معرفی
Oliver Wilton serves as Associate Professor of Environmental Design at The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London (UCL), where he leads academic agendas in environmental design across the School. Appointed Director of Design Technology in 2023, he previously served as Director of Technology from 2019-2023 and as the inaugural Director of Education from 2015-2019. During his tenure as Director of Education, he helped develop eight innovative new taught masters programmes including MEng Engineering and Architectural Design, MLA and MA Landscape Architecture, and specialized programmes in bio-integrated design and performance.
With over two decades of experience in architectural practice and environmental design consultancy, Wilton's research spans from building component to climate scale. His current focus is on structural stone construction, while previous research developed the Solid Cork Building Envelope, funded by Innovate UK and EPSRC. This research led to the Cork Construction Kit - a radically simple new form of solid cork and timber construction with exceptionally strong whole-life environmental sustainability performance. His Interseasonal Architecture research explores architecture that takes from one season and gives to another, contributing to the energy transition while creating seasonal architectural dynamics. Phase-Change Material (PCM) Thermal Stores research investigates how building-integrated PCM thermal stores could play in low energy thermal regulation of buildings across Europe.
Wilton's publications reveal a consistent focus on sustainable materials, particularly cork and stone, examining their historical applications while developing innovative contemporary uses. His research demonstrates how traditional materials can be reimagined through modern technology to create low-carbon, high-performance building systems that prioritize whole-life environmental impact over initial construction. The Cork Construction Kit represents a paradigm shift toward dry-jointed, reusable building systems that eliminate adhesives and complex connections, addressing key challenges in reducing complexity and increasing quality in construction.
- Winner, American Institute of Architects (AIA) International Design Awards 2020: Honor Award for Architecture
- Winner, RIBA Stephen Lawrence Prize (2019)
- Winner, Manser Medal (2019)
- Winner, Wood Awards Gold Award (2019)
- Winner, RIBA National Award (2019)
- Winner, RIBA South Sustainability Award (2019)
- Shortlisted, RIBA Stirling Prize (2019)
- Winner, 2019 RIBA President's Award for Design and Technical Research
As an educator and administrator, Wilton has secured significant research funding including £189,820 from Innovate UK and EPSRC. He serves as co-director of the UCL RAEng Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Design and coordinates research collaborations with industry partners like Max Fordham LLP. His leadership has been instrumental in developing the School's strategy for design technology in architecture, working with colleagues to support new initiatives, ways of thinking and future strategies. He has co-founded a small practice and worked for progressive companies over his 20+ year career.
Wilton collaborates extensively across disciplines, working with Matthew Barnett Howland, Professor Pete Walker at University of Bath, materials suppliers Amorim UK and Ty Mawr, and engineering firms including Arup and Advanced Technology and Research. His research methodology integrates discourse, critical analysis, design, making, and rigorous performance evaluation to develop viable new construction systems that meet building codes while prioritizing environmental sustainability. He currently serves as sustainability adviser on the Energy Revolution Gallery at the Science Museum, London, and has delivered Sustainable Urban Development consultancy to the Taiwanese government with UCL colleagues.
