Professor Sarah McGann

Dean, School of Arts and Sciences, Fremantle Campus

Email: sarah.mcgann@nd.edu.au
Phone: 9433 0126

  • Biography

    Professor Sarah McGann has been the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at The University of Notre Dame in Fremantle since 2014. She has degrees in Architecture from the Dublin School of Architecture and Trinity College, Dublin, a Doctorate in Architecture and Cultural Studies from Curtin University, and is an Architect Accredited in Conservation (Grade 3) by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland. In 2019 Sarah convened the new practiced-based Master of Architecture program at Notre Dame in Fremantle and in 2021 the new Bachelor of Arts (Architecture) will commence.

    As an academic, Sarah was formally the Head of the Department of Architecture and Interior Architecture at Curtin University, and Offshore Program Coordinator for Hong Kong University (HKU Space) Bachelor of Architecture degree.

    Sarah is registered as an Architect in Ireland, and continues to contribute to the architecture profession in Australia through various practice collaborations, client consultancies, applied design research and as Adjunct Professor at UWA. She has been active in the national course/program accreditation process as a selected Chair, Deputy Chair and panel member on numerous national visiting panels (including Melbourne, RMIT, Canberra, Sydney and Monash University). Prior to academia, Sarah was an award-winning architect in Ireland where her architectural practice focused on the areas of health, hospitality, workplace and recreation design.

    Sarah's research interests and publications build upon her architectural research and practice background particularly within the `social life of buildings.' Her funded work includes investigating the impact design and spatial practices have upon buildings and their occupants. She is currently the Chief Investigator in an interdisciplinary national study that examines architectural design and the lived experience of aged care facilities and their impact on Quality of Life indicators with Mercy Health. Previously Sarah was CI within the Active Building Design Research group. In addition, Sarah has a special interest and expertise in design for ageing and palliative care. Following on from her book The Production of Hospice Space: Conceptualising the Space of Caring and Dying (2016), she has been contracted by UK publisher, Routledge, for a new volume entitled Architectural Portraits from the Space of Ageing. Sarah also consults with a range of architectural practices, health and aged care providers on built environment matters.

  • Teaching areas

    • Traditional and Non-traditional research methods and doctoral supervision in architectural design and lived experience;
    • Creative and critical units across social, cultural and spatial design areas
      Architectural Design, Conservation and Heritage
    • Post-Graduate research

  • Research expertise and supervision

    Experienced PhD supervisor in creative and traditional dissertations spanning architectural, urban, spatial and social agendas.

    Current Supervisions of Research Students:

    • Hannah Tarrant; PhD. The impact of planning, developing and using a social farm on the well being of emerging adults with a mental illness.
    • Monique Bosshard Curby MA (Fine Art) UNDA
    PhD Completions: 
    • Dr Lara Mackintosh Learning to be in architecture: Transformative experiences in architectural learning. University of Western Australia (with Prof Kate Hislop)
    • Dr Robyn Creagh (Urban design; by non-traditional thesis): Memory and Urban Place: A Visual Enquiry.
    • Dr Emil Jonesque (Architecture): Contraptions of psychological affliction: Short term custodial design.
    • Supervised over 40 Masters and Honours research projects (Architecture and Interior Architecture) Curtin University 1996-2013

  • Books

    Research Books [Under contract]
    • McGann, S, Architectural Portraits from the Space of Ageing: An Analysis of Lived Experience Abingdon: UK Routledge. (2020 publication delivery).
    Research Books
    • Creagh, R and McGann S (2019) Visual Spatial Enquiry: Diagrams and metaphors for architects and spatial thinkers. Abingdon: UK Routledge.
    • McGann, S. (2016) The Production of Hospice Space: Conceptualising the Space of Caring and Dying. (Paperback edition) Abingdon: UK Routledge.
    • McGann, S. (2013) The Production of Hospice Space: Conceptualising the Space of Caring and Dying. Farnham: UK Ashgate.
    Technical Reports
    • Creagh, R., Jancey, J., McGann, S., Blackford, K., Pages-Oliver, R. and Tye. M (2014). Centre for Sport and Recreation Research: Active Workplace Design - Case Study 1: Pre-post relocation study. (HBF Research Report). Perth.
    • Creagh, R., Jancey, J., McGann, S., Blackford, K., Pages-Oliver, R. and Tye. M. (2014). Centre for Sport and Recreation Research: Active Workplace Design - Case Study 2: A cross sectional campus study. (HBF Research Report). Perth.
    • Tye, M., Jancey, J., McGann, S., Howart, P., Blackford, K., Tollis, L. (2012). The impact of workplace design on sedentary behaviour: A case study. Centre for Sport and Recreation Research, Curtin University, Perth. December 2012.

