Seismic attenuation of structures through use of magnetorheological dampers. This project aims to improve understanding of the attenuating characteristics of the co-flowing of magnetised solid particles and fluid in a conduit subject to seismic waves generated by rapid ground movement. The distribution of magnetised solid particles in fluid plays an important role in the design of large-scale magnetorhelogical dampers for seismic conditions. These dampers promote the protection of historical str ....Seismic attenuation of structures through use of magnetorheological dampers. This project aims to improve understanding of the attenuating characteristics of the co-flowing of magnetised solid particles and fluid in a conduit subject to seismic waves generated by rapid ground movement. The distribution of magnetised solid particles in fluid plays an important role in the design of large-scale magnetorhelogical dampers for seismic conditions. These dampers promote the protection of historical structures and eliminate costly rebuilding of architectural structures. The project plans to perform experimental and numerical investigations to develop robust and accurate predictive models to improve understanding of the seismic attenuation of next-generation magnetorhelogical dampers, prevalent in semi-active control devices, and of the ability of such devices to suppress elevated structural vibrations.Read moreRead less
The Omnium Project: Formalising a System and Approach for an Effective Online Collaborative Design Process in Visual Communication. An online collaborative design process is emerging in response to the global economy, increasing complexity of visual communication design projects and rapid developments in Internet technology. Research is required to identify and address the interdependence of various social, physical and technical factors that affect online design collaboration. The Omnium Projec ....The Omnium Project: Formalising a System and Approach for an Effective Online Collaborative Design Process in Visual Communication. An online collaborative design process is emerging in response to the global economy, increasing complexity of visual communication design projects and rapid developments in Internet technology. Research is required to identify and address the interdependence of various social, physical and technical factors that affect online design collaboration. The Omnium Project is an experiment that uses its unique framework to test online modes of interaction (physical) and collaboration (social) for visual communication designers. The outcome will produce an online technical-system and formalise a documented conceptual-approach for effective online collaborative design in visual communication.Read moreRead less
Ontology-based collaboration in design. The design process of a building project establishes function, form and performance for the final building. When multiple participants from varying professions are involved there is a serious problem in coordinating, communicating, and locating information around each design decision. Establishing an ontology for this process, and using this ontology to structure all participant communication, will allow the requisite information from all participants to b ....Ontology-based collaboration in design. The design process of a building project establishes function, form and performance for the final building. When multiple participants from varying professions are involved there is a serious problem in coordinating, communicating, and locating information around each design decision. Establishing an ontology for this process, and using this ontology to structure all participant communication, will allow the requisite information from all participants to be considered for each design decision. This will greatly reduce rework and poor design decisions based on missed information. It will also ensure that participants are aware of all related information for their particular design tasks.Read moreRead less
Bushfire-enhanced wind and its effects on buildings. This project seeks to advance our understanding of bushfire–wind interaction to improve current design standards for buildings against bushfire-enhanced winds. Bushfire-enhanced winds have caused considerable property damage and loss of lives. The project aims to identify the mechanisms governing bushfire–wind interaction and determine the wind load effects on buildings due to bushfire-enhanced wind. It aims to do so by using advanced computat ....Bushfire-enhanced wind and its effects on buildings. This project seeks to advance our understanding of bushfire–wind interaction to improve current design standards for buildings against bushfire-enhanced winds. Bushfire-enhanced winds have caused considerable property damage and loss of lives. The project aims to identify the mechanisms governing bushfire–wind interaction and determine the wind load effects on buildings due to bushfire-enhanced wind. It aims to do so by using advanced computation techniques and unique fire-wind tunnel test facility. This knowledge is designed to guide the development of improved building construction standards for bushfire-prone regions to facilitate the design and construction of a new generation of bushfire-resistant buildings that safeguard lives and properties against the increasing threat of bushfire due to climate change.Read moreRead less
Innovation in police gender equity management: Looking back, moving forward. This project aims to investigate gender equity recruitment and career support policies in all nine Australian and New Zealand policing agencies. A wide range of equity initiatives that have been implemented across police agencies will be examined, along with affirmative action measures including recent 50/50 male/female recruitment targets. The project expects to generate an advanced best practice model that can be used ....Innovation in police gender equity management: Looking back, moving forward. This project aims to investigate gender equity recruitment and career support policies in all nine Australian and New Zealand policing agencies. A wide range of equity initiatives that have been implemented across police agencies will be examined, along with affirmative action measures including recent 50/50 male/female recruitment targets. The project expects to generate an advanced best practice model that can be used by domestic and international police agencies. This will allow police organisations to better manage equity issues and support a more inclusive and representative workforce. The benefits of this project are significant, they range from stronger police-community relations through to better service delivery by police.Read moreRead less
