Research in the Department is conducted in a number of areas including aspects of architectural history and theory, CAD as a communication medium, environmental studies (energy efficiency, passive solar design, acoustics, affects of buildings on health and environmental engineering of building components), urban morphology, land use and transportation, earthquake resistance of traditional structures, disaster mitigation, Him and architecture, the recording and analysis of historic buildings, the foundations (history and

philosophy) of architectural and urban order and the hermeneutics of architecture in its cultural context (the question of communicative space, the relation between simulated and natural environments and the nature of creativity and meaning in the age of production). Research links exist with other Departments in the University, with industry (Arup Acoustics and Cambridge Architectural Research) and with other institutions in the UK and abroad.

Research facilities are divided between the school of architecture, which houses the studios, art-historical library and slide collection, and the multi-disciplinary Martin Centre, which accommodates computing facilities, an environmental laboratory, workshop, technical library and rooms for small groups of researchers.

Post-Doctoral research is typically organised on an individual basis, supported by a grant, with opportunities to use research facilities and cultivate relations with other scholars. Opportunities for Research Associates are advertised when they occur.

The Ph.D. programme. Masters and Diploma courses form the Department’s Graduate School. Course seminars are, subject to any necessary restrictions on space or equipment, open to all members of the Graduate School.

The Ph.D. is a three year programme in independent, supervised research. An applicant may be required to enrol in the relevant M.Phil, programme for the first year. Ph.D. applicants may apply to work in any of the established areas or propose individual topics provided that a supervisor can be arranged. Applicants should, in addition to the usual requirements, have a strong interest in architecture, and be able to demonstrate a capacity for research.

All students in the Ph.D. and M.Phil, programmes are required to attend the Postgraduate Training Seminars organised annually by the Department.

Closing dates for receipt of application forms by the Board or Graduate Studies for admission In October; MPhll and Diploma – 31 January; M.St. – 31 March.

One year courses offered by this Department: M.Phil Degrees