Exploring narratives of place and culture
Architecture and urban design are intricately connected to significant local and global issues and the everyday experiences of people. The results of these fields have a direct influence on a wide range of interrelated systems, including the environment, culture, economy, politics, and aesthetics. Whether we are addressing challenges like climate change, community engagement, wealth distribution, or health and well-being, it's essential to recognize the substantial role that histories and theories can play in addressing urban and architectural transformations.
Our research in Architecture and Urban Histories and Theories is founded on an awareness of a variety of approaches and epistemologies. We actively engage with diverse narratives surrounding urban, architectural, and interior spaces, weaving together a polyphony of voices, conversations, and debates.
Our goal is to construct fresh historiographical and theoretical discourses in architecture, interiors, landscape, and urbanism by immersing ourselves in the values of historical, cultural, and political contexts. Our research transcends the boundaries between architecture and other disciplines such as art, cinema, design, histories, heritage, and cultural and social theories.
In the realm of academic research, we strive to blur the lines between academia and practical application in architecture. We reflect on research in our teaching, involving students in our Graduate and Postgraduate Programs, including PhD research projects.
Our research topics
We develop both conventional and practice-based research around the following themes:
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Historiography and Documentation of Architecture and Urban Spaces
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Heritage, Memory and Cultural Resonance
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Cinematic, literary, and artistic readings of the built environment
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Historical Social and Cultural Landscapes
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Art and Interior Space
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Architecture Criticism
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Urban Narratives
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Embodied Approach within Architecture and Urban Design
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Urban Activism
Recent projects
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Narratives of space
This research area investigates the concept of place as a social and cultural construct composed of multiple mutable narratives through which we make sense of the world. Research activities aim to unpick this rich tapestry to identify methods for understanding the complexities of place and its social and cultural readings. This research leads us to propose strategies for place-making and design interventions that draw on narrative in order to create distinct identities that promote attachment and connectivity to place.
Topics include:
- Historiography and Documentary
- Heritage, Memory and Cultural Resonance
- Cinematic, literary, and artistic readings of the built environment
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Cultural contexts
This research area examines past and present cultural contexts in which historical and contemporary architectural and design production operates. It investigates the role played by shared ideas, social networks, and cultural practices in developing our built environments and how these shape individual and collective experiences of place. Particular interests of this group include architectural history and art history, artistic practice, textual analysis of film, and travel writing.
Topics include:
- Historical Social and Cultural Landscapes
- Art and Interior Space
- Cinematic Space and Social Stereotyping
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Screening House: film and material representations of the Cold War’s anxieties
Aedo Jury, Sebastian. / Screening House: film and material representations of the Cold War’s anxieties. In: Architectural Research Quarterly . 2023 ; Vol. 26, No. 3. pp. 236-246
Interested in a PhD in architecture, interiors and urbanism?
Browse our postgraduate research degrees – including PhDs and MPhils – at our Architecture, interiors and urbanism postgraduate research degrees page.
Architecture courses
Architecture MArch
Study MArch Architecture at the University of Portsmouth. Further your studies at a postgraduate level, boost your employability and achieve your goals.
Start date: September 2025
Architecture MA
Become a sustainable specialist in alternative architecture on our customisable Architecture Master's course.
Start date: January 2025 September 2025 January 2026
Architecture: Landscape and Urban Design MA
Become an expert in landscape and urban design with our MA Architecture: Landscape and Urban Design Master's. You'll learn about landscape and urbanism and how they relate to the multi-dimensional environments we live in, arming you with the knowledge to reshape societies sustainably and strengthening the next phase of your career.
Start date: January 2025 September 2025 January 2026
Architecture: Building and Heritage Conservation MA
Acquire the techniques, legal, and management skills you need for professional practice in this Building and Heritage Conservation Master's. Accredited by the Institute of Historical Building Conservation.
Start date: January 2025 September 2025 January 2026
Architecture: Spatial Design Practices MA
Gain deeper understanding of how architecture connects art and the spaces, buildings, societies, and natural environments we live in on our MA Architecture: Spatial Design Practices Master's degree course. Get creative with and inspired by the entire spatial design process: from ideation to production.
Start date: January 2025 September 2025 January 2026
Interior Architecture and Design MA
Experiment, explore and engage with interior spaces with this Master's degree course. You'll have all the tools you need for a career in interior design.
Start date: January 2025 September 2025 January 2026
Architecture BA (Hons)
Learn from professional architects and develop sustainable industry skills on our BA (Hons) Architecture degree. ARB- and RIBA-accredited, so you get Part 1 qualification for architect registration.
Start date: September 2025
Interior Architecture and Design BA (Hons)
Learn to transform building interiors and create exciting spaces on our Interior Architecture and Design degree course.
Start date: September 2025
