Dr. John Brennan

Professor

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Biography

John Brennan is a Personal Chair in Sustainable Architecture and Programme Director for the MSc in Advanced Sustainable Design at the Edinburgh College of Art. He is a practicing architect with extensive experience in ecological design across Scotland. As a Fellow of the Edinburgh Futures Institute, he co-directs the multidisciplinary programme MSc in Sustainable Lands and Cities. His research focuses on the relationship between architecture and community, bridging theory and practice in rural design. Brennan is the author of the award-winning monograph 'Scotland's Rural Home', which is recognized for its contribution to contemporary rural design. He has led significant projects, including the AHRC Four Nations project on Community Consultation and Quality of Life, and his design work, including the acclaimed Culorrin House, has garnered multiple awards, including the Saltire Award for Housing. Brennan is actively involved in the academic community, serving as an external examiner and a member of various program validation boards. He established the MSc in Advanced Sustainable Design in 2011, which incorporates living lab projects aligned with community needs. His research and teaching contributions emphasize sustainable design and rural architecture, with a commitment to empowering communities through the design process.

Research Interests

Experience

Personal Chair in Sustainable Architecture

2011-01-01 — Present

Edinburgh College of Art • Edinburgh, Scotland

Director of MSc Advanced Sustainable Design, focusing on sustainable architecture and engaging academia with community-driven design processes.

Awards

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Saltire Society Housing Design Award

2006-01-01
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Northern Exposure Prize

2006-01-01

Requirements for Edinburgh College of Art

Bachelor Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:5.5
Reading
Required:5.5
Writing
Required:5.5
Speaking
Required:5.5
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:92
PTE
Listening
Required:54
Reading
Required:54
Writing
Required:54
Speaking
Required:54
Overall
Required:65
Prerequisites
Portfolio of artwork (digital submission)
Application Checklist
  • UCAS application
  • Personal statement
  • Academic reference
  • Digital portfolio
  • English language certificate
Specialization Notes

Includes departments such as Fine Art, Sculpture, and Art (Intermedia/Painting/Photography). Entry usually requires a digital portfolio.