will to a large degree determine our ability to respond to the challenges which lie ahead. If we wish to provide a sustainable future for our species new modes of living must be established, which promote the efficient use of natural resources whilst preserving the environment upon which our survival depends. In short, we must implement sustainable development on a global scale before it is too late. By channelling urban development in a way which allows growth to occur without interference with established patterns of infrastructure, the Fractal Matrix Planning System overcomes one of the key difficulties in achieving sustainable patterns of urban development and transforms human settlement into a process which can contribute to the rehabilitation which our environment urgently requires.

Describe the critical need your solution addresses.

EXAMINATION OF MATRIX•Examination of functional nature of zones.•Examination of potential circulatory framework.•Examination of spatial structure.SYSTEM ARTICULATION•Development of specific social, economic and environmental policy proposals capable of demonstrating the potential for application of the Fractal Matrix in the context of a modern urban development.•Demonstration of potential range of applications through an examination of the application of the Fractal Matrix in the context of the provision of emergency relief accommodation.•Identification of principles of flexibility which could allow the Fractal Matrix to adapt to different contexts of application.•Articulation of the primary social, economic and environmental benefits of resolving the process of Urban Feedback.COMPUTER APPLICATION DESIGN AND PATENT PROTECTION•Design and development of program architecture for a computer application based on the principles outlined in the Fractal Matrix Planning System.•Application for Patent protection for this computer application was submitted to the Irish Patent Office on 20th October 2008Over the next three years I intend to pursue the commercialization of the Fractal Matrix Planning System via the following avenues;•The establishment of “Fractal Planning Solutions Ltd.” as the primary design consultancy with expertise in the application of the Fractal Planning System•Establishing a web based portal to act as a hub for the dissemination of information and forum for discussion relating to the Fractal Matrix Planning System.•Attendance of Sustainable development trade fares/conventions to advertise system•Approaching governmental agencies with a view to identifying any partnership opportunities in future applications•Approaching private sector interests with a view to offering consultancy services on the application of the Fractal Matrix Planning System•Entry to site specific master planning design competitions•Submittal of the Fractal Matrix theory for pier review by Urban planning design professionals and academics•Further development / licensing of patent right to the Fractal Matrix Computer Application

Explain your initiative in more depth and its stage of development.

•Synthesises social, economic, and environmental requirements to produce and integrated and balanced settlements at any scale•Suitable for application in any environmental, cultural or economic context•Allows expansion to occur without interference with established patterns of infrastructure, or disruption of existing communities•Generates efficient patterns of economic infrastructure during all phases of development•Provides a clear framework for effective resource management•Supports a new democratic model of Self-Governance•Fosters the development of strong community relationships•Establishes a sustainable relationship between human settlement and the natural environment

How does your strategy and approach respond creatively and comprehensively to key issues?

Having graduated from Bolton Street School of Architecture in 1992, I have gone on to gain experience in the design and build of a wide range of projects. These include Aras Cill Dara, winner of Best Public Building in the 2006 RIAI Irish Architecture Awards, and RIBA European Awards 2006, and more recently working as part of the design team for the proposed Grand Egyptian Museum with Heneghan Peng Architects.Throughout my working life I have enjoyed the challenges involved in bringing a building project from concept development through to completion. I have gained a good working knowledge of the disciplines required to achieve good management, and bring a proactive problem solving approach to my work.