Daniel Ryan

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Research Areas | Units and Programs | Academic Qualifications | Professional Experience | Memberships and Associations | Biography | Publications and Outputs |

Research Areas

• Environmental architecture of Eileen Gray
• Theories of Climate, comfort and health in inter-war European architecture
• The application of thermal simulation to the study of Architectural history.

Units and Programs

• MARC4002 | Sustainable Architecture Research Studio
• MARC6101 | Performance Based Modelling in Design
• BDES1023 | Architectural Technologies 1
• BDES2013 | Architectural Technologies 2
• BDES3023 | Architectural Technologies 3
• DESC9073 | Computer Simulations in Buildings 1
• Coordinator | Sustainable Architecture Research studio of the Master of Architecture

Academic Qualifications

• PhD Candidate | University of Sydney, Australia
• Master of Design Science | Sustainable Design, University of Sydney
• Bachelor of Architecture | University College Dublin, Ireland
• Bachelor of Science (Architectural Science) | University College Dublin, Ireland.

Professional Experience

• 2010 | Associate Lecturer in Sustainable Design, Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning, The University of Sydney.
• 2008 | Casual Academic, Faculty of Architecture, University of Sydney.
• 2008 | Graduate Architect, Kennedy Associates Architects, Sydney.
• 2003 | Architect, Solearth Ecological Architecture, Dublin.
• 2000 | Internship with Mario Cucinella Architects, Bologna.

Memberships and Associations

• Editorial Committee | Building Material, Architectural Association of Ireland, Dublin.
• Member | Society of Architectural Historians of Australia and New Zealand

Biography

My research is inter-disciplinary using methods of architectural science such as thermal simulation, to study the design development and construction of a number of iconic modernist houses. Simulation is mostly used in architecture to help us to predict the future performance of a model, but I am interested in using it to step backwards and explore history, to assess the thermal innovation of particular buildings. I am trying to understand in what way architects at the time envisaged how their buildings would perform and what the environmental theories were that guided them.

In particular, I am interested in the work of the architect Eileen Gray, whose houses along the French Riviera, are some of the earliest examples of modernism to successfully deal with a hot climate. My PhD focuses on the environmental aspects of her work, comparing it to her contemporaries and placing it in the context of theories of hygiene, health and comfort of the 1920’s and 1930’s.
For the past few years, Dr. Glen Hill and I have coordinated the Sustainable Architecture research studio, examining contemporary and future issues for environmental architecture most recently Sea Level Rise. Examples of works may be found here:

http://www.arch.usyd.edu.au/CS/postgrad/student_works/index.shtml

Before coming to Sydney University, I was involved with a number of ground-breaking environmental buildings in Ireland. The projects set the standard for green building in the country through innovative design and specification of materials and services.

Publications and Outputs

Journal Articles | Conference Presentations and Publications | Architectural and Design

Journal Articles

2010 | Ryan, D.J., 'Sunshine and Shade in the Architecture of Eileen Gray', Architectural Science Review, 53, 340-347.

Conference Presentations and Publications

2010 | Ryan, D., 'From Eclecticism to Doubt: Re-imagining Eileen Gray', in Chapman, M. and Ostwald, M. (eds), Imagining ... 27th International SAHANZ Conference, University of Newcastle, Australia: SAHANZ.

2010 | Ryan D.J., and Hill, G., 'Turning the tide: Researching Sea Level Rise Adaptation Strategies Through the Architecture Design Studio', in Forsyth, G., (ed.), Connected 2010 - 2nd International Conference on Design Education, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.

2009 | Ryan, D.J., 'Sunshine and Shade in the Architecture of Eileen Gray', in Loo, S., Nolan, G.m Sequeira, S and Soriano, F., (eds.), Performative Ecologies in the Built Environment: Sustainability Research Across Disciplines: 43rd Annual Conference of the Australian and New Zealand Architectural Science Association, 2009. Launceston, University of Tasmania.

Architectural and Design

2007 | “House Reduction. Rathgar, Dublin, Ireland” [PDF], Solearth Ecological Architecture. Involvement: Breifing & Schematic Design 2006. Status: Completed 2007. Awards: Selected for Exhibition, 2009 RIAI Awards, Ireland.


2006 | “Spiritual Care Centre. Dzogchen Beara, Allihies, Ireland”, Solearth Ecological Architecture. Involvement: Detailed Design 2006. Status: Completed 2009. Awards: Green Building Award, 2010 Green Awards, Ireland.

2003 | “The Emerald Project, Ballymun, Ireland” [PDF], Solearth Ecological Architecture. Involvement: Schematic Design to Tender, 2003-2006. Status: Under construction 2010. Awards: 2005 Design or Specification of Mechanical or Electrical Services, Sustainabile Energy Awards.