  • Book chapters

    • McGann S. (2019)Where are all the architects and spatial thinkers? In Creagh R.& McGann S.Visual Spatial Enquiry: Diagrams and metaphors for architects and spatial thinkers. Routledge UK.
    • McGann, S. (2016) Touch the building lightly: The heritage work of  Marcus Collins. In HERITAGE 2016. Portugal: Green Lines Institute. eBook ISBN: 978-989-8734-13-6
    • McGann, S. (2015) From billiards to Vice-Chancellery: Fremantle’s West End. In Rehab 2015. pp1187-1196.  Green Lines Institute. eBook ISBN: 978-989-8734-10-5.
    • McGann S and B. Milech (2014). Connections: Academics, Architects and Community Pro-Bono Projects.'In Models and Methodologies for Community Engagement. Eds Tiwari, R, Lommerse M. and Smith D. UK: Springer
    • McGann S. and B. Milech (2013). Sticky Advice for Research Students. In Of Other Thoughts: Non-Traditional Approaches To The Doctorate. Pp51-53. Eds A. Engels-Schwarzpaul and M. Peters. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers B.V.

  • Journal articles and proceedings

    2017
    • Creagh R, McGann S, Tye M, Jancey J. (2017) "Green Star is not a Physical Activity Star." Facilities, Vol. 35 Issue 1 pp. 81 - 98. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/F-12-2015-0092
    • McGann, S. (2017) "De(sign) in patient space: User-creativity in hospital settings.": Special Edition: Creativity, design and basics in health care. In The Journal of Health Design. 2017;2(4):33 -38. https://doi.org/10.21853/JHD.2017.32 https://www.journalofhealthdesign.com/issue/view/8
    • Mackintosh L., Creagh R. and McGann S. 2017. "Facilitating transformative experiences: Case studies for school design" In M.A. Schnabel (ed.), Back to the Future: The next 50 Years (51st International Conference of the Architectural Science Association (ANZAScA), Architectural Science Association (ANZAScA), pp251-262. https://www.asa2017.victoria.ac.nz/program
    • McGann, S. (2017) "Signs and symbols in medi-scapes: the mediation of power." In Power: The WA Architect. Nedlands WA: The Australian Institute of Architects.
    • McGann, S. (2017) "Step House." In Work, Rest and Play: The WA Architect. Nedlands WA: The Australian Institute of Architects.
    2016
    • Milech B. and McGann, S. (2016). Shared Differences: Creativity In Graduate Research in Knowledge Cultures 4(1), 2016.
    • Creagh R., Babb C., McGann S., Tye M. (2016) "Architecture, Physical activity and a capability evaluative framework: satisfaction is not enough." In J. Zuo, L. Daniel, V. Soebarto (eds.), Fifty years later: Revisiting the role of architectural science in design and practice: 50th International Conference of the Architectural Science Association 2016, pp. 21 -30. The Architectural Science Association
    • McGann, S. (2016) Touch the building lightly: The heritage work of Marcus Collins. In R. Amoêda, S.Lira & C. Pinheiro (eds.), HERITAGE 2016: 5th International Conference on Heritage and Sustainable Development. Portugal: Green Lines Institute. eBook ISBN: 978-989-8734-13-6.
    • McGann S. (2016) "Scaling up: Towards best practice." In Small / medium / Large: The WA Architect. Autumn 2016. Nedlands WA: The Australian Institute of Architects.
    2015
    • Jancey, J. M., McGann, S., Creagh, R., Blackford, K. D., Howat, P. and Tye, M. (2015) Workplace building design and office-based workers' activity: a study of a natural experiment. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health. Oct 11. doi: 10.1111/1753-6405.12464
    • McGann, S. (2015) From billiards to Vice-Chancellery: Fremantle's West End. In R. Amoêda, S.Lira & C. Pinheiro (eds.), Rehab 2015: Preservation, Maintenance and Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings and Structures. pp. 1187-1196. Portugal: Green Lines Institute. eBook ISBN: 978-989-8734-10-5.
    • McGann, S., Creagh, R., Tye, M., Jancey, J., Pages-Oliver, R. and James, H. (2015) Stairway to health: An analysis for workplace stairs design and use. R.H. Crawford and A. Stephan (eds.), Living and Learning: Research for a Better Built Environment, The Architectural Science Association.
    • McGann, S. (2015) Making Place: A Reflecting Mapping. In [WA AND] BEYOND: The WA Architect. Nedlands WA: The Australian Institute of Architects. (October 2015)
    • McGann, S. (2015) New Village in Town. In Perth 2005 - 2015: The WA Architect. Nedlands WA: The Australian Institute of Architects.
    2014
    • McGann S, Creagh R, Tye M, Jancey J & Blackford K. (2014) Stationary in the office: Emerging themes for active buildings. Architecture Science Review DOI:10.1080/00038628.2014.958127
    • Jancey J, Tye M, McGann S, Blackford K, and Lee A. (2014) Application of the Occupational Sitting and Physical Activity Questionnaire (OSPAQ) to office based workers. BMC Public Health 2014 14:762. Doi:10.1186/1471-2458-14-762
    • Creagh, R., McGann, S., Tye, M., Jancey, J., Pages and Pages-Oliver, R. (2014) Between the user and the building: A Review of Methods for Analysing Inhabited Space. In F. Madeo and M. A. Schnabel (eds.), Across: Architectural Research through to Practice, pp. 239 -250. 2014, The ASA & Genova University Press.
    2013
    • McGann S., Jancey J., and Tye M. (2013) Taking the stairs instead: The impact of workplace design standards on health promotion strategies. Australasian Medical Journal 2013, 6, 1, 23-28. http//dx.doi.org/10.4066/AMJ.2013.1584
    • McGann, S., Tye, M., Jancey, J., Blackford, K., Creagh, R. and Tollis, L. (2013) "Measuring, Mapping, Creating: A mixed method approach to sedentary behaviours and workplace design." In M. A. Schnabel and J-Y Tsou (eds.), Cutting Edge in Architectural Science, pp. 113-122. 2013, The Architectural Science Association.
    • McGann, S. Caring spaces [online]. Australian Ageing Agenda, Nov/Dec 2013: 34-35.
    • McGann, S. (2011) Spatial Practices and the home as hospice. Australasian Medical Journal (4) (9): 495-499 (9). http//dx.doi.org/10.4066/AMJ.2011.931
    • McGann, S. (2011) A street across time: Inside the Architecture Building. The WA Architect. Nedlands WA: The Australian Institute of Architects.
    • McGann, S. (2009) Switching Hats: From Accessibility to Possibility. Australasian Medical Journal (1) (2): 36-43 (2). Doi 10.4066/AMJ.2009.134

