Graduate School
Architecture research overview
The School of Architecture’s researchers work in a wide range of projects in the areas of architecture, interior design and urban design. Our research is undertaken in collaboration within the School, the Faculty and University, but more importantly we work with academic and commercial groups outside the University investigating innovative research and development connected to architecture.
Most of our full-time academics have practised as architects and designers and some continue to combine practice with teaching, bringing you the benefit of their real life experience. In addition, our part-time members of staff bring specialist knowledge and current experience from practice. This ensures that our research is up-to-date and reflects the current and future needs of the industry.
For more information about how to apply please contact the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries using the Contact us page.
If you have any questions about studying for a research degree at the University of Portsmouth, please complete our enquiry form.
Key Facts
RAE rating: In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), our researchers entered their work as part of the Art and Design Unit of Assessment (UoA 63). Results from the RAE awarded a quality profile which confirmed that over 50% of the University's research in this category was judged to be of 'international standing'.
Academic staff: 30, please see link to staff list webpage.
Postgraduate research students: 6
Internal links: The School of Architecture works closely with the School of Art Design and Media under the umbrella of the Centre for Art, Architecture and Design (CAAD), supporting and advancing research across the range of art, design, architectural and media practices
External links: The School manages its many external links through the Project Office and the CURe.
The Project Office coordinates and carries out consultancy and applied research in the School of Architecture, involving staff, students, part-time staff/practitioners and regional practice. The Project Office is not a conventional practice because it exploits the unique position in a School of Architecture and University, allowing access to a huge knowledge base and staff and student workforce.
The Creative Urban Regeneration Unit (CURe) coordinates collaborations between University, city and region, fostering research intelligence and knowledge transfer opportunities in the area of urban regeneration.
Resources
The School of Architecture is located in the environmentally-friendly Portland Building, which was purpose-designed by our Emeritus Professor of Architectural Design Sir Colin Stansfield Smith.
As a place of learning, Portland Building provides integrated facilities for postgraduate research students, including a workshop, studios, computer suites with Macintosh and PC systems, reprographic facilities and materials shop.
These resources, combined with the excellence of architectural research by our internationally recognised staff, create the special environment in which we will encourage you to flourish.
Research Centres
Centre for Art, Architecture and Design (CAAD)
In the School of Architecture we recognise that art, architecture , design and media practices represent social and cultural meanings and their potential transformation.
To reflect this, the Centre for Art, Architecture and Design (CAAD) supports and advances research across the range of art, design, architectural and media practices. The Centre also applies critical, theoretical and historical perspectives to these practices and their interface with theory.
Our postgraduate research students and our researchers are full members of the Centre and benefit from its support and advice as well as career opportunities.
Research areas
Architecture
If you are interested in researching the fields of Architecture pedagogy and theory and Sustainable architecture, we can offer you excellent supervision in a wide range of specialisms such as:
Architecture Pedagogy and Theory
We specialise in research design in the fields of: Design pedagogy (studio culture); Architecture and interior theory and design.
Sustainable Architecture
This includes research design on: Environmental design systems; Sustainable environments; Sustainable design.
Urban Design, Regeneration and related issues
Our researchers work and offer high quality supervision to postgraduate research students in the following research areas: Urban Planning and Urban Design History and Theory; Green Infrastructures; Sustainable Urban Design; Urban Design theory and analysis; Coastal Settlements; Landscape Design.
Interior Design Practice
Maybe your interests lie in the area of Interior design practice. Our researchers in this area are working and supervising postgraduate research students in topics such as: Representation theory and practice; Mapping the environment; Interior design practice; Materials and application; The Retail environment.