru A; Oldfield P; Bonser S; Fiorito F, 2021, 'Biomimetic adaptive building skins: design and performance', in Rethinking Building Skins: Transformative Technologies and Research Trajectories, pp. 181 - 200, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-822477-9.00018-8
    Book Chapters | 2020
    Oldfield P, 2020, 'Big: The Potential of Scale', in Bruhn C (ed.), MMXX: Two Decades of Architecture in Australia, Thames & Hudson, Melbourne, pp. 181 - 183
    Book Chapters | 2019
    Oldfield P; Swinbourne R; Symons K, 2019, 'Decarbonising Commercial Buildings', in Newton P; Prasad D; Sproul A; White S (ed.), Decarbonising the Built Environment, Palgrave MacMillan, pp. 163 - 191, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-7940-6_9
    Book Chapters | 2009
    Wood A; Oldfield PF, 2009, 'Global Trends in High-Rise Design', in Mei H; Zhu Y (ed.), The New Trends of the Creation of High-Rise Building, China Architecture and Building Press, pp. 10 - 13
  • Journal articles | 2024
    Yang H; Easthope H; Oldfield P, 2024, 'Understanding the layout of apartments in Sydney: are we meeting the needs of developers rather than residents?', Australian Geographer, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00049182.2024.2321637
    Journal articles | 2023
    Julistiono EK; Oldfield P; Cardellicchio L, 2023, 'Up on the roof: a review of design, construction, and technology trends in vertical extensions', Architectural Science Review, 67, pp. 63 - 77, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00038628.2023.2240289
    Journal articles | 2023
    Julistiono EK; Oldfield P; Cardellicchio L, 2023, 'Vertical Extensions: Stakeholder Perspectives on Development Decisions and Construction Strategies', Journal of Architectural Engineering, 29, http://dx.doi.org/10.1061/JAEIED.AEENG-1474
    Journal articles | 2023
    Lee JH; Ostwald MJ; Arasteh S; Oldfield P, 2023, 'BIM-Enabled Design Collaboration Processes in Remote Architectural Practice and Education in Australia', Journal of Architectural Engineering, 29, pp. 05022012, http://dx.doi.org/10.1061/JAEIED.AEENG-1505
    Journal articles | 2023
    Murray A; Fox J; Sleight J; Oldfield P, 2023, 'The Online Studio: Cultures, Perceptions and Questions for the Future', International Journal of Art and Design Education, 42, pp. 108 - 124, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jade.12451
    Journal articles | 2023
    Oldfield P, 2023, 'Embodied carbon in buildings', Acumen Practice Notes, https://acumen.architecture.com.au/environment/energy/embodied-carbon-in-buildings/
    Journal articles | 2023
    Romanovska L; Osmond P; Oldfield P, 2023, 'Life-cycle-thinking in the assessment of urban green infrastructure: systematic scoping review', Environmental Research Letters, 18, http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/accfae
    Journal articles | 2022
    Allen C; Oldfield P; Teh SH; Wiedmann T; Langdon S; Yu M; Yang J, 2022, 'Modelling ambitious climate mitigation pathways for Australia's built environment', Sustainable Cities and Society, 77, pp. 103554, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2021.103554
    Journal articles | 2022
    Andersen SC; Sohn J; Oldfield P; Birkved M, 2022, 'Evaluating the environmental impacts of conventional and modular buildings in absolute measures: A case study across different geographical contexts', Building and Environment, 223, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109509
    Journal articles | 2022
    Robati M; Oldfield P, 2022, 'The embodied carbon of mass timber and concrete buildings in Australia: An uncertainty analysis', Building and Environment, 214, pp. 108944, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.108944
    Journal articles | 2022
    Yang H; Oldfield P; Easthope H, 2022, 'Influences on Apartment Design: A History of the Spatial Layout of Apartment Buildings in Sydney and Implications for the Future', Buildings, 12, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/buildings12050628
    Journal articles | 2021
    Kuru A; Oldfield P; Bonser S; Fiorito F, 2021, 'Performance prediction of biomimetic adaptive building skins: Integrating multifunctionality through a novel simulation framework', Solar Energy, 224, pp. 253 - 270, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2021.06.012
    Journal articles | 2021
    Robati M; Oldfield P; Nezhad AA; Carmichael DG; Kuru A, 2021, 'Carbon value engineering: A framework for integrating embodied carbon and cost reduction strategies in building design', Building and Environment, 192, pp. 107620, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2021.107620
    Journal articles | 2021
    Wu X; Kou Z; Oldfield P; Heath T; Borsi K, 2021, 'Informal learning spaces in higher education: Student preferences and activities', Buildings, 11, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/buildings11060252
    Journal articles | 2020
    Criado-Perez C; Collins CG; Jackson CJ; Oldfield P; Pollard B; Sanders K; Criado-Perez Chanin C, 2020, 'Beyond an ‘informed opinion’: evidence-based practice in the built environment', Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 16, pp. 23 - 40, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17452007.2019.1617670
    Journal articles | 2020
    Kuru A; Oldfield P; Bonser S; Fiorito F, 2020, 'A framework to achieve multifunctionality in biomimetic adaptive building skins', Buildings, 10, pp. 114, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/BUILDINGS10070114
    Journal articles | 2020
    Wu X; Oldfield P; Heath T, 2020, 'Spatial openness and student activities in an atrium: A parametric evaluation of a social informal learning environment', Building and Environment, 182, pp. 107141, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2020.107141
    Journal articles | 2020
    2020, 'The impact of value engineering on embodied greenhouse gas emissions in the built environment: A hybrid life cycle assessment', , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2019.106452