  • Conference papers

    • Milech B. and McGann S. Shared differences: the art of creative-production research. Conference of the Philosophy of Education Society of Australasia (PESA). Hamilton, New Zealand. 22-25th November 2014
    • McGann, S, Creagh, R, Jancey, J, Tye M. The inconvenient office: a public health solution. Institute for Health Research Seminar. University of Notre Dame Australia. Fremantle 7 November 2014
    • McGann S, Narrating hospital landscapes, School of Arts and Sciences Annual Conference Seminar. University of Notre Dame Australia. Fremantle 25-26 September 2014
    • Jancey, J., McGann, S., Tye, M., Tollis, L., Blackford, K., Howat, P. Taking the Stairs: Workplace design and physical activity behaviours in office based workers (oral) IUHPE, Thailand 2013
    • Jancey, J., McGann, S., Tye, M., Tollis, L., Blackford, K., Howat, P. Workplace design and physical activity behaviours in office based workers, Cancer Council WA Research Symposium, Perth, November, 2012

  • Original creative works

    • Creagh R. & McGann S, “Scanning the Intangible,” Catalogue Essay. X, Y, Z SPATIALCO. Onespace Gallery. QLD. 2019
    • McGann S, & Wardrop J. (2015). “Reflections: Still Life, Extraordinary, Everyday” Catalogue Essay. Still Life, Extraordinary, Everyday. Mundaring Arts Centre, WA. 2015
    • Creagh, R., S. McGann, and Tarbett, M. (2015) Space of Migration: Being in Two Places at One Time, Dublin and Perth. Urban Screenings 2015, 1-31st October. (Public short film exhibition) Curated M. Cho, F. MacFarlane, R. Cameron.
    • Creagh R. and McGann S. (2013) Australia and Ireland: The Space of Boom and Bust" Reading Public Spaces: Exhibition and Symposium, City Farm, East Perth, 22 Feb. 2013.
    • McGann S. and Robinson D. 2010. Embleton House in association with David Robinson, Rodrigues Bodycoat Architects.

