Biography
Dr. Ricardo Assis Rosa is a Design Fellow and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, an academic and practising architect whose teaching and research are deeply interdisciplinary. His focus lies in the integration of spatial design and technology, drawing from architecture, design, theatre, pedagogy, digital fabrication, fine arts, and psychotherapy. Dr. Assis Rosa's career began in the theatre, where he developed a keen interest in materials, spatial experience, and narrative. His journey into architecture was shaped by hands-on experience, growing up in an environment dedicated to the historical restoration of vernacular architecture in Portugal. This early exposure to craftsmanship continues to influence both his teaching methodology and architectural proposals. Having physically built his own house in Oxfordshire, Dr. Assis Rosa’s work explores the role of making, design, and construction, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design principles. This personal experience of construction deepens his understanding of the importance of hands-on practice in architecture and teaching.
Dr. Assis Rosa’s PhD thesis, Mind Tool and Matter - Synergies in Digital Fabrication and Bamboo Craftsmanship, exemplifies his commitment to exploring the intersection of traditional and modern techniques in architectural design. With over 16 years of teaching experience across the UK, South Africa, Greece and Taiwan, he has developed programmes in architectural education and collaborative teaching provisions. Dr. Assis Rosa emphasizes practical, hands-on learning, merging theoretical knowledge and research with tangible craft and spatial experience. His approach fosters cross-cultural practices and inclusivity in architectural education.
