I teach architecture in its broadest sense. My approach to teaching is based and derives from research studies on architectural healthcare environments more specifically the contribution of the physical environment on health outcomes such as sleep patterns, reduction in falls and quality of life. Research on the planning and design of healthcare facilities is needed to show how they could be better designed, built, operated at a sustainable cost and within an adaptable and flexible framework while being informed by evidence from scientific studies of improving health outcomes for patients and staff productivity and welfare. My approach to teaching is also about designerly ways of knowing through practical examples, learning from precedent, education and professional practice. I am currently developing a new Masters Degree (MSc Architecture and Well Being) with the following modules:

Advanced Research Methods 1
Advanced Research Methods 2
Healing Architecture
Wellbeing Health & Social Care and Facility Planning & Development
Architecture & Public Health
Architectural Healthcare Design Studio

Other than supervision of PhD’s, I also currently teach the following:
ARC6810 Architecture and the Design Process
ARC322 Special Studies – Dissertations

Research Interests involve 3 main activities:-

1) Conducting original empirical investigations such as (Lawson & Phiri 2000, Lawson & Phiri 2003) and supervising researchers, dissertations and PhD studentships.

2) Collating, reviewing, structuring knowledge (Phiri 2006), compiling electronic databases for example Sheffield Healthcare Environment Database available on CD-Rom but published on the Department of Health website and on http://hear.group.shef.ac.uk.

3) Developing guidance and design tools (such as ASPECT {A Staff/Patient Environment Calibration Tool}/AEDET {Achieving Excellence Design Evaluation Toolkit} Evolution/ IDEAs {Inspiring Design Excellence and Achievements} which I coauthored) to aid the design process (Lawson 2007). ASPECT allows a more detailed evaluation of buildings and environments against the latest known research on the impact of design on patient and staff satisfaction as well as other health outcomes. These tools are used on all UK healthcare projects.

RESEARCH GRANT: “Nurturing an Evidence-Based Learning Environment which supports the Innovative Design of Healthcare Facilities or similar” (Acronym EBLE) a research collaboration between Sheffield and Loughborough Universities under EPSRC-funded HaCIRIC aims to:

a) Assemble and critically compare the structured quality and evidence-based design guidance and tools already well-embedded in healthcare design against alternative stakeholder value in design approaches and

b) Create a debate that will drive forward improved healthcare outcomes and strengthen the quality and safety agenda, thus nurturing an innovation promoting learning environment.

Dr Ching-Lan Chang (Research Associate)
Chang, C-L. (2009) Spatial Design and Reassurance for Unfamiliar Users When Wayfinding in Buildings, PhD Thesis, School of Architecture, The University of Sheffield

Special Studies Students:
CL Burnham (2011) How effective is building a 100% single room hospital in stopping the spread of infection? How sustainable is it to run an establishment like this and does it have an effect on the well-being of the patient?
J Parmar (2011) How hospitals and healthcare interact into the design of new buildings and architecture. Body, health and architecture: towards improved wellbeing through design
FJ Moore (2011) The relationship between architecture and mental health
K Tipper (2011) Language of Space in hospitals and how this has an effect on a user

RIBA (Chartered Architect) UK
ARIAS Registered Architect, Scotland
FFB (Fellow of Faculty of the Built Environment)
MEMBER OF THE NHS Design Review Panel
MEMBER of NETSCC College of Experts, NIHR SDO Programme

Editorial Board
CC2011 The 13th International Conference on Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering Computing Chania, Crete, Greece 6-9 September 2011 Leading special session ‘The Impact of Soft Computing Technologies on Building Norms and Certification Systems in Engineering’

BOOKS
Phiri, M. (2011) Design Tools for Evidence-based Healthcare Design, Routledge Taylor & Francis (Architecture and Engineering) (In-press)

Phiri, M. (2006) Does the physical environment affect staff and patient health outcomes? A review of studies and articles 1965-2006, London TSO

