Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021)
Strathclyde’s Architecture, Built Environment and Planning submission was rated 100% ‘outstanding’ for impact in REF 2021.
Find out more about REF 2021 Results.
Our research in architecture reflects the multi and trans-disciplinary nature of architecture and urbanism and focuses on real-world problems and improving peoples’ lives.
We’re renowned for our commitment to addressing environmental and societal challenges facing the built environment, in local and global contexts.
Our research within the Department of Architecture is centred on two key themes reflecting the broad impact of our research activities:
Sustainability & the built environment
- Architectural Design & Conservation (ADCRU)
- Construction Law (CLRU)
- Design & Sustainability (CRiDS)
- Digital Construction (DiCRU)
- Energy Systems Research Unit (ESRU) located within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Urbanism & Global Cities
- Architecture & Urbanism in the Global South (CRAUCGS)
- Urban Design Studies (UDSU)
In keeping with the University’s strategic aims, we have developed strong links with industry, numerous European and international connections, and a capability to undertake trans-disciplinary research that integrates sustainable design, engineering and technology and cultural enquiry from local, regional, and global perspectives.

Architectural design & conservation
We deal with the challenges of properly conserving our built heritage while allowing changes to adapt it to contemporary uses. We deal with the design of new buildings which contribute to the conservation of our environment, learning from traditional strategies and technological innovations.

Construction law
We actively engage in research related to the legalities of the construction process including dispute resolution, regulatory enforcement, professional ethics and corporate corruption.

Design & sustainability
We draw together research expertise in sustainable architecture and urbanism, the identification of social ecologies and environmental systems for supporting resilient communities, innovations in solar design technology and improvements in health for sustainable development.

Digital construction
We evaluate and develop advanced technologies, methodologies and approaches for cutting- edge Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to improve the performance of the construction industry.

Architecture & urbanism in the global south
Our research encompasses the themes of knowledge economy and sustainable urban qualities in Global South cities, socio-spatial practice of migrant and minority communities, cultural identity and architectural design pedagogy.

Urban design
We study cities, their form, functions and impact, with the goal of making them more resilient. We aim to understand the major interrelated dynamics posed by recent urbanization processes, in both informal settlements and established cities.
Discover more about architecture
Our galleries
Take a look in the image gallery to see the range of award winning work that is produced in the Department

Our experts
ChalkTalk
Students Andrea Hickey and Neal Hemingway created ChalkTalk for their Masters project, to encourage discussion and stories about architecture and design within the city during the Merchant City Festival.
Future Architecture Workshop: Merchant City Festival 2015
We invited prospective students of architecture to participate in a day long workshop as part of the Merchant City Festival. Explore our city with them!