Ryan Simpson
Returning Samoa to a low-carbon built environment
Buildings in Samoa have transitioned away from proven bioclimatic designs to a globally accepted design creating a more carbon intensive and less resilient built environment. Samoa being in the pacific region brings significant climate challenges such tropical cyclones, flooding, earthquake, tsunami, and sea-level rise. The increased frequency and severity of climate events has accelerated building deterioration resulting in buildings being demolished well before their intended design life. Building designs must consider the harsh climate, appropriateness of materials, complex supply chain, small workforce, high portion of non-renewable energy generation, and financial challenges. This research aims to quantify the environmental impacts of contemporary school buildings through implementing a Whole of Life Cycle Assessment to determine the areas and stages which contain the greatest environmental impact. A series of design solutions will be implemented to create a pathway for Samoa to return to a low carbon high resilient built environment.
Supervisors
Professor Robyn Phipps, Dr Robin Skinner & Hon Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban
Qualifications
- Master of Architectural Science, MArchSc, Victoria University of Wellington, 2022
- Bachelor of Architectural Studies, BAS, Victoria University of Wellington, 2021
- Bachelor of Building Science, BBSC, Victoria University of Wellington, 2021
Awards
- Wellington Pasifika Doctoral Scholarship
Presentations
4th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference 2024. Pacific Carbon Effect. Ryan Simpson, Robyn Phipps, Robin Skinner, Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban