Research Area: Architecture & Built Environment

View Dr Yun Gao's Profile

Dr. Yun Gao works as an academic and an architect. She is a Reader in Architecture, Professional Leader for Architecture and Built Environment, and Founding Director of Sustainable Living Research Centre at the School of Arts and Humanities, University of Huddersfield. Her academic research explores architectural heritage, design of socially responsible and environmentally sustainable built environment, and traditional and cultural changes reflected in architectural and urban development. Recently Dr Gao has been awarded URF, AHRC Design Accelerator Fund and ESRC IAA research funds to explore sustainable living and place-making in Kirklees council, Yorkshire.

One pilot project undertaken by Dr Gao and Dr Murthy at the Sustainable Living Research Centre diverts construction and demolition waste from a module building company to develop a community garden pavilion in Kirklees. By integrating circular economy principles and urban biodiversity development strategies, the project demonstrates the impacts and barriers to use reclaimed construction materials for the benefits for community infrastructure. The pilot pavilion is co-designed and constructed through collaboration between academics at the University of Huddersfield, Natural Kirklees community volunteer members, and Actiform, a Yorkshire-based company specialised in off-site volumetric modular construction, particularly for healthcare and temporary accommodation. The project bridges industrial and social sustainability goals, proposing a replicable model for reducing waste while improving access to green urban spaces, and reinforcing local and cultural identity while advancing sustainability and climate neutrality goals.

View Dr Danilo Di Mascio's Profile

Dr Danilo Di Mascio is a Senior Lecturer in Architecture, researcher and registered architect. Danilo has been actively involved in academic activities, including conference presentations, organisation of workshops, research projects, design critiques and guest lectures, in over twenty countries worldwide. Danilo’s academic research focuses on relationships between architecture, urban design and narrative, considering multiple connections in terms of design, analysis, representation and sustainability, as well as relationships between architecture, art, culture, creativity, health and nature. His work also explores connections between architectural and digital heritage, including analysis, interpretation, representation and participatory activities, and investigates relationships between architecture and video games (theories, technologies and design of virtual environments). Further areas of research include culture-led regeneration projects, representational techniques and architectural education. His teaching and research activities are interconnected in multiple ways.