Eric Field
Education
BSAD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
M.Arch, University of Virginia
Biography
"Computing Technology applied to Wicked Problems"
Eric Field is a technologist and architect -- specializing in data visualization, information design, performance modeling for sustainable design, and applied information technology. He is Director of Information Technology for the School of Architecture, teaches in the Department of Architecture, is founder and director of the Insight Lab, and affiliated faculty with UVA's School of Data Science.
Areas of expertise and teaching include:
- Data Visualization
- Performance-Driven Design / Simulation Modeling
- Energy, Daylighting, and Passive Design in buildings
- Analytic CAD / BIM
- Data Science applications
- Strategic Applications of Technology
Affiliated:
- School of Data Science, University of Virginia
- Center for Large-Scale Computational Modeling, University of Virginia
Courses:
- Data Visualization (SARC 5400) - a pan-university course for all disciplines on visualizing large and complex data, partially sponsored by the Data Science Institute
- Environmental Systems (ARCH 7250) - required graduate architecture course in performance-driven energy, sustainability, and environmental systems
- Parametric Energy Design (ARCH 5342) - building performance design coupled with parametric modeling and data feedback loops
- Special Applications of Technology (ARCH 5590) - an exploratory research seminar in applied topics of information technology.
He has also pioneered courses in Information Design, Digital CNC Fabrication, advanced geometric CAD modeling, and daylighting analysis.
Field has also taught Data Visualization for the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, as well as for numerous workshops, professional development and executive education series.
Research includes:
- The Smaller Box - Performance-driven design for better buildings and cities.
- Data Science and Design - Beyond BIM: data analytics and visual data systems for design
- Networked Public Spaces / Smart Environments - Smart Cities, deployable sensors, and information driven feedback for integrated public design.
- Urban Analytics - place-based data collection and analysis. Connected with the Biophilic Cities Projects and the Yamuna River Project.
- The SEED Network and SEED Evaluator - a founding member of Social, Economic, Environmental Design and technical author of the SEED Evaluator platform.
- UVA Bay Game / Global Water Games - a web-based game and simulation platform of complex sustainability interactions.
- ecoMOD DAT (Decision Analysis Tool) - a dynamic network tool for visual decision making.
- the ecoMOD projects - passive energy design, performance modeling, and data monitoring for a series of low-income, low-energy houses.
Since the mid 1990s, Mr. Field has taught core classes in 3D Computer Aided Design, visualization, animation and moviemaking, collaborated extensively on technology applications in design studios, taught AIA/Continuing Education seminars and numerous executive education workshops. In 2001, he founded the school's CNC Fabrication Lab of computer-controlled lasers, milling and routing machines, 3D digitizing and 3D printing, and the Parts Lab, building fabrication into the design school curriculum. In 2009, he founded the Insight Lab — a multi-disciplinary design visualization and applied technology research lab.
Awards include:
- 2013 R&D Award, Architect Magazine. Awarded to the ecoMOD team for ecoMOD South projects.
- 2013 Leveraging Excellence Award, National Consortium for Continuous Innovation in Education. the UVA Bay Game. Collaborative team award.
- 2011 ACSA Housing Design Education Award, Excellence in Housing Design Curriculum. ecoMOD projects. Collaborative team award.
- 2011 Presidential Inauguration Research Poster Competition, Translational and Cross-Disciplinary Research. The UVA Bay Game. Team award.