    Journal articles | 2019
    Kuru A; Oldfield P; Bonser S; Fiorito F, 2019, 'Biomimetic adaptive building skins: Energy and environmental regulation in buildings', Energy and Buildings, 205, pp. 109544, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2019.109544
    Journal articles | 2019
    Oldfield P; Doherty B, 2019, 'Offset Cores: Trends, Drivers and Frequency in Tall Buildings', CTBUH Journal, 2019, pp. 40 - 47, https://global.ctbuh.org/resources/papers/download/4186-offset-cores-trends-drivers-and-frequency-in-tall-buildings.pdf
    Journal articles | 2018
    Goad P; Wittenoom S; Oldfield P; Demirbilek O; Bergdoll B, 2018, 'Gold medallist Alexander Tzannes', Architecture Australia, 107, pp. 89 - 112, https://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=662823444603411;res=IELAPA
    Journal articles | 2018
    Hammad A; Akbarnezhad A; Oldfield PF, 2018, 'Optimising Embodied Carbon and U-value in Load Bearing Walls: A Mathematical Bi-Objective Mixed Integer Programming Approach', Energy and Buildings, 174, pp. 657 - 671, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2018.05.061
    Journal articles | 2017
    Ghabra N; Rodrigues L; Oldfield PF, 2017, 'Improving Energy Performance in Gulf Residential High-Rises', CTBUH Journal, pp. 38 - 43, http://global.ctbuh.org/resources/papers/download/3372-improving-energy-performance-in-gulf-region-residential-high-rises.pdf
    Journal articles | 2017
    Ghabra N; Rodrigues L; Oldfield PF, 2017, 'The impact of the building envelope on the energy efficiency of residential tall buildings in Saudi Arabia', International Journal of Low-Carbon Technologies, 12, pp. 411 - 419, http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ijlct/ctx005
    Journal articles | 2017
    Hadi Y; Heath T; Oldfield PF, 2017, 'Gardens in the sky: Emotional experiences in the communal spaces at height in the Pinnacle@Duxton, Singapore', Emotion, Space and Society, 28, pp. 104 - 113, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.emospa.2017.09.001
    Journal articles | 2017
    Lochhead H; Oldfield PF, 2017, 'The Role of Design Competitions in Shaping Sydney's Public Realm', CTBUH Journal, IV, pp. 34 - 39, http://global.ctbuh.org/resources/papers/download/3410-the-role-of-design-competitions-in-shaping-sydneys-public-realm.pdf
    Journal articles | 2017
    Oldfield PF, 2017, 'A "Fabric-First" Approach to Sustainable Tall Building Design', International Journal of High-Rise Buildings, 6, pp. 177 - 185, http://dx.doi.org/10.21022/ijhrb.2017.6.2.177
    Journal articles | 2016
    Santamouris M; Ding L; Fiorito F; Oldfield P; Osmond P; Paolini R; Prasad D; Synnefa A, 2016, 'Passive and active cooling for the outdoor built environment – Analysis and assessment of the cooling potential of mitigation technologies using performance data from 220 large scale projects', Solar Energy
    Journal articles | 2015
    Wu X; Oldfield PF, 2015, 'How the “Civic” Trend Developed in the Histories of the Universities', Open Journal of Social Sciences, 3, pp. 11 - 14, http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/jss.2015.36003
    Journal articles | 2012
    Nicholson-Cole D; Oldfield P, 2012, 'Design research', CTBUH Journal, pp. 40 - 41
    Journal articles | 2011
    Oldfield P; Nicholson D, 2011, 'Design research', CTBUH Journal, pp. 46 - 47
    Journal articles | 2011
    Oldfield P, 2011, 'Real life data to support environmental claims for tall buildings', CTBUH Journal, pp. 61
    Journal articles | 2011
    Oldfield PF; Wood A, 2011, 'From the Orthogonal to the Irregular: The Role of Innovation in Form of High-Rise Buildings', Urbanism and Architecture, pp. 27 - 31
    Journal articles | 2009
    Oldfield P; Trabucco D; Wood A, 2009, 'Five energy generations of tall buildings: An historical analysis of energy consumption in high-rise buildings', Journal of Architecture, 14, pp. 591 - 613, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13602360903119405
    Journal articles | 2009
    Oldfield PF; Wood A, 2009, 'Tall Buildings in the Global Recession: 2008, 2020 and Beyond', CTBUH Journal, pp. 20 - 26, http://global.ctbuh.org/resources/papers/download/329-tall-buildings-in-the-global-recession-2008-2020-and-beyond.pdf
    Journal articles | 2008
    Wood A; Oldfield PF, 2008, 'Global Trends in High-Rise Design', Urbanism and Architecture, pp. 14 - 16
    Journal articles | 2005
    Wood A; Oldfield P, 2005, 'Bridging the gap: An analysis of proposed evacuation links at height in the world trade centre design competition entries', CTBUH 2005 - 7th World Congress Renewing the Urban Landscape, Proceedings
  • Reports | 2023
    Liz B; Gonsalves K; Oldfield P; Kessler C; Knapp C; Stead N; Reinhardt D; Engelhardt G; Iftikhar N, 2023, Climate Action in Australian Architectural Practice: 2022 Industry Survey Results, https://www.aasa-arch.org/post/climate-action-in-australian-architectural-practice-2022-industry-survey-results
    Reports | 2022
    Brogden L; Iftikhar I; Oldfield P; Stead N; Kessler C; Knapp C; Reinhardt D, 2022, Climate Literacy and Action in Architecture Education: Australasian Perspectives, https://architecture.uq.edu.au/files/7880/AASA_AIA_Climate_Literacy_Project%20Report_March22.pdf
    Reports | 2022
    Oldfield P; Prasad D; Dave M; Kuru A; Ding L; Noller C; He B, 2022, Race to Net Zero Carbon: A Climate Emergency Guide for New and Existing Buildings in Australia, Low Carbon Living CRC, Low Carbon Institute, UNSW, https://www.unsw.edu.au/arts-design-architecture/our-schools/built-environment/our-research/clusters-groups/high-performance-architecture/latest-news/race-to-net-zero-carbon--a-climate-emergency-guide-for-new-and-e
    Creative Written Works | 2022
    Oldfield P, 2022, We must do better than 1,000 Trees, Dezeen, https://www.dezeen.com/2022/01/14/we-must-do-better-than-1000-trees-philip-oldfield-opinion/
