Architectural and urban history and theory research
Explore our work in architectural and urban history and theory, one of our areas of expertise in Architecture, interiors and urbanism
From its origins, architecture has always blended technology with art. It's combined subjective and objective knowledge and balanced cultural implications with the need for practicality. There's a near-endless reservoir of knowledge and creativity formed by experiences, history and theory, and abstract and transferable knowledge that goes far beyond the boundaries of specific buildings.
Our research in Architectural and Urban History and Theory works to understand this complex nature by bridging the gap between the technical and humanistic aspects of architectural and urban history and theory. Our work helps us to understand the history and theory behind how we conceptualise and produce architecture and urban spaces on different scales.
Architecture was created as a profession the moment it became an intellectual activity, focused on thinking and designing constructions to be built by other professions. Since the renaissance, theory and history have been crucial for developing architecture — it cannot be explained or understood without them.
This includes all the many discourses and accounts from academicism and eclecticism to architectural constructivism, expressionism, modernism, postmodernism, deconstruction and parametricism. The discipline has also been enriched with ideas coming from other fields of knowledge, such as philosophy, linguistics, sociology, anthropology or cultural studies.
Research topics
Our research covers:
- Architectural history
- Architectural theory
- Urban history
- Urban theory
- Architecture and politics
- Architecture and cultural studies
- 1960s and 1970s neo avant-gardes
We use qualitative research methods, such as archival research, interpretive-historical techniques, textual criticism, synoptic method, logical argumentation, case studies and research by design.
Projects
We have produced research outputs in several categories, including contributions to specialist publications (articles), books, journals, chapters of books, contributions to conferences, non-textual research (research through design), and commissioned reports.
Discover our areas of expertise
Architectural and urban history and theory is one of 8 areas of expertise within our Architecture, interiors and urbanism research. Explore the others below.
Green infrastructures
We're planning cities that can be both liveable for humans, while not resulting in further decline to the planet's ecological vitality.
Historic environments and conservation
We're looking at how architecture, community and creative technologies can play a role in enhancing historic environments.
Interior design theory and practice
We're investigating how architects and designers might rethink the way they approach interior spaces, by exploring how buildings are used by people.
Sustainable urbanism
We're exploring the models, technology and policies that can guide governments and planners to develop sustainable cities.
Design education
We're researching issues related to teaching and learning within creative and design disciplines, focusing on pedagogy, curriculum, student engagement, and learning theories.
Digital design and new technologies
We're studying the integration of digital technology and new technologies in architectural planning, urban planning, and sustainability – and how they can impact future design processes.
Environmental analysis and design
Through our research, we're re-thinking the way we build cities, to better react to environmental issues and challenges, such as climate change.
Research groups
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Architectural and Urban History and Theory Research Group
We're researching narratives of place and the construction of new historiographical and theoretical discourses in architecture, interiors, landscape and urbanism.
Interested in a PhD in Architecture, Interiors and Urbanism?
Browse our postgraduate research degrees – including PhDs and MPhils – at our Architecture, Interiors and Urbanism postgraduate research degrees page.