Digital Outsourcing in Architecture: Opportunities for Australian Firms or Perils for Australian Workforce? This research will help assess competitiveness and viability of different digital outsourcing practices in connection to the needs, the operative conditions and the products of the Australian building design sector. The information will give industry analysts a tool to identify the markets within which these arrangements are likely to spread or occur in the future, and take consequent corr ....Digital Outsourcing in Architecture: Opportunities for Australian Firms or Perils for Australian Workforce? This research will help assess competitiveness and viability of different digital outsourcing practices in connection to the needs, the operative conditions and the products of the Australian building design sector. The information will give industry analysts a tool to identify the markets within which these arrangements are likely to spread or occur in the future, and take consequent corrective or supportive action. The outcomes of this project will benefit Australia by forecasting changes in professional employment prospects, and by providing a framework to consider development scenarios for architectural educational and professional institutions, national research and development priorities, and international trade agreement agendas.Read moreRead less
A special talent for technological innovation? Analysing the other public function of the Australian Parliament House. Major projects build lessons for the future and draw upon past lessons. Australia's New Parliament House represents a building of enormous scale and complexity, constructed within a tight time period, which provided unprecedented opportunities for Australia's construction industry to examine and transform its own practices. By producing a detailed history of the procurement proc ....A special talent for technological innovation? Analysing the other public function of the Australian Parliament House. Major projects build lessons for the future and draw upon past lessons. Australia's New Parliament House represents a building of enormous scale and complexity, constructed within a tight time period, which provided unprecedented opportunities for Australia's construction industry to examine and transform its own practices. By producing a detailed history of the procurement process of the building and a systematic assessment of its industrial influence over time, this research project will amplify the importance of intellectual investment made through technical innovation in public buildings. The project will also help Australia maximise its creative and technological capacity by understanding and accepting factors conducive to innovation.Read moreRead less
A Design History of Australian HIV/AIDS Public Health Campaigns 1983-2004. This project investigates the differing roles of governments and community organisations as influential factors in the formulation of graphic representations which characterise the prevention campaigns used in the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Australia 1983-2004. It explains how graphic representations, functioning as an index of official and public responses to the epidemic, impact on the aesthetic and professional autonomy of t ....A Design History of Australian HIV/AIDS Public Health Campaigns 1983-2004. This project investigates the differing roles of governments and community organisations as influential factors in the formulation of graphic representations which characterise the prevention campaigns used in the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Australia 1983-2004. It explains how graphic representations, functioning as an index of official and public responses to the epidemic, impact on the aesthetic and professional autonomy of the designer. Complimenting existing quantitative assessments this study uses a textual-visual analysis and triangulation method to demonstrate the agency of these institutional constraints placed within the broader range of material forms relating to the campaigns including brochures, posters, and videos.Read moreRead less
Facilitating intuitive interaction with complex devices for older users. Poorly designed interfaces impact more strongly on older people. Helping designers to make more intuitive interfaces for older community members has great potential for improving their lives and health, and thus benefiting the community generally. Making modern devices easier for older people to use will allow them to participate more fully in society and/or the workplace. This will also help to prevent them from becoming i ....Facilitating intuitive interaction with complex devices for older users. Poorly designed interfaces impact more strongly on older people. Helping designers to make more intuitive interfaces for older community members has great potential for improving their lives and health, and thus benefiting the community generally. Making modern devices easier for older people to use will allow them to participate more fully in society and/or the workplace. This will also help to prevent them from becoming isolated and possibly depressed. This project will apply intuitive interaction to healthcare devices that older people use, which can save costly mistakes and even lives.Read moreRead less
...and by opposing, end them: A Comparative Examination of Opposition Processes in Patent Law. Patent law is central to the key Australian economic aim of encouraging an innovative culture. One aspect of patent law, the opposition process, is directly linked to two important issues currently facing our patent system: improving patent quality, and minimising predatory behaviour by powerful firms. This project will assess the operation of the opposition process here, and the practice of equivalent .......and by opposing, end them: A Comparative Examination of Opposition Processes in Patent Law. Patent law is central to the key Australian economic aim of encouraging an innovative culture. One aspect of patent law, the opposition process, is directly linked to two important issues currently facing our patent system: improving patent quality, and minimising predatory behaviour by powerful firms. This project will assess the operation of the opposition process here, and the practice of equivalent international procedures in other jurisdictions, in order to inform Australian policy in current and ongoing negotiations towards global harmonisation. Material from this project will lead directly to proposals for improving the Australian patent system, and ensuring that it promotes, and does not retard, innovation. Read moreRead less