Prof Graham Thorpe

Professor Thorpe's work is motivated by realising the benefits of applying engineering science to a wide range of practical problems. Much of his work has resulted from the recognition that engineers increasingly analyse phenomena that occur on small time and length scales, and integrate them to accurately describe large scale systems.

Professor Thorpe is developing the idea of omni-science which transcends the physical sciences to encompass a range of disciplines including biology and human behaviour.

The engineering profession is presently on the cusp of radical transformations.  They are being driven by the recent availability of commercial computer software that enables a wide range of physical phenomena to be studied simultaneously.  For example, when a building catches fire it is possible to estimate not only the rate at which heat is given out, but also how this interacts with the structural integrity of the building.  These ideas are being used by researchers in CESARE to study how to better design buildings subject to fires.

A strand of Professor Thorpe's teaching and research aims to syncretise, or meld engineering and architecture.  He is also researching how increased computing power and information technology will impact on education for the architectural and building professions.