Dr Athina Moustaka
School of Science, Engineering & Environment
Current positions
Senior Lecturer in Architecture
Biography
Athena Moustaka is a Chartered Architect and Senior Lecturer with a transdisciplinary focus on the intersection of architecture, cultural heritage, urbanism, and neuroscience. As a Senior Academic, co-Lead for the Built and Human Environments Research Centre and REF co-lead for Environment for UoA13 (Architecture, Built Environment and Planning), Athena has established an international reputation with significant achievements both as a researcher and an educator with a proven track-record of success.
Her international research on cultural heritage and social impact is recognised in the MENA region. During nearly a decade at the University of Salford, she has supervised 5 PhD students to completion and secured over £100K in funding for Salford as PI and Co-I for UKRI projects (Total project value £220K). Her academic influence has been further recognised as a Visiting Scholar and a Marie Curie-Skłodowska RISE researcher at leading US institutions San Diego State University and Northeastern University Boston.
Athena serves as a member of RIBA validation boards, contributing to the accreditation of Schools of Architecture across the world. As a UKRI Talent Peer Review College member, she evaluates research proposals and supports talent development in her field. She is a Chartered Architect with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB). She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a member of the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture (ANFA).
Areas of Research
Athena Moustaka's research interests lie at the intersection of architecture, education, heritage conservation, digital technologies, and neuroscience. Her work in the heritage of the MENA region has a particular focus on leveraging digital innovations for the preservation and enhancement of cultural heritage and traditional architecture. Her work encompasses topics such as Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM), smart planning conservation of heritage cities, and the development of digital conservation handbooks. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, she explores the role of digital tools in transforming architectural practices and urban landscapes, aiming to advance knowledge and practice in heritage conservation and urban planning. Additionally, her research extends to the intersection of neuroscience and architecture, investigating how insights from neuroscience can inform architectural education and design. With a diverse portfolio of publications spanning from digital applications in archaeology to reimagining urban public spaces, Athena's research contributes to shaping sustainable and inclusive built environments for future generations.
Areas of Supervision
Digital Heritage Conservation Strategies, Design Development and AI, Urban Morphology and AI, Neuroarchitectural Studies, Urban Heritage Preservation, Architectural Pedagogy, Sustainable Urban Regeneration, Material Agency in Contemporary Architectural Practice, Urban Spatial Configuration and Public Realm Enhancement
Qualifications
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Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice
2018 - 2019 -
PhD in Architecture
2012 - 2017 -
MSc (Integrated) Architecture
2002 - 2005 -
MSc Environmental Design of Buildings
2000 - 2001 -
BEng Architectural Engineering
1997 - 2000
Recognitions
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Member UKRI peer talent reviewer
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RIBA Validation Board Panel member
Publications
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Re-scripting the streets in the sky : shifts in the typology of a listed building in Park Hill, Sheffield
Moustaka, A. (2019). Re-scripting the streets in the sky : shifts in the typology of a listed building in Park Hill, Sheffield