The Architectural Research Group

The Architectural Research Group (ARG) in the School of Environment includes all Architectural staff with research interests extending across the Architectural curriculum of design practice, science, and theory. This includes studio-based, text-based and numeric-based research methods. Its mission is to ensure that all staff are as research active as possible, irrespective of whether they are REF returnable. This is critical for maintaining a vibrant and collaborative teaching and research environment that has the critical mass and flexibility to support REF research at the highest levels. The Architectural Research Group (ARG) is housed in the Geddes Institute for Urban Research, this is an interdisciplinary forum for developing research projects and grant applications, comprising a core group of colleagues in architecture planning and geography, with an outer orbit of other disciplines including fine art and design, computing, and engineering. The ARG meets monthly to discuss the research interests and projects of its members. In addition, REF returnable staff meet monthly, to implement institutional policy, seek out funding opportunities, and peer-review grant applications.

ARG research in the built environment focuses on space, and the myriad architectural praxes that shape it and give it its qualities, structures, and uses. Research is currently focused around two inter related themes that support the school of Environment at the University of Dundee's priorities in creative practice and sustainability.

Architecture and Intellectual Culture

Independently driven scholarly and theoretical research is undertaken into long term and contemporary values, ideas, and poetics which on the one hand influence architecture and on the other are informed by it. This includes recent work on spatial subjectivities and representation, digital culture, rationalism, and material-based practices.

Architecture and the Environment

Practical research is undertaken into design and planning of sustainable rural and urban built environments, which ranges from regional work to the study of building components and technology. Recent work includes design of rural houses and housing developments, and environmental benchmarking and performance of buildings.

ARG Research methods include the close critical reading of texts, architectural design, and environmental field measurements. The research of the ARG into Architecture and the Environment has lead to the publication of research papers, building evaluation and planning reports, books, and internationally recognised award winning design projects.