معرفی
Beau Beza is an Associate Professor in Planning at Deakin University's School of Architecture and Built Environment within the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment. He serves in multiple leadership roles including Higher Degrees Research Coordinator, Deputy Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning, and Acting Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning for the Faculty.
His educational background includes a PhD from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Master of Urban Planning from University of Melbourne, and Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from University of California. He is a Registered Landscape Architect with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.
Beza's research focuses on the social production of space, using this knowledge to develop appropriate site solutions through meaningful knowledge exchanges with communities, academics and students. His work combines aesthetic transactions and evidence-based decision making, with emphasis on cross-disciplinary design addressing current built environment issues. He leads the globally significant Growing Up In Cities III project across 15 countries examining adolescent perceptions of urban space.
His publication record demonstrates consistent scholarly output with a strong focus on urban space, informal settlements, placemaking, and cross-cultural urban studies, often featuring international collaborations particularly with Colombia, Mexico, and Nepal. The research shows progression from local case studies to global comparative frameworks.
Beza has secured significant research funding totaling over $1.7 million from 2010-2020, including a major $1.4 million ACIAR grant for agricultural extension in conflict areas of Mindanao, Philippines. His projects often involve community co-production, particularly in Nepal and Colombia.
He supervises numerous PhD students across diverse topics including biophilic design, left-behind children's living spaces, teenage third places, wetland resilience, and indigenous knowledge systems. His teaching spans undergraduate and postgraduate units focusing on urban dynamics, design studios, and international study tours.
Beza is actively involved with the Mediated Intelligence in Design (MInD) Lab and the HOME research hub at Deakin University, and serves on multiple professional committees including as Chair of the National Education Committee for the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.
