Black-and-white portrait of a man in profile with eyes cast downward against a dark background

Dr. Ricardo Moya-Barbera

PhD, MSc., MAA, B. Arch, B. Eng
Pronouns: Mr.

Affiliations

Sessional Instructor

School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape

Contact information

Background

Credentials

Architectural Intern, Manitoba Association of Architects (MAA), 2023

Licensed Architect, DMQ Association of Professional Practitioners, 2016

Licensed Structural Engineer, DMQ Association of Professional Practitioners, 2016

Licensed Architect, Spanish and Valencian Association of Architects (COACV & CTAV), 2011

Educational Background

Ph.D. in Architecture, Building, Urban Planning and Landscape Construction Technology, Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), 2025

Master’s in Advanced Architecture, Landscape, Urban Planning and Design Advanced Technology in Architecture and Urban Planning, Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), 2015

Professionally Accredited Bachelor’s in Public Works Engineering (Civil Engineering) Structural Engineering, Professionally Accredited Bachelor’s in Public Works Engineering (Civil Engineering), 2015

Professionally Accredited Bachelor’s in Architecture (B. Arch + MAA) Architecture, B. Arch + MAA, 2011

Research

Areas of Research

Architecture, Risk & Environmental Performance

Building upon my doctoral research, this theme examines how architecture can anticipate, respond to, and recover from natural hazards and climate-related challenges through design. I develop methodologies to evaluate vulnerability, resilience, and building performance while integrating environmental, structural, and social variables into architectural decision-making. The research approaches resilience not only as a technical objective, but as an architectural capacity to adapt to uncertainty.

Research topics:

  • Climate adaptation and environmental resilience 
  • Multi-hazard design
  • Building performance
  • Risk-informed design
  • Evidence-based resilience assessment
Resilient & Adaptive Housing Systems

This theme investigates how housing can become more resilient, adaptable, and responsive to changing environmental, cultural, and societal conditions. Rather than developing standardized solutions, I explore adaptable systems that respond to local climates, construction practices, material availability, community aspirations, and changing patterns of living. The research integrates design, prefabrication, environmental performance, and participatory methodologies to support affordable, context-sensitive housing and long-term community resilience.

Research topics:

  • Post-disaster & climate-adaptive housing
  • Prefabricated & incremental housing systems
  • Adaptable housing
  • Affordable & community-centred housing
  • Context-responsive construction
Regenerative Communities & Urban Systems

This theme explores how architecture can contribute to the long-term regeneration of neighbourhoods and cities through relationships between housing, infrastructure, public space, and community life. The research investigates participatory and interdisciplinary approaches to environmental sustainability, social cohesion, local capacity building, post-disaster recovery, and urban transformation.

Research topics:

  • Urban regeneration
  • Housing and public space
  • Community resilience
  • Territorial adaptation
  • Participatory design
  • International and cross-cultural research
Evidence-Based Design & Evaluation Methodologies

This theme develops methodologies that integrate architectural design, building science, environmental performance, digital technologies, and community knowledge into evidence-based decision-making frameworks. The research combines multivariable evaluation, digital and AI methodologies, and interdisciplinary approaches to support adaptable, context-specific architectural solutions.

Research topics:

  • Multivariable evaluation frameworks
  • Performance assessment methodologies
  • Digital and AI-assisted research methods
  • Decision-support tools
  • Evidence-based architectural practice

Courses

Course number Course title Semester
DSGN 203 Design Thinking and the City Studio Winter 2026
DSGN 221 Histories of Innovation in the Designed Environment Fall 2025 & Fall 2026
DSGN 301 Transscalar Design Studio I: Small Scale Fall 2025 & Fall 2026
DSGN 304 Transscalar Design Studio II: Small Scale Winter 2026
DSGN 434 Introduction to Structures Winter 2026
DSGN 500 Experiential Learning in Design and City Innovation Spring 2026
DSGN 502 Work Integrated Learning Studio in Architecture Fall 2026

Awards

  • University of Calgary Students' Union Teaching Excellence Award, University of Calgary Students' Union. 2026
  • Doctoral Thesis with Cum Laude and Nominated for Doctoral Thesis Excellence Award 2025, University Politècnica de València (UPV). 2025

Publications