    Creative Written Works | 2020
    Oldfield P, 2020, Architectural balancing act: Kambri at ANU, Architecture Australia, https://architectureau.com/articles/kambri-at-anu/
    Creative Written Works | 2020
    Oldfield P, 2020, Designing hope: The role of architecture education in the climate crisis, Architecture Australia, https://architectureau.com/articles/designing-hope-the-role-of-architecture-education-in-the-climate-crisis/
    Creative Written Works | 2020
    Oldfield P, 2020, Population and urban infrastructure in the century of cities, https://architectureau.com/articles/population-cities-urban-infrastructure/
    Creative Written Works | 2019
    Oldfield P, 2019, Carbon Value Engineering: Reducing Carbon and Cost in Buildings, Building Economist, https://issuu.com/aiqs_be/docs/tbe19sep?fr=sNzc1ZTEwMzM0
    Creative Written Works | 2019
    Oldfield P, 2019, Macquarie University Incubator, Architecture Australia
    Creative Written Works | 2019
    Oldfield P, 2019, Toward a generous skyscraper, Architecture Australia
    Creative Written Works | 2019
    2019, Mainstreaming Low Carbon Design
    Reports | 2019
    2019, Guide to Low Carbon Commercial Buildings – New Build
    Reports | 2018
    Criado-Perez C; Pollard B; Oldfield PF; Collins C; Jackson C; Sanders K; Criado-Perez Chanin C, 2018, Building Better Decisions: Why Good Evidence is Used (and Ignored) in the Built Environment Sector, Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living Ltd, Sydney, http://www.lowcarbonlivingcrc.com.au/sites/all/files/publications_file_attachments/building_better_decisions_final_230318.pdf
    Creative Written Works | 2018
    Gusheh M; Oldfield P, 2018, System, Ambience, Translation, Japan Architects Co., Ltd.
    Conference Papers | 2018
    Kuru A; Fiorito F; Oldfield P; Bonser S, 2018, 'Multi-functional biomimetic adaptive facades: A case study', in Luible A; Gosztonyi S (ed.), Proceedings of the COST Action TU1403 - Adaptive Facades Network Final Conference: Facade 2018 - Adaptive!, TU Delft Open, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, pp. 241 - 250, presented at Facade 2018 - Adaptive!, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 26 November 2018 - 27 November 2018, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329196292_Facade_2018_-_Adaptive_Proceedings_of_the_COST_Action_TU1403_Adaptive_Facades_Network_Final_Conference
    Conference Papers | 2018
    Kuru A; Fiorito F; Oldfield P; Bonser S, 2018, 'Multi-functional biomimetic adaptive facades: Developing a new framework', in Luible A; Gosztonyi S (ed.), Proceedings of the COST Action TU1403 - Adaptive Facades Network Final Conference: Facade 2018 - Adaptive! Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 26-27 November 2018, Lucerne, Switzerland,, TU Delft Open, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, pp. 231 - 240, presented at Facade 2018 - Adaptive!, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 26 November 2018 - 27 November 2018, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329196292_Facade_2018_-_Adaptive_Proceedings_of_the_COST_Action_TU1403_Adaptive_Facades_Network_Final_Conference
    Reports | 2018
    2018, Embodied Carbon and Capital Cost Impact of Current Value Engineering Practices: A Case Study
    Conference Papers | 2017
    Bansal K; Varshneya H; Oldfield PF, 2017, 'The History of the Skygarden: A Chronological Analysis of Socio-Communal Spaces at Height in Tall Buildings', GSTF, Singapore, pp. 25 - 33, presented at 5th Annual International Conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering (ACE 2017), Singapore, 08 May 2017 - 09 May 2017, http://dx.doi.org/10.5176/2301-394X_ACE17.42
    Conference Presentations | 2017
    Oldfield PF; Waldren D; Larmour-Reid J; Weismantle P, 2017, 'Panel Discussion: Regulations Impacting Height Limits for High Rise Buildings', presented at Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit, 2017, Melbourne, 28 March 2017 - 29 March 2017, http://www.skyscrapersconference.com.au/
    Creative Written Works | 2017
    Oldfield PF, 2017, The EY Centre, Architecture Australia
    Conference Presentations | 2017
    Oldfield PF, 2017, 'Rethinking the Australian Skyscraper', presented at Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit, 2017, Melbourne, 28 March 2017 - 29 March 2017, http://www.skyscrapersconference.com.au/
    Conference Papers | 2016
    Hall S; Oldfield PF; Mullins B; Pollard B; Criado-Perez C; Criado-Perez Chanin C, 2016, 'Evidence based practice for the built environment: Can systematic reviews close the research - practice gap?', in Ding L; Fiorito F; Osmond P (eds.), Proceedia Engineering, Elsevier, Sydney, pp. 912 - 924, presented at International High- Performance Built Environment Conference – A Sustainable Built Environment Conference 2016 Series (SBE16), iHBE 2016, Sydney, 17 November 2016 - 18 November 2016, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2017.04.341
    Creative Written Works | 2016
    Oldfield PF, 2016, Beyond the icon: despite a construction boom, Australian skyscraper design needs to evolve, theconversation.com, https://theconversation.com/beyond-the-icon-despite-a-construction-boom-australian-skyscraper-design-needs-to-evolve-57056
    Creative Written Works | 2016
    Oldfield PF, 2016, From Void-Deck to Skygarden, Urban Design Group Journal, Urban Design Group, http://www.udg.org.uk/sites/default/files/publications/UD139_magazine.pdf
    Conference Presentations | 2016
    Oldfield PF, 2016, 'A "Fabric First" Approach to Sustainable Tall Building Design', presented at CTBUH 2016 Conference: Cities to Megacities, Shenzhen, 17 October 2016 - 21 October 2016, http://global.ctbuh.org/resources/papers/download/2981-a-fabric-first-approach-to-sustainable-tall-building-design.pdf
    Conference Presentations | 2016
