Architecture and Design Research
At Architecture and Design, we research materials, design, and architectural and urban futures from a uniquely situated and globally engaged location. Our expertise covers architecture, urban design, building performance, product design and material development, and technologically advanced processes of making – all related to the imperatives of ecological sustainability and social responsibility.
We engage and impact communities, industries, and professions through participatory and collaborative projects of varying scale and focus. Our research design processes connect with reflective teaching practices. In particular, our extensive ‘live’ projects are opportunities to experiment research explorations in design studios, we apply traditional approaches and emerging technologies to develop creative responses to real world challenges. We are especially interested in forging new knowledge about design, architecture and urban environments from a regional perspective.
We also research methods of construction and evaluate building performance in relation to ecological systems and human well-being. We investigate renewable and environmentally sustainable materials, technologies, and processes that are vital for a planet facing escalating demands for finite natural resources. Our research draws on the fields of material processing, design practice, and building manufacturing to make positive changes to the bio-economy and around built environments. We are passionate about research into climate-resilient, low-carbon living in the built environments of Tasmania, Australia, and beyond.
Within these fields, we project our environmental, social, and cultural explorations to sustainable developments around the globe. Our research is intrinsic to the University of Tasmania’s overall overarching themes of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, Creativity, Culture and Society as well as drawing on Data, Knowledge, and Decisions.
Our research is inherently multi-disciplinary, but can broadly be understood via three overlapping themes: ‘Constructed Ecologies’, Participatory Practices’, and ‘Mediating Meanings’. They are not rigid categories, but platforms for Architecture and Design researchers to collaborate with academic colleagues across other disciplines in the sciences, arts and humanities, as well as professionals, industry partners, government, communities and other institutions at regional, national and global levels.
Our research themes
Study with us
Undertake an active research degree at Architecture and Design. We specialise in built environments, product design, building performance and sustainable material development, as well as advancing contemporary technologies and processes. Within these fields, you can join our existing projects or propose your explorations, whether creative, theoretical, or industry/practice-focused. Your thesis may be based on the rich design/architectural culture of Tasmania or other regions in Australasia, Southeast Asia, Japan and beyond, drawing on our global experience and expertise. You’ll have access to the latest fabrication and visualisation technologies in our Launceston workshops and studios. Join researchers who are constantly creating theoretical, design-based, collaborative, and participatory models of research practice to create future materials, products, buildings and cities that are socially and environmentally sustainable. Study with us if you are interested in exploring any of these areas, whether for their intrinsic interest, or as vehicles for your investigations into questions of sustainability, heritage, modernity, cultural identity, or social value.
Available Research Degree Projects
A research degree candidate may develop their own research project in collaboration with their supervisor or apply for one of our currently available projects.
Applicants who are interested a specific project should first contact the supervisor listed and then find out more about our Entry Requirements, Scholarships and Fees if relevant, and then Apply Now.
Partner with us
Architecture and Design at the University of Tasmania has a long history of working effectively with communities, industries, governments, professional associations, institutions and non-profit enterprises. Fostering partnerships is integral to maximising the impact of our research and teaching, with our successful collaborations spanning architecture, urban design, material technologies and product design. As well as broadening and strengthening the relationships we have with our current partners, our talented researchers welcome the opportunity to forge relationships with new partners to create mutually beneficial research outcomes and deliver real social, environmental and economic benefits at a local, regional, national and global level.
