The programme stresses the importance of architecture as a professional discipline, concerned with design in diverse conditions. Together we engage with a broad range of critical issues, teaching methodologies, and complex design agendas that reflect the changing conditions of contemporary practice. We emphasise the profound relationship of architecture to the broader problems of environment and ecological sustainability. The School of Architecture is situated within the Faculty of Social Science and offers a unique opportunity for impactful interdisciplinary
design research.

The design studio is unique in developing essential qualities among students, such as the adoption of an action-based iterative approach toward problem solving, design thinking, experimentation and craft. Each studio section is designed to mimic conditions and environments found in professional practice, and highlight knowledge development through peer learning, skills development, and professional competency. Studios are structured around two yearlong projects, organised into vertical studios.

Positing a design question is an important step in advancing architectural research. It initiates critical reflection among students, instructors, peers, and reviewers on issues surrounding our design development. Each studio instructor poses a broad design research question, and engages with students to develop original responses that can illuminate their position, complexity of design proposals, and highlight the forces driving their architecture.