    Oldfield PF, 2016, 'Perfect Skyscrapers for Australia: Factors to Consider When Building Skyscrapers in Australian Cities', presented at 8th Annual NSW Major Projcts Conference, Sydney, 15 November 2016 - 16 November 2016, http://www.nswconference.com.au/
    Conference Presentations | 2016
    Oldfield PF, 2016, 'Towers of the Future: How can we Reinvent High-Rise Housing?', presented at HIA Building Better Cities Summit 2016: Housing 2030, Sydney, 26 October 2016 - 26 October 2016, http://hia.com.au/summit
    Conference Papers | 2015
    Ghabra N; Oldfield PF; Rodrigues L, 2015, 'Investigating the Role of Façade Design in Improving Energy Efficiency for Residential Tall Buildings in Saudi Arabia', in 14th International Conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies – SET 2015, Nottingham, presented at 14th International Conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies – SET 2015, Nottingham, 25 August 2015 - 27 August 2015
    Conference Papers | 2015
    Ghabra N; Rodrigues L; Oldfield PF, 2015, 'Energy Efficiency of Residential Tall Buildings in the Gulf Region: Trends and Solutions', in PLEA 2015, Bologne, presented at PLEA 2015, Bologne, 09 September 2015 - 11 September 2015
    Creative Written Works | 2015
    Oldfield PF, 2015, Don’t Fear the Skyscraper – Why London Needs More Tall Buildings, The Conversation, https://theconversation.com/dont-fear-the-skyscraper-why-london-needs-more-tall-buildings-45029
    Conference Presentations | 2015
    Oldfield PF, 2015, 'Vertical Urbanisation: A 21st Century Phenomenon', presented at Vertigo in the City: Conversations between the Sciences, Arts and Humanities, London, 30 May 2015 - 30 May 2015, http://vertigointhecity.com/
    Conference Papers | 2015
    Pramati L; Oldfield PF, 2015, 'Tall Building Planning Strategy and Governance: What Can Jakarta Learn from Other Cities?', in 3rd International Conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering (ACE 2015), Singapore, presented at 3rd International Conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering (ACE 2015), Singapore, 13 September 2015 - 14 September 2015, http://dx.doi.org/10.5176/2301-394X_ACE15.95
    Conference Papers | 2014
    Hadi Y; Oldfield PF; Heath T, 2014, 'Vertical Public Realms: Creating Urban Spaces in the Sky', in Wood A; Zheng S; Johnson T (eds.), Proceedings of the CTBUH 2014 Conference “Future Cities: Towards Sustainable Vertical Urbanism”,, Council on Tall Buildings an Urban Habitat, Shanghai, pp. 112 - 119, presented at CTBUH 2014 “Future Cities: Towards Sustainable Vertical Urbanism”,, Shanghai, 16 September 2014 - 19 September 2014, http://global.ctbuh.org/resources/papers/download/1885-vertical-public-realms-creating-urban-spaces-in-the-sky.pdf
    Reports | 2014
    Oldfield PF; Trabucco D; Wood A, 2014, Roadmap on the Future Research Needs of Tall Buildings, Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, http://www.ctbuh.org/roadmap/ResearchRoadmap_CTBUH-CIB-UNESCO.pdf
    Creative Written Works | 2014
    Conference Posters | 2014
    Oldfield PF, 2014, 'Vertical Farming: Architectural Design Considerations', Nottingham, presented at International Conference on Vertical Farming and Urban Agriculture 2014, Nottingham, 09 September 2014 - 10 September 2014
    Conference Papers | 2012
    Oldfield PF, 2012, 'Embodied Carbon and High-Rise', in Wood A; Johnson T; Li GQ (eds.), Proceedings of the CTBUH 9th World Congress “Asia Ascending: Age of the Sustainable Skyscraper City”, Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, Shanghai, pp. 614 - 622, presented at CTBUH 9th World Congress “Asia Ascending: Age of the Sustainable Skyscraper City”, Shanghai, 19 September 2012 - 22 September 2012, http://ctbuh.org/Portals/0/Repository/Oldfield_2012_EmbodiedCarbonHigh-Rise.6d314622-4f39-444f-83ea-aa717dfc447b.pdf
    Conference Presentations | 2011
    Oldfield P, 2011, 'The ‘PassivHaus’ Skyscraper: Opportunities and Challenges for ‘PassivHaus’ Thinking in Tall Building Design', presented at CTBUH 2011 World Conference “Why Tall? Green, Safety and Humanity”, Seoul, 10 October 2011 - 12 October 2011
    Conference Presentations | 2011
    Oldfield PF, 2011, 'PassivHaus in Higher Education – A Lecturer’s Perspective', presented at UK PassivHaus Conference, London, 24 October 2011 - 25 October 2011
    Conference Papers | 2010
    Kilaire A; Oldfield PF, 2010, 'Aluminium and Double Skin Facades', in Katgerman L; Soetens F (ed.), Proceedings of the 11th International Aluminium Conference ‘INALCO’: “New Frontiers in Light Metals”, IOS Press, Einhoven University of Technology, Holland, pp. 177 - 188, presented at 11th International Aluminium Conference ‘INALCO’: “New Frontiers in Light Metals”, Einhoven University of Technology, Holland, 23 June 2010 - 25 June 2010, http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/978-1-60750-586-0-177
    Conference Presentations | 2010
    Oldfield PF, 2010, 'The Carbon Impact of Tall: Embodied Energy in High Rise', presented at CTBUH 2010 World Conference India: ‘Remaking Sustainable Cities in the Vertical Age’, Mumbai, 03 February 2010 - 05 February 2010
    Conference Papers | 2008
    Oldfield PF; Trabucco D; Wood A, 2008, 'Five Energy Generations of Tall Buildings: A Historical Analysis of Energy Consumption in High Rise Buildings', in Wood A (ed.), Proceedings of the CTBUH 8th World Congress, Dubai: ‘Tall & Green: Typology for a Sustainable Urban Future’, Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, Dubai, pp. 300 - 300, presented at Tall & Green: Typology for a Sustainable Urban Future, Dubai, 03 March 2008 - 05 March 2008
    Conference Papers | 2005
    Wood A; Oldfield PF, 2005, 'Bridging the Gap: An Analysis of Proposed Evacuation Links at Height in the World Trade Centre Design Competition Entries', in Digital Proceedings of the CTBUH 7th World Congress: ‘Renewing the Urban Landscape’, New York, presented at CTBUH 7th World Congress: ‘Renewing the Urban Landscape’, New York, 16 October 2005 - 19 October 2005

