Architecture Research

Approach

The focus of the research program is on contemporary housing for general housing provision. The primary research interest is undertaking ‘real’ design projects that reveal the knowledge embedded in architecture and it’s potential for a wider application in mass housing provision. In order to do this, the Department has established a design practice ‘Monash Architecture Studio (MAS) that engages staff in substantive inquiries about architectural design through practice. Through a design-led process, the research program will explore a range of housing issues and will be interdisciplinary in nature, involving social scientists, engineers, planners, artists and others. The work of MAS differs from the work of private practice in its speculative nature enabled by its location in academia, and also by its desire to articulate the design process. While being thoroughly informed about market forces, the research projects will attempt to address issues in a way that market-driven developments cannot. This will involve more broad speculation and the development of solutions that engage with a wider range of difficult issues. Some of these speculations may not have an immediate commercial application. One of the key themes that will be explored in the research is sustainability. Sustainability will be interpreted in the broadest sense – from the detailed level of materials and technology, through the scale of the building, through to the larger scale of urban form. It is important to note, however, that while sustainability issues will underpin all of the research work, the key focus of the program is an inquiry into the process of architectural design and an associated ongoing dialogue about architectural research. Over time, Monash Architecture Studio will build relationships with a range of design practices, government agencies, businesses and research institutions in order to develop mutual research interests which may lead to collaborative research programs.

Dissemination Program

Monash Architecture will contribute to the academic and cultural life of Monash University and more generally to the community through its Dissemination Program, which will focus on its research themes. Activity will include hosting visiting research fellows, organizing public lectures, producing publications, holding exhibitions, and running workshops and mini-conferences.