Climate-Resilient Homes and Neighbourhoods for People Living with Dementia

About the project

About the Project Climate change presents novel challenges to the built environment. For individuals with dementia, extreme heat and other climate-related events can impact comfort, mobility, and daily activities, whereas dementia may influence the perception, comprehension, and response to environmental conditions. Although research on dementia-friendly and climate-resilient designs is well-established, these areas have predominantly evolved independently. This PhD research will explore how residential and neighbourhood environments can be designed and adapted to be climate-resilient while addressing the needs of individuals with dementia. It will examine the environments of daily life across interconnected spatial scales, ranging from dwellings and their immediate surroundings to streets, public spaces, green infrastructure, and neighbourhood facilities. The study may investigate the environmental performance and adaptation of housing; climate-resilient neighbourhoods, and urban design; the integration of dementia-friendly and climate-responsive design principles; or the interactions between individuals with dementia and their physical environment. The focus may be on homes, neighbourhoods, or the connections between them. Although extreme heat and overheating are of particular interest, other climate-related hazards should also be considered. The methodological approach is contingent on the research focus. The methods may include case studies, interviews, participatory or co-design approaches, building and environmental assessments, environmental monitoring, and spatial analysis. A specific research design will be developed in collaboration with the supervisory team, leveraging relevant expertise within the School of the Built Environment. This study aims to enhance the understanding of inclusive climate resilience in the built environment by integrating climate adaptation and dementia-friendly design. The findings of this study could inform the design and adaptation of homes and neighbourhoods that are better equipped to respond to climate change while supporting the needs of individuals with dementia. University of Reading: The University of Reading , located west of London, England, is ranked at 172 globally, according to the QS World University Rankings 2025. 98% of research at the University is of international standing (REF 2021, combining the University’s world leading, internationally excellent and internationally recognised submissions). The University’s main Whiteknights Campus is set in 130 hectares of beautiful, award-winning parkland, less than a 30-minute train ride to London Paddington and is approximately 30 miles from London Heathrow airport. During your PhD at the University of Reading, you will expand your research knowledge and skills, receiving supervision and training in a number of different forms. We also provide dedicated training in important transferable skills that will support your career aspirations. If you need to develop your academic English skills before you start your studies, then the University has an excellent Global Academy which can help with this. Eligibility: · Applicants should have a good bachelor’s degree (minimum of a UK Upper Second (2:1) or equivalent)/master’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction, or a strongly-related discipline. · International applicants will also need to meet the University’s English Language requirements. We offer pre-sessional English courses that can help with meeting these requirements. The University of Reading is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and non-discriminatory treatment for all members of its community. How to apply: Submit an application for a PhD in Construction Management via our online application system . Further information: Construction Management and Engineering PhD webpage Enquiries: Dr Amna Shibeika, e-mail : a.shibeika@reading.ac.uk

Research areas