Dr Akila Rathnasinghe

Lecturer

Department: Architecture and Built Environment

I am an engaged academic specialising in quantity surveying and construction management, with a passion for integrating digital innovation into sustainable construction. My interests focus on how we build, why we build, and how digital technologies can be leveraged to create sustainable buildings and infrastructure for a diverse range of users. I value close collaboration with the construction industry to deepen my understanding of its operations and contribute to its growth.

As a Lecturer in Construction Project Management at Northumbria University's Faculty of Engineering & Environment, I am dedicated to maintaining a strong and dynamic education and research culture. I am also committed to equity and inclusion in all aspects of my work. My research examines the intersection of construction project management, quantity surveying, and digital technology, with a particular focus on platform-based ecosystems for modular housing solutions.

I hold a Doctorate in Built Environment from Northumbria University (2024) and a first-class honours BSc in Quantity Surveying from the University of Moratuwa (2019). Prior to joining Northumbria, I lectured and worked as a Research Assistant at the University of Moratuwa, where I honed my academic and research skills.

I am eager to connect with professionals, researchers, and students who are interested in sustainable construction, digital innovation, and modular housing solutions. Please feel free to reach out to discuss collaboration opportunities, research ideas, or advancements in the built environment sector.

Email Akila

Research Themes and Scholarly Interests

My research interests are deeply rooted in the critical examination and advancement of construction practices through the integration of digital technologies and sustainable methodologies. Over the past five years, I have had the opportunity to produce over 36 peer-reviewed publications, including book chapters, journal articles, and conference papers, 15 of which are indexed journal publications. One of my conference papers was awarded the Best Paper Award. Key areas of research include:

Digital Construction and Innovation: Investigating how digital technologies such as BIM, blockchain, and big data can transform construction processes, particularly in modular housing, to enhance efficiency, transparency, and resilience.
Modular Housing and Modern Methods of Construction (MMC): Leading research on platform-based ecosystems for modular housing, assessing their scalability and long-term sustainability, and mapping their integration into mainstream construction practices.
Sustainability and Whole-Life Construction Solutions: Promoting sustainable construction practices by developing whole-life solutions that focus on reducing environmental impacts, waste, and improving project management.
Construction Law and Contract Management: Critically examining the legal frameworks governing construction projects, with a focus on enhancing dispute resolution mechanisms and improving the enforceability and fairness of standard forms of contract.

Key Publications

Please visit the Pure Research Information Portal for further information
Contractors' Perspectives on Delays in Healthcare Projects: A Tale of Two Contrasting Provisions, Thurairajah, N., Rathnasinghe, A., Roberts, C., McAdam, B., Abwunza, A. 7 Oct 2024, In: Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolution in Engineering and Construction
The critique of sustainability discourse within the off-site construction (OSC): a systematic-scientometric review, Rathnasinghe, A., Thurairajah, N., Jones, P., Goulding, J. 6 Aug 2024, In: Architectural Engineering and Design Management
Roles of Lean Learners for Successful Lean Implementation in the Construction Industry: a Force-directed Graph, Parameswaran , A., Ranadewa, K., Rathnasinghe, A. 9 Sep 2024, In: International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management
Can Lean Principles Assist to Reduce BIM Implementation Costs?: A Contemporary Application of Lean Principles to the Sri Lankan Construction Industry, Weerasinghe, L., Rathnasinghe, A., Jayasena, H., Thurairajah, N., Thayaparan, M. 8 Feb 2024, In: Benchmarking: An International Journal
Unveiling Prospects Through Platform-driven Transformations in Modular Construction Supply Chains, Rathnasinghe, A., Thurairajah, N., Jones, P. 14 Jul 2024, Proceedings of the 2024 European Conference on Computing in Construction, Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, European Council on Computing in Construction (EC3)

Further Information

I am actively engaged in interdisciplinary research aimed at addressing complex challenges within the built environment by integrating diverse perspectives. I contribute to significant projects at Northumbria University, working closely with leading scholars across various disciplines.

Key collaborative research projects include:

Green Growth Skills: A £674,294.95 project funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority (2023-2026), in which I contribute by developing educational programmes to build skills for sustainable retrofitting in the housing sector.

These projects have enriched my research portfolio and provided valuable insights into global challenges within the construction industry. Looking ahead, my research will continue to explore the integration of artificial intelligence and blockchain into construction processes to create adaptive, resilient, and sustainable built environments.

Qualifications

Construction Managment PhD October 24 2024
Quantity Surveying BSc (Hons) December 01 2018
Associate Fellow of HEA AFHEA

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