Richard Laing

Professor, RGU

Since 1999, I have led a number of research commissions, including 'Streetscapes' (Scottish Enterprise), 'Greenspace' (EC FP5, Scottish lead) and 'Urban Connections (Aberdeen City Growth). These projects provided techniques for assessing human responses to virtual built environments. In addition, I have recently led research and development projects for the Department of Health and the ESF, as well as participating as a co-investigator on work supported by the ESRC. I have extensive experience of research concerning holistic value assessment in the built environment, including studies on design evaluation, the use of computer games technology in design, building conservation and innovative housing. My research concerning design evaluation has made a significant and innovative use of 3D virtual models to present various designs and environmental scenarios. The research has produced over 50 outputs, including work in international journals and at conference. I regularly peer review articles for journals and conferences, including Land Use Studies, the RICS research paper series, and the Information Visualisation and ASCAAD conferences. In my spare time I like to play guitar, and I'm a big fan of Tom Waits, Bob Mould and the Stones.