Cursos / 3º Ciclo / Faculty of Architecture and Arts :: Architecture

SEMINÁRIO DE DIRECÇÃO DE INVESTIGAÇÃO (PLANO E RELATÓRIO DE INVESTIGAÇÃO) - 2026/2027

1º curricular year
Semestralidade: 2nd semester
ECTS: 15

Teachers

Leading Teacher: Prof. Doutor Fernando Brandão Alves

Class type and School hours

Seminário : 2 Horas

Teaching Language

Portuguese and English language

Main Aims/Objectives

The aim of this course unit is to enable students to acquire and consolidate advanced knowledge, skills and competences in the field of architectural research, with a view to drawing up a research plan and report.

Specific Aims/Objectives

Acquisition of in-depth knowledge of research paradigms and methodologies in architecture, including theoretical, empirical and ‘research by design’ approaches. Development of a review of the state of the art and a theoretical and critical framework.

Skills to be acquired

Development of skills to conceive, structure and justify an original research project, defining objectives, research questions and appropriate methodologies. Acquisition of skills in critical analysis, scientific writing and the communication of results, with a view to producing original knowledge in Architecture. The teaching model, which is tutorial-based, is founded on individualised support and seminars, promoting progressive, project-centred learning.

Teaching Procedures

The course module adopts a tutorial model, centred on the student and the research project, with individualised supervision, seminars and critical analysis of the literature. The methodologies are aligned with the objectives, promoting autonomy, critical thinking and scientific communication. Continuous assessment, centred on the research plan and report, ensures consistency between objectives, content, teaching and assessment at doctoral level, incorporating the activities of the CEAA, which is evaluated by the FCT.

Programme

INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH IN ARCHITECTURE
The nature and specific characteristics of research in architecture. Contemporary paradigms and the relationship between theory, practice and design.
DEFINITION OF THE SUBJECT OF STUDY
Delimitation of the topic. Formulation of the problem, research questions and objectives.
LITERATURE REVIEW AND STATE OF THE ART
Bibliographic research methodologies. Critical analysis and identification of gaps.
THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Construction of the theoretical framework and articulation of relevant conceptual references.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES
Qualitative, quantitative and project-based methods. Data collection and analysis techniques.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE RESEARCH PLAN
Structure, organisation and timetable of the research plan.
CONDUCT OF THE RESEARCH
Application of methodologies and monitoring of the research process.
WRITING THE RESEARCH REPORT
Structure, standards of scientific writing and bibliographic referencing.
SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATION
Oral presentation and critical discussion of research work.
ETHICS AND INTEGRITY IN RESEARCH
Ethical principles and good scientific practice.

Evaluation Type

Assessment is ongoing and focuses on the research plan, the progress of the work, participation in seminars and the final report, following on from the Thesis Project seminar. It is broken down as follows: participation and critical discussion (20 per cent); oral presentation (30 per cent); written proposal (50 per cent). The assessment takes into account scientific and methodological quality, the clarity of the problem and objectives, and the critical integration of the literature, culminating in a joint assessment by the lecturers.

Teaching Resources

The programme offers a specialist library, access to international databases (b-on, Scopus, Avery) and an open-access repository; CAD/BIM, parametric, simulation and GIS software; a digital fabrication laboratory and surveying equipment. PhD students have their own workspaces and are part of the research centre, with seminars, international networks and support for publication, as well as resources tailored to the programme’s objectives.

Sustainability Objectives

Sustainable Development Goals: 3; 4; 7; 9; 11; 12; 13.

Keywords

Theory and Criticism of Architecture; Research by Design; Sustainability and Climate Transition; Heritage and Urban Regeneration; City and Territory; Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence in Design; Housing and Spatial Justice; Age-Friendly Cities; Inclusive Mobility and Accessibility; Low-Carbon Cities; Urban Resilience; Urban Metabolism.

Main Bibliography

Complementary Bibliography