Architecture and Urbanism
Research in architecture and urbanism at the University of Nottingham has an International reputation across a wide field of enquiry, falling within the broad groupings of Architectural History & Theory, Urban Design, Environmental Design, and Architecture & Tectonics. Individual scholarship is complimented by collaborative research, both within the Department and externally.
Research within the Division impacts on Government policy, professional practice, the construction industry and the quality of our built environment.
The Division has four research groups:
The Architectural Humanities Group supports research in architectural history, theory, culture and design. Combining individual scholarly work with collaborative and often practice-led research, group members are active in pursuing a range of research topics including: the history of architectural theory and criticism; the philosophy of technology, materiality and sustainability; museums and architectural exhibitions; the history and theory of modern and contemporary architecture. The group has important international links and also works with other schools and departments around the university including: Modern Languages and Cultures; Computer Sciences; Geography; History and Art History.
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The research undertaken by Architecture and Tectonics Group addresses the core of architecture including design as research and research that supports and stimulates design. The making of architecture is researched by reflective practitioners, from: zero carbon architecture, materials, new tectonic opportunities, digital fabrication, 1:1 prototyping, high-rise architecture and the social science of sustainability. Research is undertaken collaboratively, on a multi-national basis with industry, engineers and other A+U research groups. It is a founder member of the Digital Fabricators Research + Practice Association and member of Council for Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. The Architecture and Tectonics Group encompasses A+BE’s Project Office, which undertakes live projects as a mode of research.
The Environmental Design Group aims to inform the practice of architecture and enhance the quality of the built environment through research and consultancy in environmental design. The focus of research is on the way building form, material, and use impact on the relationship between the external and internal thermal, visual and aural environment. Much of the work is related to mitigating the impacts of climate change and reducing carbon emissions through innovative building design. Members of the group are involved in leading edge research, informing practice and industry, and collaborating with academic and commercial partners around the world.
Research into Urban Design has been a strength of the University of Nottingham for the past two decades. The Urban Design Research Group focuses on the study of urban regeneration, conservation, public realm, waterfront regeneration, public consultation, cultural tourism and disaster recovery. The group aims to strength the link between Urban Design Research and Teaching, links between research and practice and to build on existing international links.