Lawson BR & Phiri M. (2003) The architectural healthcare environment and its effect on patient health outcomes, London TSO ISBN 9780113224807 (Reprinted January 2004)

Phiri, M. (2003) One Patient One Room –Theory & Practice: An evaluation of the Leeds Nuffield Hospitals, A study by the University of Sheffield for NHS Estates

Phiri, M. (1999) Information Technology in Construction Design, Thomas Telford, London ISBN 0-7277-2673-0

Phiri, M. in association with Worthington, J. And Leaman A. (!998) Briefing a continuous building programme: Factors for success: 35 years of design and construction at the University of York, Institute of Advanced Architectural Studies, University of York, UK ISBN 0-9047-6168-1

JOURNALS
Lawson, BR., Bassanino, M., Phiri, M. et al (2003) Intentions, practices and aspirations, Design Studies 24(4), 327-339

Lawson, BR, & Phiri, M. (2000) Room for Improvement, Health Service Journal 110, 5688,20 January 2000, 24-27

CONFERENCES
Phiri, M, Mills GR et al (2011) Flexibility in Healthcare Infrastructure at a Time of Austerity: Do Standards and Tools reflect the Reality of Designing for Dementia, the Elderly, Children and Refurbishment or Reconfiguration? 4th Annual Conference of the Health and Care Infrastructure Research and Innovation Centre (HaCIRIC11): Salford 26-29th September 2011

Phiri M, (2011) The Impact of Soft Computing Technologies on Building Norms and Certification Systems in Engineering;CC2011 The 13th International Conference on Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering Computing Chania, Crete, Greece 6-9th September 2011

Mills, GR, Phiri, M, et al (2011) Agile Evidence Based Built Environments: Assuring Quality in a Time of Significant Structural Change and Financial Pressure, Design4Health Conference, Sheffield-Hallam University 13th -15th July 2011

Phiri, M (2011) Effectiveness in Combination with a Healing Environment” Nohr-Con’s Conference on Future Hospitals Copenhagen, Denmark 10-12th May 2011

Lindhal G., Phiri M. Mills G. Fröst P. Strid M. and Price A. (2010) Quality Innovation and Evidence in Healthcare Physical Environments in England & Sweden – Establishing a Collaborative Roadmap: 3rd Annual Conference of the Health and Care Infrastructure Research and Innovation Centre (HaCIRIC10):Better healthcare through better infrastructure- 22-24 September 2010 Edinburgh, Scotland pp6-16.

Popplewell A. & Phiri M. (2009) Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 08-01 Acoustics: Has the cure worked, and where do we go from here? Euronoise, Edinburgh 26-28th October 2009 (Also in press Acoustic Bulletin)

Phiri M. & Kang J. (June 2009) Healthcare Acoustics: Effects of non-acoustic factors on acoustics, Institute of Acoustics Manchester 16th June 2009

Phiri M. (2009) ASPECT/AEDET Evolution (Achieving Excellence in Design Evaluation Toolkit): Appropriate tools for all NHS Scotland bodies to manage their design requirements through the life of a project, Health Facilities Scotland, Glasgow, 3rd & 4th March 2009

Phiri M. (2008) Eliminating environmental stressors in hospitals: managing noise through different interventions Hospital Noise - Effects on Patients, Medical staff and Occupant Safety: Acoustics Conference Paris 2008, Sunday 29 June 2008 to Friday 4 July 2008

Phiri M. (2007) Design tools in healthcare, International Academy for Design & Health 5th World Congress & Exhibition, Glasgow 27th June -1st July 2007

Phiri M. (2006) John Radcliffe Infirmary: Improving the patient environment based on existing research knowledge and using only recurrent expenditure, Oxfordshire Arts & Health Network and The School of Arts and Humanities, Oxford Brookes University Conference, 22nd June 2006, Oxford