2020 - Canterbury and Bankstown Tall Building Design Study. Funding of $4,500+GST for research and expert input to the Canterbury and Bankstown Tall Building Design Study, led by Bates Smart.
 
2019 - Low Carbon Commercial Buildings. Funding of $49,508 through the CRCLCL to research and write a design guide on low carbon performance for commercial buildings. A collaboration with mechanical engineers LCI and GHD.
 
2018 - Offset Core Research Project. CI of this seed-funded project of $6,021AUD supported by the CTBUH. The project aims to document trends and drivers in the construction of offset cores in high-rise architecture. 
 
2017 - Carbon Value Engineering. CI of this 1.5 year $378,507AUD project funded through the CRC for Low Carbon Living (CRCLCL). The project aims to identify the carbon impact of value engineering, and develop new strategies to reduce embodied carbon and cost in multistorey buildings in the early design process. Collaboration between UNSW Built Environment, UNSW Civil Engineering and Multiplex.
 
2016 – Closing the Loop. CI of this 3.5 year $609,962AUD project funded through the CRC for Low Carbon Living (CRCLCL). The project aims to identify how evidence is used in the creation of low-carbon commercial buildings, and to develop better mechanisms for evidence-based-design. The project is a collaboration between UNSW, CRCLCL and Curtin University and funds two full time PhD studentships, a full-time post-doctoral researcher, and a part-time Research Assistant.
 
2012 – Roadmap on the Future Research Needs of Tall Buildings. $5,000USD awarded by the CTBUH (Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat) and CIB (International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction). The Roadmap was a joint initiative led by Philip Oldfield of the University of Nottingham, and Dario Trabucco of Università IUAV di Venezia, with contributions from the CTBUH, CIB and UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). 

Philip's research is concerned with exploring and improving the sustainable performance of high-rise architecture and high-density cities. More specifically, his research is engaged with three primary themes:
1. The environmental performance of tall buildings and dense cities: Identifying and developing architectural and technological strategies to improve the performance of high-rise architecture and dense cities to contribute to reduced global carbon emissions.
2. Embodied carbon and material sustainability in large and tall buildings:  Developing design strategies, technologies and mechanisms to reduce embodied carbon in buildings.
3. Social sustainability and liveability in tall buildings: High-rise architecture can only contribute to reduced carbon emissions if the typology offers attractive and equitable places to live. As such, this research explores the narratives and experiences of those who live and work in tall buildings. It seeks to develop design strategies and governance mechanisms to improve these experiences.

 

Other Papers / Articles (commercial / short articles - selected)

