Research strengths
A central concern is with practice-led, creative and experimental
design activities which generate and present new understandings, speculations and
connections in and across built environment disciplines.
Staff and research students involved in design research aim to:
- develop the intellectual framework of design
- articulate design's distinctive investigative and creative processes
- enhance design's visual, three-dimensional and written modes of representation
- stimulate debate about design and its manifestations in knowledge, practice and culture
- anticipate opportunities for realising design ideas and prototypes in industry, community and professional contexts
There is commitment to building upon knowledge and processes generated through inquiry-based design-studio education, as well as action-based design research projects, which are informed by institutional, industry and community issues.
Interdisciplinary research foci are:
- design as social, educative and ecological knowledge
- design as a speculative, creative and artistic practice
- community participation in the process and outcomes of design
- science and computer-based perspectives that inform design processes and outcomes
- product design processes including sustainability, marketing, production and usability