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Dr Michael Short
Associate Professor (Teaching) in Planning
The Bartlett School of Planning
Faculty of the Built Environment
- Joined UCL
- 14th Sep 2015
Research summary
An urbanist and conservator interested in issues of design quality in the historic environment, I undertake practice-based projects, teaching and research in three main areas. Firstly, I am interested in how design issues in historic environment contexts are negotiated through the planning process, and how they are implemented on site. Secondly, I am interested in the conservation of buildings and areas of the recent past, and the challenges that this presents for conservation practice. And, thirdly, I am interested in the debates about increased building height and density in environments where the historic environment and character of place are relevant. Furthermore I am interested in queer pedagogies and the experiences of LGBTQ+ staff and students at university.
Teaching summary
I am a passionate teacher who seeks to engage and inspire students to achieve their full potential in their studies. I coordinate the following modules:
BPLN0005 Plan-Making Studio I (PG)
BPLN0007 Work Placement in City Planning (PG)
BPLN0008 Dissertation in City Planning (PG)
I also contribute to a range of modules across the School and Faculty.
I have been nominated for the following Student Choice Awards by students:
‘Excellent Personal Tutoring' 2019-20.
'Inspiring Teaching Delivery’ and ‘Amazing Support’ 2018-19.
‘Excellent Personal Tutoring’ 2017-18.
‘Outstanding Teaching’, and ‘Outstanding Personal Support’ 2016-2017.
Education
- Other Postgraduate qualification (including professional), ATQ04 - Recognised by the HEA as a Senior Fellow |
- Other Postgraduate qualification (including professional), ATQ07 - Holder of a PGCE in higher education, secondary edu, further edu, life long lear |
- University of West England
- Other Postgraduate qualification (including professional), Postgraduate Certificate in Education | 2009
- University of Manchester
- Doctorate, Doctor of Philosophy | 2007
- Sheffield Hallam University
- Other higher degree, Master of Arts | 2001
- University of Dundee
- First Degree, Bachelor of Science | 1994
Biography
I have been at the Bartlett since September 2015 having worked as a planner-conservation officer across a range of public and private organisations; for Salford City Council as the lead officer negotiating the design integration of the Metrolink tram system extension to Eccles (1994-97), as Senior Planner with Barton Willmore Planning Partnership (1998-99), then Network Rail as their conservation officer dealing with historic environment issues within the company’s estate (1999-2001). I then ran a two year ESRC-funded research project at the University of Manchester looking at strategic environmental assessment in plan-making (2001-2003). I read for my PhD at the University of Manchester looking at the impact of skyscraper proposals on the character of place, co-funded by the ESRC and English Heritage (now Historic England), and supervised by Professor Michael Hebbert (now UCL) and Dr Aidan While (now University of Sheffield) from 2003 to 2007. I worked at UWE Bristol from 2008-15 as Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Planning and Urban Conservation.
I am a full member of both the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) and Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC), and am an Academician of the Academy of Urbanism.
I run the 2-year MPlan City Planning programme. This innovative programme explores both domestic and international planning practice and culture, and offers the opportunity to further embed learning through either a term spent in planning practice, or at an international partner institution.
I have been a member of UCL's Academic Board since 2016, and am a UK representative (substitute, from June 2020) to the Assciation of European Schools of Planning (AESOP). I joined UCL's LGBTQ+ Equality Steering Group (LESG) in November 2020. LESG steers the Out@UCL network of around 600 LGBTQ+ staff and supporters, as well as championing LGBTQ+ equalities within the university more broadly). I joined UCL's LGBTQ+ Equality Implementation Group (LEIG) in June 2022. LEIG is tasked with developing a strong programme of action that will help create an inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ staff and students, as well as alumni and visitors, at UCL. I have been elected as non-professorial member to UCL’s Academic Committee. The Committee has a wide remit including to consider and advise the Council on its responsibilities with respect to the Office for Students (OfS) conditions of registration, and to maintain an overview of UCL's academic strategies, policies and procedures.