Robert Flanagan MArch

Robert Flanagan is Associate Professor of Architecture in the College of Architecture and Planning and he is a licensed Colorado Architect. His teaching and research incorporates advances in computer intelligence - software, hardware, and visualization – into the day to day functions of the professional architect. He has published extensively in these areas and explores how “societal values” are readily identifiable and addressable, but the quest to incorporate societal values into our architecture is often obscured by the tools of the digital age. Professor Flanagan’s addresses how digital tools have a laser focus on functional efficiency, yet often unintentionally isolating and denying humanistic values important to the social fabric of culture. His work challenges of merging these two interests and is addressed in this applied research -- to identify a means to integrate the efficiencies of technology with humanistic values essential for designing a better future. Professor Flanagan works with students to incorporate specific counter measures to the dehumanizing aspects of computer technology: developing design narratives, hand-sketching, photography, memory diagrams, and video compositions to systematically inform the digital process to the benefit of the designer’s intention.