  1. OLDFIELD, P. (2020). Architectural balancing act: Kambri at ANU. Architecture Australia, May/June 2020, pp. 38 – 45. https://architectureau.com/articles/kambri-at-anu/
  2. STEAD, N., OLDFIELD, P. & KNAPP, C. (2020). Designing Hope: The Role of Architecture Education in the Climate Crisis. Architecture Australia, May/June 2020, pp. 68-69. https://architectureau.com/articles/designing-hope-the-role-of-architecture-education-in-the-climate-crisis/
  3. DIXON, I., OLDFIELD, P. & AUGROS, R. (2019). Mainstreaming Low Carbon Design. Engineering Buildings: CIBSE Australia & New Zealand, Vol.2, Issue 3., pp.24-26. https://issuu.com/adbourne/docs/cibse_summer_19_issuu_opt?fr=sOTFmZDEyMzI5NQ  
  4. VIVIAN, P. & OLDFIELD, P. (eds) (2019). Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure. Architecture Australia, Sept / Oct, 2019. https://architectureau.com/articles/aa-septemberoctober-2019-preview/
  5. OLDFIELD, P. & VIVIAN, P. (2019). Towards a Generous Skyscraper. Architecture Australia, Sept / Oct, 2019. https://architectureau.com/articles/toward-a-generous-skyscraper/
  6. OLDFIELD, P. & ROBATI, M. (2019). Carbon Value Engineering: Reducing Carbon and Cost in Buildings. The Building Economist. September, pp.30 – 33. https://issuu.com/aiqs_be/docs/tbe19sep?fr=sNzc1ZTEwMzM0
  7. OLDFIELD, P. (2019). What’s the Tallest Skyscraper it’s Possible to Build? The Conversation, May 16th. https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-whats-the-tallest-skyscraper-its-possible-to-build-116817
  8. OLDFIELD, P. (2019). Next Level Prefabrication: Macquarie University Incubator. Architecture Australia. March/April, pp. 92 – 99. https://architectureau.com/articles/macquarie-university-incubator/
  9. GUSHEH, M. & OLDFIELD, P. (2018). System, Ambience, Translation. Architecture + Urbanism. 18:09. No.576. pp.88 – 91.
  10. OLDFIELD, P. (2018). What Would a Heat Proof City Look Like? The Guardian, August 15th, 2018. https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/aug/15/what-heat-proof-city-look-like
  11. OLDFIELD, P. (2018). The Poetics of Performance: Alec Tzannes. Architecture Australia. https://architectureau.com/articles/the-poetics-of-performance-alec-tzannes/
  12. OLDFIELD, P. (2017). The EY Centre. Architecture Australia, July/Aug, pp. 78 – 86. https://architectureau.com/articles/the-ey-centre/
  13. OLDFIELD, P. (2016) Ken Shuttleworth: Venturing into Sydney. ArchitectureAU, 20th September, 2016. http://architectureau.com/articles/ken-shuttleworth-venturing-into-sydney
  14. OLDFIELD, P. (2016) From Void-Deck to Skygarden. Urban Design Group Journal, 139, Summer 2016, pp. 33-35. ISSN 1750 712X.
  15. OLDFIELD, P. (2016) Beyond the Icon: Despite a Construction Boom, Australian Skyscraper Design Needs to Evolve. The Conversation, 20th April, 2016. https://theconversation.com/beyond-the-icon-despite-a-construction-boom-australian-skyscraper-design-needs-to-evolve-57056
  16. OLDFIELD, P. (2015) Don’t Fear the Skyscraper – Why London Needs More Tall Buildings, The Conversation, July 31, 2015 https://theconversation.com/dont-fear-the-skyscraper-why-london-needs-more-tall-buildings-45029
  17. OLDFIELD, P. (2015) Extend UK national park model across London, say campaigners. The Guardian, 14th July, 2015. http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/14/extend-uk-national-park-model-across-london-say-campaigners
  18. OLDFIELD, P. (2015) UK scraps zero carbon homes plan. The Guardian, 10th July, 2015. http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/10/uk-scraps-zero-carbon-home-target
  19. OLDFIELD, P. (2015) Tree houses: are wooden skyscrapers the future of tall buildings? The Guardian, 7th July, 2015. http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2015/jul/07/tree-houses-are-wooden-skyscrapers-the-future-of-tall-buildings
  20. OLDFIELD, P. (2015) Electric 'robocabs' would reduce US greenhouse emissions by 94% – study. The Guardian, 6th July, 2015. http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/06/electric-robocabs-reduce-us-greenhouse-emissions-94-percent-study
  21. OLDFIELD, P. (2014) Height and Heritage: Tall Buildings don’t have to be the Enemies of Historic City Centres. Middle East Consultant, September, p.32.
  22. OLDFIELD, P. (2014) Skylines around the World. Architects’ Journal, 02.05.14, pp. 34 – 41. http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/home/skyline/skylines-around-the-world/8662090.article
  23. TRABUCCO, D., PETUCCO, D. & OLDFIELD, P. (2014). Research Trends in Vertical Transportation for Tall Buildings, Elevatori, Jan/Feb 2014, pp.35 – 39.
  24. OLDFIELD, P. (2013). Successful High Rise Means Building Gardens and Streets in the Sky, Too, Guardian Housing Network, 30 September, 2013. http://www.theguardian.com/housing-network/2013/sep/30/successful-high-rise-gardens-streets
  25. OLDFIELD, P. (2010). The 10 Tallest Buildings in 09. Emirates Business 24/7, Burj Dubai Special. January 4th, 2010. pp.34 – 37.
  26. OLDFIELD, P. (2009). Rise of the Supertall. STRUCTURE Magazine. June 2009, pp.22 – 24.
  27. OLDFIELD, P. (2009). Tall Buildings in Numbers – 2008: A Tall Building Review. CTBUH Journal, Issue 1, 2009. Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, Chicago. pp.44 – 45.
  28. OLDFIELD, P. (2008). The Tallest 20 in 2020. The Big Project, February, 2008. CPI Industry, Dubai. pp.36-39.

 

Television, Newspaper and Radio Interviews (selected)

