Modern cities around the world rely on Architecture and urban structures. As environmental and human pressure on urban spaces increases, we increasingly need to create urban environments that are creative, sustainable and resilient.
<p>Research in Architecture contributes to delivering multidisciplinary approaches in relation to the built environment and everyday life. We have an ethos of working at the interfaces with other disciplines to tackle key societal and technical challenges, and our research has an impact at a global scale.</p> <p>PhD candidates will research Architecture through the intertwining of two connected but distinct definitions; one is understanding Architecture as the act of intervening the future development of the city. The second is interrogating Architecture as the science of the city and the accumulation of knowledge that is necessary to evaluate, monitor and design policies, programs and plans for the city’s (re) development and prosperity.</p> <p>Our research aims to address the key challenges of developing and maintaining buildings that make efficient use of resources, can be operated sustainably and provide healthy environments that contribute to our wellbeing. The complex interconnected nature of our energy system and the buildings we use needs an innovative approach to create a future that is resilient and sustainable. A key area of our research is the relationship between the way that we live and the performance of our buildings.</p> <p>As well as a lead supervisor who’ll provide guidance and support on your project, you’ll also be associated with our research group in Architecture; a small community with whom you’ll interact on a daily basis.</p> <p>We welcome applications from those who wish to join a friendly, supportive and diverse community of postgraduate researchers who come from all over the world.</p> <h3>Architecture and urbanism</h3> <p>Research in Architecture and Urbanism pursues interdisciplinary and multi-faceted approaches in relation to the built environment, and from a socio-spatial perspective. We understand architecture as a human and societal construct that covers a broad spectrum of social, cultural and technical outcomes that surpasses the work of architects or buildings as objects.</p> <p>Our key interest is in creative explorations of the relationship between the processes and products of architectural practice. As a PhD researcher, you will research Architecture through the intertwining of two connected but distinct definitions; one is understanding Architecture as the act of intervening the future development of the city. The second is interrogating Architecture as the science of the city and the accumulation of knowledge that is necessary to evaluate, monitor and design policies, programs and plans for the city’s (re) development and prosperity.</p> <p>We aim to create knowledge on cities, landscapes and communities in the global south and post-conflict cities. Our research inserts sit within the following strands: Architecture & Memory; identity and place; geographies of post-conflict urbanism; Cultural heritage preservation, protection and management and Digital technologies; Museums and public engagement; co-design and co-production methodologies. </p> <h3>Architecture and sustainable buildings</h3> <p>This research takes multi-disciplinary approaches to low carbon design; optimal structural design; low impact materials and waste minimization; relationships between occupant behaviours, wellbeing and building performance. we aim to promote a holistic approach to improve the development of sustainable buildings. Our approach aims to develop strategies for low carbon buildings that are energy-efficient, safe, comfortable and affordable. Energy-efficient low carbon buildings can be achieved only by reducing both embodied carbon and operational energy.</p> <p>Our research aims to address embodied carbon reduction through the development of optimized structural design, using eco-friendly materials, recycled components and improving reclamation of components. We promote energy efficiency in the operational stage through the exploration of insulation materials, adaptive facades, intelligent skins and integration of renewable energy sources and energy storage. Our expertise includes: Low carbon design; optimal structural design; low impact materials and waste minimization; relationships between occupant behaviours, wellbeing and building performance, energy simulation and performance monitoring.</p> <h3>Useful links and further reading:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering-cities-infrastructure/doc/architecture-urbanism">Architecture and urbanism research group</a></li> <li><a href="https://engineering.leeds.ac.uk/info/201313/research_degrees">Research degrees in the School of Civil Engineering</a></li> <li><a href="https://engineering.leeds.ac.uk/info/201315/research_and_innovation">School of Civil Engineering, Research and Innovation</a> </li> </ul> <h3>Leeds Doctoral College</h3> <p>Our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/130558/leeds_doctoral_college">Doctoral College</a> supports you throughout your postgraduate research journey. It brings together all the support services and opportunities to enhance your research, your development, and your overall experience.</p>
<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="http://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/130206/applying/91/applying_for_research_degrees">University's website</a>.</p>
<p>For queries relating to your research proposal or subject area, please contact <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering/staff/1171/dr-gehan-selim">Dr Gehan Selim</a>.</p> <p>For general enquiries and details regarding the application process, please contact the Graduate School Office:</p> <p>e: <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a>, t: +44 (0)113 34 35057</p>
<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Linked project opportunities</h2>