Professor Antony Radford

Biography/ Background

Professor Antony (Tony) Radford was educated in architecture at The University of Newcastle upon Tyne, England, followed by a Diploma in Town Planning at Edinburgh College of Art and a PhD at The University of Sydney. He has worked in architectural practice in England, Scotland and (briefly) Copenhagen. His academic career began at The University of Sydney, moving to Adelaide in 1989.

Teaching Interests

Tony's teaching seeks to enthuse students about designing to meet the changing demands and opportunities of environment, culture and technology. It therefore tends to cross conventional sub-discipline boundaries, seeking cohesion and integration through project-based courses. His teaching is linked closely to research while also connecting with professional practice. Tony teaches at various levels from first year to postgraduate courses, with an emphasis on the final year of the professional coursework Master of Architecture degree.

Research Interests

Tony's current research focuses on:

(1) Strategies for achieving more sustainable modes of urban design and architecture, where sustainability is inclusive of environmental, cultural/social and economic issues. The position is set out in the book (with Terry Williamson and Helen Bennetts) 'Understanding Sustainable Architecture', see below.

(2) Linked concepts of patterns, grammar, reflective practice, contingency, play and games within designs and designing, and bodies of work that illustrate these concepts. This branch of research is exemplified in the recent paper (with Tarkko Oksala) 'Alvar Aalto and the Expression of Discontinuity' published in The Journal of Architecture vol.12 no.3 June 2007.

Publications

Tony's most recent book is:
Williamson, T.J., Radford, A.D. and Bennetts, H. (2003) Understanding Sustainable Architecture, London and New York: Spon Press.

Earlier books were published at a time of intense research and discovery about the role of digital media in architecture and design: Coyne, R.D., Rosenman, M.A., Radford, A.D., Balachandran, M.B. and Gero, J.S., (1990). Knowledge-Based Design Systems, Reading, Mass.: Addison-Wesley. Later translated into Japanese. Oxman, R., Radford, A.D. and Oxman, R. (1987). The Language of Architectural Plans, Canberra: RAIA Education Division. Radford, A.D. (1988). Computers in Australian Architectural Practice, Canberra: RAIA Education Division. Radford, A.D., and Gero, J.S. (1988). Design by Optimization in Architecture, Building and Construction, New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold. Radford, A.D., and Stevens, G. (1987). Computer-Aided Design and Drafting Made Easy: A Comprehensive Guide for Architects and Designers, New York: McGraw-Hill Later translated into Italian and Chinese.

Entry last updated: Tuesday, 26 May 2009