  1. 2021, 4th March. Interviewed on ABC Radio National Late Live with Phillip Adams discussing developments in tall buildings. https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/latenightlive/tall-buildings/13211754
  2. 2021, 31st January. Philip Oldfield comments on the design of the new Pencil Tower Hotel in Sydney. ‘Improbably narrow’: Sydney’s latest tower is barely wider than a terrace, Sydney Morning Herald, https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/improbably-narrow-sydney-s-latest-tower-is-barely-wider-than-a-terrace-20210128-p56xmb.html
  3. 2021, 21st January. Philip Oldfield comments on growth of sustainability in higher education. Educators are getting serious about sustainability, and so are students Fifth Estate https://www.thefifthestate.com.au/education/educators-are-getting-serious-about-sustainability-and-so-are-students/
  4. 2020, 27th October. Philip Oldfield comments on the QS’s role in measuring and reducing embodied carbon of buildings.IN: Johnston, P. The dark horse of quantity surveying can reduce embodied carbon and cost at the same time. Fifth Estate https://www.thefifthestate.com.au/innovation/building-construction/the-dark-horse-of-quantity-surveying-can-reduce-embodied-carbon-and-cost-at-the-same-time/
  5. 2020, 24th October. Philip Oldfield comments on the design of the Crown Sydney Tower, and the role of international architects in Sydney. IN: Dennis, A. (2020). Crown Sydney architecture: Foreign-designed buildings now dominate city skyline.  https://www.traveller.com.au/crown-sydney-architecture-foreigndesigned-buildings-now-dominate-city-skyline-h1rm72
  6. 2020, 13th Feb. Philip Oldfield discusses the findings of the ‘Carbon Value Engineering’ project, and the carbon benefits of timber construction. IN: Holland, O. (2020). Has the wooden skyscraper revolution finally arrived? CNN Style https://www.cnn.com/style/article/wooden-skyscraper-revolution-timber/index.html
  7. 2019, November 5. Philip Oldfield discusses how timber could by the office material of the future. In: Evans, J. (2019). Offices in 2050: Smart, interactive and fully personalised, Financial Times, https://www.ft.com/content/798f67ca-8c3e-11e9-b8cb-26a9caa9d67b
  8. 2019, October 20. Philip Oldfield is quoted on the environmental impact of tall buildings in Sydney. In: Taylor, A. (2019). The sky's the limit: Developers and councils transforming Sydney into Manhattan. Sydney Morning Herald.  https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/the-sky-s-the-limit-developers-and-councils-transforming-sydney-into-manhattan-20191018-p53207.html
  9. 2019, June 27th. Philip Oldfield discusses skyscraper living. Up in the Air: The Craze for Skyscraper Living. Financial Times, https://app.ft.com/content/9ffd9870-934e-11e9-b7ea-60e35ef678d2?sectionid=home
  10. 2018, August 9. High density lessons: How community spaces can help make apartment living more appealing. An article features the research of Philip Oldfield and colleagues which suggest skygardens can provide psychological escapism from the high-rise dense urban environment. Domain. https://www.domain.com.au/news/high-density-lessons-how-community-spaces-can-help-make-apartment-living-more-appealing-20180726-h137eo-757233/
  11. 2017, July 16th. City Tattersall’s Club chairman Patrick Campion vows to build mega tower on top of historic bar. Philip Oldfield is interviewed on the technical challenges of constructing tall buildings above sensitive historical architecture. Daily Telegraph http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/city-tattersalls-club-chairman-patrick-campion-vows-to-build-mega-tower-on-top-of-historic-bar/news-story/4ee8364771bc9008039f4ba956120715
  12. 2017, July 16th. High-Rise Living. Philip Oldfield is interviewed on the social and political history of high-rise living, in the wake of the Grenfell fire. ‘Rear Vision’, ABC National Radio. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/rearvision/high-rise-living/8666550
  13. 2017, June 17th. Architects Urge Change in Attitudes Towards Safety after Grenfell Fire. Philip Oldfield suggests the horrific Grenfell fire is not the end of tall buildings, but a watershed moment in attitudes towards how we refurbish them. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/16/architects-urge-change-in-attitudes-towards-safety-after-grenfell-fire
  14. 2017, March 11th. Reaching for the Clouds, with Wood! Philip Oldfield discusses the opportunities timber presents as a future building material for Australia’s skyscrapers. Blueprint for Living, ABC National Radio. http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/blueprintforliving/timber-highrise/8342098
  15. 2017, February 27. Can You Extend That Skyscraper? Yes You Can! Philip Oldfield discusses the opportunities and challenges for vertical timber additions to extent tall buildings in Melbourne, Australia. The Age, http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/can-you-extend-that-skyscraper-yes-you-can-20170227-gumbuv.html
  16. 2017, January 11th.From Boardrooms to Bedrooms: Could the Apartment Boom Kill Melbourne’s CBD? Philip Oldfield is quoted on the need to futureproof tall building designs to accommodate future programmatic and technological changes. The Age http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/from-boardrooms-to-bedrooms-could-the-apartment-boom-kill-melbournes-cbd-20170111-gtpidk.html
  17. 2016, November 29th. How high can we go? Melbourne's future skyscraper forecast. Philip Oldfield discusses how high Melbourne’s future skyline could potentially rise, and the limitations of a ‘Mile High Tower’. The Age. http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/how-high-can-we-go-melbournes-future-skyscraper-forecast-20161129-gszpx2.html
  18. 2016, July 29th. Central Sydney reaches skyward. Philip Oldfield calls for a new generation of socially conscious towers in Sydney. S&P Global Market Intelligence http://www.snl.com/web/client?auth=inherit#news/article?id=37208218&cdid=A-37208218-12591
  19. 2016, April 29. Will new rules limiting the heights of skyscrapers push up prices or lead to better buildings? Philip Oldfield is questioned on new regulations designed to provide more community spaces in skyscrapers in Melbourne. News.com.au. http://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/design/will-new-rules-limiting-the-heights-of-skyscrapers-push-up-prices-or-lead-to-better-buildings/news-story/9fee3123bfac0afdf01d641f7ddef490
  20. 2015, September 21st, 7.30pm. Inside/Out, BBC 1. Philip Oldfield presents a segment of BBC 1’s housing crisis special, looking at future housing, with a focus on tall buildings and prefabricated houses. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-34259048