Phiri M. (2005) Prevention of violence in healthcare environments: Developing a ‘safer services’ strategy, Care environments and amenities conference, September 2005, York

Phiri M. (2005) Care environments and amenities, ‘Standards for Better Health’ Implementing and meeting the new core standards as a basis for assessing the quality of care patients can expect, Tuesday 5th July 2005, Manchester Conference Centre, Manchester

Lawson BR, & Phiri M, (March2005) Evaluation and briefing for design quality: Transforming the Environment - Practical Lessons in Creating the Environment for Care, 9th and 10th March 2005, Harrogate International Conference Centre

Phiri M. (December 2004) How the design of hospitals can help patients’ recovery, Understanding the Healthcare sector Conference, 1st December 2004, RIBA, Portland Place, London

Phiri M. (January 2004) The evidence-base – Research & Development, Creating a safer built environment conference, 22nd January 2004, Mayfair Conference Centre, 17 Connaught Place, London W2 2EL

Phiri M. (2003) Analytic modelling, diagnostic & change-engineering tools for use by management to foster learning in Construction Design Organisations, Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Civil & Structural Engineering Computing, Egmond-aan-Zee – The Netherlands 2-4 September 2003

Phiri M. (December 2002) The Internet – Dos and don’ts for organisations and their employees, Seminar 883 on Better Working for Building Professionals with Today’s Computing 10th December 2002, Savoy Place, London

TECHNICAL REPORTS
Phiri M & Lawson BR (2009) Department of Health R&D Report B(04)03: Disseminating good practice (DGP): developing an exemplar layer for AEDET Evolution and ASPECT design evaluation tools, The University of Sheffield, School of Architecture, UK (https://publications.spaceforhealth.nhs.uk/ )

Phiri M & Lawson BR (2009a) Macmillan Cancer Treatment & Support Centre, Leighton Hospital, Crewe A Report by The University of Sheffield, School of Architecture, UK

Phiri M & Lawson BR (2009b) Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Centre, Northwick Park Hospital, London A Report by The University of Sheffield, School of Architecture, UK

Phiri M & Lawson BR (2009c) Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Centre, Royal Wolverhampton Hospital A Report by The University of Sheffield, School of Architecture, UK

Phiri M. & Lawson BR., (2009d) Research Report: Quality Mark for Environments for People affected by Cancer, The University of Sheffield, School of Architecture

Phiri M, Lawson BR & Brandplace (2008) A study of Adams Ward, Oxford Radcliffe Infirmary, A report to Department of Health by the University of Sheffield, School of Architecture.

Phiri M. & Lawson BR (2008a) Ward 1 Macmillan Day Treatment Centre, Edinburgh Western Infirmary, Crewe Road A Report by The University of Sheffield, School of Architecture, UK

Phiri M. & Lawson BR (2008b) Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Centre, Belfast City Hospital A Report by The University of Sheffield, School of Architecture, UK

Phiri M. & Lawson BR (2007a) Macmillan Cancer Palliative Care Suits (Alnwick, Berwick, Blyth and Morpeth), Northumbria A Report by The University of Sheffield, School of Architecture, UK

Phiri M. & Lawson BR (2007b) Macmillan Cancer Support & Information Centre, Castle Dene Shopping Centre, Peterlee A Report by The University of Sheffield, School of Architecture, UK

Phiri M. & Lawson BR (2007c) Macmillan Cancer Support & Information Centre, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough A Report by The University of Sheffield, School of Architecture, UK

Phiri M. & Lawson BR (2006a) Roxburghe House: Palliative Care and Day Care Unit . Aberdeen Royal Infirmary A Report by The University of Sheffield, School of Architecture, UK

Phiri M. & Lawson BR (2006b) Macmillan CT and MRI Unit, Borders General Hospital, Melrose A Report by The University of Sheffield, School of Architecture, UK

Phiri M. & Lawson BR (2006c) Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Centre, Southampton General Hospital A Report by The University of Sheffield, School of Architecture, UK

Phiri, M, and BR. Lawson, (2005a) Macmillan Cancer Relief evaluations 2005- Macclesfield Macmillan Cancer Resource Centre, A Report by The University of Sheffield, School of Architecture, UK.