  • In the media

    • McGann, S & Tye M “Take a stand, move with the times” West Australian February 18, 2015.
    • McGann S & Fordham H. Age-Friendly Perth? West Australian October 15, 2014.

  • Professional affiliations

    • Board member of Architects Board of Western Australia 2012-2018 (ministerial appointment)
    • Academic Member of the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA)
    • Registered Architect Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI)
    • Adjunct Professor UWA ALVA

  • Community engagement

    • Architects Board of WA: 2012-2014; 2014-2016; 2016-2018 (Ministerial Appointment)
    • Member: Royal Australian Institute of Architects. (AIA) Aff Level 1
    • AIA Education Committee: WA Chapter Council. (2009-2011; 2014-2016; 2016-2018).

    National Accreditation Panel Membership & External Examiner in Architecture:
    • RMIT Practice Research Symposium (PRS) PhD examiner 2019
    • Deputy Chair National Accreditation Panel, University of Sydney 2018
    • RMIT Practice Research Symposium (PRS) PhD examiner 2018
    • RMIT Practice Research Symposium (PRS) PhD examiner 2017
    • Deputy Chair: National Accreditation Panel, RMIT 2016
    • Judge for the 2016 Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) Urban Design Awards.
    • Panel Member: National Accreditation Panel, (Architects Board), University of Canberra Oct 2015
    • Panel Member: National Accreditation Panel, University of Sydney. Sept. 2013.
    • Panel Member: National Accreditation Panel, Monash University. 2011.
    • External Examiner. UWA Masters of Architecture & Landscape Architecture
    Invited Guest Speaker:
    • McGann, S. 2019 On Legacy. 3 Over 4 under. Invited guest speaker. Perth October 2019
    • McGann, S. 2019 Design Speak: Health Care Health Design. Invited guest speaker Sydney, October 2018
    • McGann S. (2013) "Spatial Implications of Caring and Dying" Invited guest speaker at COTA Forum, Conversations on Dying, 21 November 2013, State Library Theatre Perth.
    • McGann S. (2013) "The Space of Caring and Dying" Invited guest speaker at the AGM Palliative Care WA, October 2013
    • McGann S. (2013) "Conceptualising the Space of Caring and Dying" Dementia Training Study Centre, Knowledge Transfer Workshop, Mercure Hotel, Perth 18 April. Invited Speaker.

  • Awards

    Architectural Awards:
    • RIAI Gold Medal Award Short-listing: St. Francis Hospice, Dublin. Lead Architect.
    • Building of the Year Winner: St Francis Residential Hospice, Dublin: Lead Architect.
    • RIAI Regional Award Winner St Francis Hospice, Day & Homecare: Lead Architect.
    • Architectural Competition Winner. Sportsco Sports, Dublin: Lead Architect.

    Research Awards
    • Best Paper runner-up 2015. The Architectural Science Association 49th International Conference of the Architectural Science Association, for Stairway to health: An analysis for workplace stairs design and use. University of Melbourne.
    • Best Paper runner-up 2013. The Architectural Science Association 47th International Conference of the Architectural Science Association, Hong Kong.
    • Paper of the Year 2011; Runner-up. Australasian Medical Journal (AMJ). "Spatial Practices and the Home as Hospice". http//dx.doi.org/10.4066/AMJ.2011.931.
    • Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTA). 2008. "The Hospice" by Yellow Asylum Films (4-part documentary on St Francis Hospice) awarded Best Documentary Series.
    • Humanities Executive Deans Award 2007. Health Architecture Studio, Curtin.

  • Other

    Grants
    • 2019 “Socio-Spatial analysis of the design and lived experiences of Residential Aged Care models: A qualitative study of traditional & small household typologies” Mercy Health industry grant. $183,319
    • 2019 ECR Fellowship Scheme Award: Architecture Design & Lived Experience $180,000
    • Research Incentive Scheme RIS Grant. 2015. "Mapping Fremantle's West End" UNDA
    • 2013 Curtin Individual Humanities Researchers grant. $20,000
    • "Active Workplace Design". HBF. July 2013-2014. Industry-funded Grant. Chief Investigators: M. Tye, S McGann and J. Jancey. $100,000.
    • Healthways WA Health Promotion Starter Grant 2012. Tye M., McGann S. & Jancey J. "The impact of workplace design on sedentary behaviour: A case study." $30,000.
    • Humanities Publishing Grant 2012, Curtin University
    • Publishing Grant 2010. SoBE Curtin University SoBE
    • Health Architecture Studio 2006, BEAD Teaching and Learning grant Curtin.