  21. 2015, September 21st. 'Million' new homes aim declared by minister Brandon Lewis. Philip Oldfield present his student’s visions for ‘vertical villages’ as a solution to the UK’s housing crisis. BBC News, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-34209027
  22. 2015, September 11th, 8pm. Incredible Engineering Blunders – Fixed, The Discovery Channel. Philip Oldfield discusses the external solar shading of London’s 20 Fenchurch Street Skyscraper and how it mitigated previously problematic solar reflections. http://www.discoveryuk.com/shows/incredible-engineering-blunders-fixed/episodes/
  23. 2015, March, 15th. How Architects Plan to Stop Skyscrapers from Blocking out Sunlight. Philip Oldfield comments on a proposal by architects NBBJ for skyscrapers that reflect light previously shaded public spaces on the ground. The Independent, http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/architecture/architects-plan-to-stop-skyscrapers-from-blocking-out-sunlight-10108751.html?origin=internalSearch
  24. 2015, February. Skyscrapers. Philip Oldfield is interviewed alongside Renzo Piano, Blair Kamin (Architecture Critic at the Chicago Tribune) and Daniel Safarik (Council on tall Buildings and Urban Habitat) on the Why Factor, BBC World Service. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02kj60s
  25. 2015. January 20th. Tall Buildings in South Korea. Philip Oldfield is interviewed on South Korean radio on the international boom in tall buildings, the safety of constructing supertall towers, and the expertise of the tall building industry in South Korea. TBS eFM Primetime, Seoul, South Korea. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&x-yt-ts=1422411861&v=XMH6oQL23uQ&x-yt-cl=84924572
  26. 2014. April 14th. Tall Towers Can Grace the Skyline. Philip Oldfield comments on the recent London Skyline campaign, noting that whilst tall buildings are essential for London’s future development, greater consideration of their design and quality is necessary. Evening Standard, p.46.
  27. 2014. April 11th. Skyline Campaign: Prospects and Views. Philip Oldfield presents his comments on London’s rapidly changing skyline alongside Peter Rees, Tony Travers, Graham Stirk, Keith Griffiths, Bob Lang and Michael Squire. Architects’ Journal, 11th April, 2014, p. http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/home/skyline/skyline-campaign-prospects-and-views/8661406.article
  28. 2013. September 4th. Faulty Tower Given Sunscreen to Stop it Frying Neighbourhood. Philip Oldfield discusses 20 Fenchurch Street, noting that “…the original design included small horizontal balconies on the south façade rather than the continuous glass facade as built now. This would have surely mitigated any significant glare…” In OWEN, J. (2013). Faulty tower given sunscreen to stop it frying neighbourhood, The Independent, September 4th, 2013, p.23. http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/architecture/walkie-talkie-skyscraper-faulty-tower-given-sunscreen-to-stop-it-frying-neighbourhood-8797549.html
  29. 2013. September 4th. What's Frying at Walkie Scorchie? Philip Oldfield says “…too many developers are still stuck in the mindset of the 1950s that saw glass as futuristic.” when discussing the glare issues caused by the under construction 20 Fenchurch Street Tower. In WALLOP, H. (2013). What's Frying at Walkie Scorchie? The Telegraph, September 4th, 2013, p.29. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/architecture/10283702/Whats-frying-at-Walkie-Scorchie.html
  30. 2013. July 16th. Skyscraper Builders Reach for the Stars Once Again. Philip Oldfield discusses how some new tall building developments are being driven by the desire to portray how developed a city or a country is, and not purely to fulfil a need for space. In EVANS, P. (2013). Skyscraper Builders Reach for the Stars Once Again, Wall Street Journal, page C6, July 16th, 2013. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323664204578609642838547964.html?mod=WSJUK_hps_MIDDLETopNews
  31. 2010, February 8th. U.S. Skyscraper Design ‘Trumps’ Competition. Philip Oldfield is quoted regarding current high-rise construction trends and the number of tall buildings completed between 2000 and 2010. International Property Journal, USA. (See also: http://www.internationalpropertyjournal.com/blog/2010/02/08/95-record-wave-of-skyscrapers-due-in-2010.html).
  32. 2009, April 7th. As Economy Sank, Skyscrapers Soared Even Higher. Philip Oldfield explains why skyscrapers continue to exceed record heights, despite the global economic downturn in an interview with Anya Kaplan-Seem. Architectural Record, Vol. 197, No. 5, p. 36. USA.
  33. 2009, March. Skyscrapers are Getting Taller. Philip Oldfield explains the shift in tall building construction activity from the USA to Asia and the Middle East. Real Estate Marketing, USA. Issue 237, March 2009, p.10.
  34. 2009, February 19. High-Tech Engineering Helps Skyscraper Developers Reach Record Heights. Philip Oldfield discusses some of the cutting-edge sustainable technologies and design strategies that are appearing in high-rise projects around the world. National Real Estate Investor, USA. (See: http://nreionline.com/news/tech_engineering_helps_skyscraper_developers_0217/)
  35. 2008, April. Who’s Tall Now? Philip Oldfield is interviewed on the future of the world’s tallest buildings. Architect Magazine, Vol. 97, No. 5. Hanley Wood, Washington DC. p.38.
  36. 2007, October 29. Looking Up, All Around. Philip Oldfield is quoted on the sustainable credentials of 30 St. Mary Axe, London. Crain’s Chicago Business. Chicago, USA. p.37.

 

My Research Supervision

Aysu Kuru: Biomimetic adaptive building skins: An approach towards multifunctionality

Hyungmo Yang: Designing Better Apartments: Spatial layouts of units for families with children

Linda Romanovska: Evaluation of urban green infrastructure from a whole-of- life perspective

Florence Wong: Mass Engineered Timber (MET) Construction - Opportunities & Barriers of its development in hot & humid Asian Pacific cities as comparing with more advanced North America and Europe

Eunike Krisit Julistiono: Vertical Extension: Investigation into Strategies, Structural Performance and Sustainability

Noni Nuriani: Feedback Loop into Energy Modelling Practice in Australia’s Commercial Office Building Energy Efficiency Retrofits

My Teaching

I am course leader of ARCH1161 / PLAN1002: Building Environment. This is a core first year course for Architecture and City Planning students examining the built environment and climate change.