Phiri, M, and BR. Lawson, (2005b) Macmillan Cancer Relief evaluations 2005- Luton + Dunstable Macmillan Oncology Unit, A Report by The University of Sheffield, School of Architecture, UK.

Phiri, M, & BR. Lawson, (2005c) Macmillan Cancer Relief evaluations 2005- Bedford Macmillan Primrose Unit, A Report by The University of Sheffield, School of Architecture, UK.

Phiri, M, & BR. Lawson, (2005d) Macmillan Cancer Relief evaluations 2005- Milton Keynes Macmillan Haematology & Cancer Unit A Report by The University of Sheffield, School of Architecture, UK.

Phiri, M, and BR. Lawson, (2005e) Macmillan Cancer Relief evaluations 2005- Over-arching analysis, A Report by The University of Sheffield, School of Architecture, UK

Phiri M. & Lawson BR. (March 2004) Learning from the evidence base of NHS design: An analysis of the NHS Design Review Panel System, A report by The School of Architecture, The University of Sheffield

Phiri M. & Lawson BR. (2004) ASPECT: A Staff /Patient Calibration Tool, A report by The School of Architecture, The University of Sheffield
(http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Managingyourorganisation/Estatesandfacilitiesmanagement/Designandcosting/DH_4122853)

Phiri M. & Lawson BR. (2004b) AEDET Evolution: Learning from the evidence base of NHS design, A report by The School of Architecture, The University of Sheffield
(http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Managingyourorganisation/Estatesandfacilitiesmanagement/Designandcosting/DH_4122853)

Phiri, M., (2002) Sheffield Architectural Environment and Patient Outcomes Database: Design & User Manual, School of Architecture, University of Sheffield

Phiri, M., Lawson BR, Bassanino, M., Worthington, J., et al (2001) Learning from Experience: Applying Systematic Feedback to Improve the Briefing Process in Construction (Acronym LEAF), A Report by The University of Sheffield, School of Architecture

Phiri, M., & Lawson BR (November 1999a) R&D Report B(98)28: The Architectural healthcare environment and its effect on patient health outcomes, Year 2 - Jan 2000, School of Architecture, The University of Sheffield (https://publications.spaceforhealth.nhs.uk/)

Phiri, M., & Lawson BR (November 1999b) R&D Report B(97)49: The Architectural healthcare environment and its effect on patient health outcomes, Year 1 - Jan 1999 School of Architecture, The University of Sheffield (https://publications.spaceforhealth.nhs.uk/)

Phiri, M., & Lawson BR (November 1999c) A Staff and Patient Environment Calibration Tool (ASPECT) – Evidence Layer, School of Architecture, The University of Sheffield (https://publications.spaceforhealth.nhs.uk/)

Phiri, M., & Lawson BR (November 1999d) A Staff and Patient Environment Calibration Tool (ASPECT) – Guidance Layer, School of Architecture, The University of Sheffield (https://publications.spaceforhealth.nhs.uk/)

Phiri, M., & Lawson BR (November 1999e) A Staff and Patient Environment Calibration Tool (ASPECT) Instructions, School of Architecture, The University of Sheffield (https://publications.spaceforhealth.nhs.uk/)

Phiri, M. (November 1999a) R&D Report B (01)20: One Patient One Room – Theory & Practice: An evaluation of The Leeds Nuffield Hospital,. School of Architecture, The University of Sheffield (https://publications.spaceforhealth.nhs.uk/)

Phiri, M. (November 1999b) Providing single rooms for patients: a study of the benefits to patients and staff within the NHS in England, School of Architecture, The University of Sheffield (https://publications.spaceforhealth.nhs.uk/)