During the first semester of the PhD School we investigate the context in which research may be thought through and carried out in the history, theory and practice of architecture, design, urbanism, landscape and related fields. The course introduces a range of practical, conceptual, critical, methodological and epistemological lenses for interrogating and reflecting upon issues of collecting, analyzing, communicating and authoring research through both established and experimental means, including the ethical questions that are raised by conducting research in these disciplines. Following an introductory session to each theme, PhD Fellows work with a repeating series of directed reading and writing assignments, with individual responses being prepared for peer-oriented presentation, discussion and review during the next session.

Course unit description

This course aims to create interdisciplinary sensibility and to cement relationships with your PhD Peers. The course consists of understanding and defining various modes and habits of research which attend the various research disciplines at AHO, with an emphasis on the place of design within the process of generating knowledge through research.