Christopher Leung

Dr. Christopher Leung is an Associate Professor at The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London (UCL), specializing in the engineering and manufacture of novel devices for improving the environmental performance of buildings. His research focuses on passive thermally activated devices that harness solar energy and radiant cooling to operate shading systems and moveable insulation, enhancing building facade performance without active energy consumption.

His academic journey at UCL began with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in 1994, followed by a Diploma of Architecture in 1998, a Master of Architecture in 2001, and a Doctor of Engineering in 2014. He also completed professional architectural training and became a Registered Architect in 2002. His professional experience includes working in environmental design consultancy and architectural practices on technically complex buildings such as hospitals and laboratories from 1995 to 2005, followed by research positions at UCL since 2004.

Dr. Leung's research interests center on passive energy harvesting for building systems, particularly through 'heat-motors' - devices that convert thermal energy to mechanical work using phase-change materials like wax. His work bridges architecture, engineering, and manufacturing, with a focus on developing standards for communicating design intent in digital fabrication. He has made significant contributions to BS 8888 on Technical Drawings and Product Documentation as an active member of the UK's British Standards Institute since 2021. His laboratory work combines thermal testing with full-scale field monitoring of prototype systems.

His publication portfolio demonstrates a clear trajectory from early explorations of responsive architecture and environmental feedback systems toward more recent work on shape memory materials, technical documentation standards, and the integration of AI/ML in manufacturing for construction. His research consistently addresses the challenge of balancing available ambient energy resources with building responsiveness to environmental changes through passive systems.

Scientific Recognition

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
• Thermographer Level One and Two certifications
• Autodesk Certified User of Fusion360
• Active member of British Standards Institute committees since 2021

Dr. Leung has been actively involved in doctoral training, having joined UCL's doctoral training center for Virtual Environments, Imaging and Visualization in 2005. His industry collaborations include Haque Design + Research Ltd, which sponsored his Engineering Doctorate research. He regularly presents at international conferences and provides continuing professional development to architectural firms, focusing on manufacturing for construction and passive building technologies.

His current research directions include developing new standards for communicating shape transformations in technical documentation and exploring the application of AI/ML in machine readability for construction manufacturing requirements. He maintains active collaborations with organizations including the Aluminium Federation UK and various manufacturing companies to advance the practical implementation of his research findings.