Isolation, space habitats, and secure facilities design

This PhD project will build on fundamental research being undertaken by Psychology and Architecture researchers at the University of Adelaide associated with the Andy Thomas Centre for Space Resources (ATCSR).  The industry focused PhD project is developed in conjunction with Grieve Gillett Architects, an award-winning design practice that blends architecture, interior design, heritage and urban design, and is a leader in secure facility design in South Australia.

The aim of the research is to develop architectural design guidelines for Secure Facilities, and other extreme environments like Deep Space Habitats, based on an evidence-informed understanding of the Psychological Impacts of Isolation. The successful candidate will work with University and industry supervisors on the research project, and will also undertake an internship with Grieve Gillett Architects during their candidature.

Expected Outcomes

1. A Scoping Review of literature relating to Psychology of Isolation, Secure Facilities Design, and Deep Space Habitation.
2. A Systematic Review of literature relating to Trauma Informed Design (TID) in Secure Facilities, Space Psychology and emerging techniques to deal with Isolation, Design Principles for Extreme Environments.
3. Analysis of Primary Material relating to Secure Facilities Design in South Australia including Prison Design Projects by GGA and Lived Experience Research (LIR) on Isolation in Maximum Security Prisons such as Yatala Labour Prison.
4. A set of Design Guidelines for Secure Facilities in the context of Isolation that comply with the Mandela and Bangkok Rules.
5. A set of Design Guidelines for Deep Space Habitats, particularly Lunar Habitats, in the context of Isolation that comply with NASA and ESA requirements.
6. Design Prototypes for ongoing Secure Facilities Design Projects in South Australia.

Eligibility:

The successful candidate must:

• meet University PhD admission requirements;
• be able to commence the Program in the year of the offer;
• enrol as a full-time PhD student;
• be based at Grieve Gillet Architects in Adelaide to undertake the placement;
• undergo and clear the National Police Clearance SA assessment

Stipend:

The successful candidate will receive a University of Adelaide Research Scholarship at the amount of AUD$32,500 per annum (2023 rate, indexed annually) for 3.75 years. It is likely to be tax exempt, subject to Taxation Office approval.  Details of any terms and/or benefits can be found in the student’s Conditions of Award.

Enquiries:

Contact Person: Professor Deborah Turnbull/ Dr Amit Srivastava

School/Discipline of:  Psychology/ Architecture

Tel: (08) 83131229/ 08 3135742      Email: deborah.turnbull@adelaide.edu.au; / amit.srivastava@adelaide.edu.au

Application process:

Expressions of interest should be submitted to Deborah Turnbull (deborah.turnbull@adelaide.edu.au) by no later than 1 December 2023 with the name of scholarship in the subject heading. Please ensure you include all of the following documents:

• Degree certificates (testamurs)
• Academic transcripts
• Translations of non-English documentation
• Evidence of English language proficiency
• Curriculum vitae
• National Police Check