LSBU is the top modern university in London for world-leading and internationally excellent research in General Engineering, which includes The Built Environment and Architecture research - Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014.

Research Centres

Research in the area of architecture is carried out by specialist centers. The majority of academic staff belong to one or more of these and research students can expect to join a small team working on particular problems.

Architecture

Research areas and themes where we are able to offer supervision include:

City depiction, design, and description Architectural pedagogy, and design studio culture Digital architecture, fabrication, and design research Rethinking sustainable practice: adaptation, conservation, and architecture Visualisation; augmented reality; 3D modeling; integrated project delivery; virtualization Architectural design as a cultural product The city as a consumer The structure of space: architecture, geometry, technology ... [-]

Good architecture embraces a holistic approach to design and as a consequence, the environmental strategies embodied within buildings present considerable challenges. They need to reconcile the often conflicting considerations of climate, building function and user expectation, while at the same time being mindful of energy-related carbon emissions.

Projects in environmental design typically reflect the integrated nature of these strategies and explore areas such as natural ventilation, passive heating and cooling, solar protection, fabric thermal storage, daylight and solar strategies and architectural acoustics. These are intrinsically linked to the tectonics of architecture and considerable potential exists to explore the opportunities offered where these overlaps occur, eg the environmental performance of facades, natural ventilation of high rise buildings, etc. Urban design is concerned with the city as a field of analysis and intervention.... [-]

This course requires a 2:1 or international equivalent and/or a master's degree at merit level or above in a relevant subject, and an IELTS level 6.0 (5.5 in each element). It is usually completed over a period of three years.

Research overview

This PhD addresses the core of architecture including design as research and research that supports and stimulates design. Research is undertaken collaboratively on a multinational basis with industry, engineers and other research groups. This course requires a 2:1 or international equivalent and/or a master's degree at merit level or above in a relevant subject, and an IELTS level 6.0 (5.5 in each element). It is usually completed over a period of three years.... [-]

Facilities

This Ph.D. is based on the Faculty of Engineering. There has been a continuous investment in the buildings and facilities in the department. The computing facilities (complete with the software you will need), building technology laboratories and technical workshop, digital fabrication suite and model making workshop will provide you with additional tools for investigative analysis.

The Marmont Centre for Renewable Energy contains research laboratories that are equipped with a variety of technologies including photovoltaic panels, solar collectors, light pipes, wind turbines and ground source heat pumps. The laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for research into passive cooling, heat recovery, solar/wind/ground energy systems, absorption technology, heat pump systems, ventilation systems, indoor air quality and thermal comfort.... [-]

Ph.D. in Architecture Research overview

The School of Architecture’s researchers work in a wide range of projects in the areas of architecture, interior design, urban design, and conservation. Our research is undertaken in collaboration with academic, charitable, community and commercial groups outside the University and many of our full-time academics have practiced as architects and designers. This ensures that our research is up-to-date and reflects the current and future needs of the industry and the wider built environment sector.

Research areas

The Portsmouth School of Architecture welcomes applications from candidates wishing to pursue a higher degree by research. We can provide supervision across a range of areas, including Sustainable Architecture, Architecture and Urban Design, Regeneration, Architectural History and Theory, Interior Design Practice, Architecture, and Design Pedagogy.... [-]