11504 Practice: Research Cultures
6cp; 3hpw (2hr lecture, 1hr tutorial)There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
Research produces knowledge. This subject examines the myriad of ways in which architects perform research, from examining archives, to visiting a site, to exploring environments, to deploying artificial intelligence. Architecture firms have initiated research departments to understand climate dynamics, or energy systems, or modes for community engagement – as a means, that is, to both refine their design practice and to prepare for the future.
Research produces the future. It clarifies a project – not just what is being studied, explored, or examined, but why, to what end, with what stakes, with what possible costs and benefits. The architectural project emerges not just from client needs and refined design sensibility, but also through targeted research and the development of expertise.
The focus of the course is three-fold: First, to develop specific research skills that prepare students to perform research in a range of professional, scholarly, and cultural contexts. Students are expected to excel in this skill development and use these skills to not only understand how research produces the future, but also what future we want to produce. As a second focus, students are also expected to use the subject to explore possible career trajectories – to identify a realm of research and a project that allows them to move forward in the articulation of their own disciplinary trajectory.
Does research produce equality? It can – as a project and a process, research frames the ethical and speculative ambitions of architectural practice. Who is a practice for? Who benefits from architectural research and design intervention? A third focus of the course is refining collective research strategies towards building an architectural discipline that strives for a more equitable world.
Typical availability
Autumn session, City campus
Detailed subject description.