Research-Led Design (RLD)
Research-Led Design is a year one master’s specialisation in Architecture at Oxford Brookes University. It focuses on the use of rigorous theoretical design research to achieve architectural solutions through the production of a dissertation. Each student chooses a topic of their choice driven by their unique motivation. For example, the choice may stem from a curiosity to learn more about an architectural topic, to explore and experiment with new design methods, or to discover new design theories. The design dissertation enables students to apply a deep layer of theoretical research to their architectural process to produce well-informed, thoughtful, and innovative projects.
The 2020 – 2021 cohort covered an expansive range of topics, from architecture inspired by dreams to learning from traditional Egyptian architecture to achieve sustainable design in housing. Unlike standard architectural portfolios, RLD allows for the design of both: theoretical frameworks and practical architectural solutions. RLD is more than just a design studio. It has allowed students to identify gaps in knowledge and contribute with their own unique theories and solutions. At the end of the academic year, RLD students presented their findings and projects to a panel of guest architects and lecturers. They were able to defend their theories and design decisions using the dissertation research developed over the year..
We hope you enjoy the eclectic and powerful nature of the themes that this year’s students have investigated.