Key research themes
1. How do regulatory and market standards influence design practices and sustainability outcomes in commercial architecture?
This research theme investigates the role of formal and informal regulations, such as market standards and private guidelines, in shaping commercial building design. It particularly focuses on how these standards affect the agency of designers, influence building performance outcomes like energy efficiency, and regulate the commodification and valuation of commercial office buildings. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for addressing the tensions between market-driven uniformity and innovation in sustainable architectural solutions.
2. What are the emerging sustainable design strategies and interdisciplinary approaches in commercial architecture to address energy efficiency challenges?
The commercial architecture sector faces heightened scrutiny regarding its energy consumption and environmental impact, especially in building typologies such as commercial centers and offices which differ from residential buildings in terms of energy dynamics. This theme explores innovations in interdisciplinary and integrated design strategies to embed energy efficiency from early design stages, leveraging bioclimatic principles, natural ventilation, and computational tools. These approaches aim to balance cost-effectiveness, market requirements, and sustainability imperatives.
3. How do business, marketing, and client demands shape the architecture and commercial viability of built environments?
This theme addresses the intersection of architectural design with business and marketing strategies, client expectations, and economic realities in the commercial architecture industry. It examines how marketing influences architectural program development and forms, the challenge of aligning architectural practice with business viability, and the evolving client typologies impacting design decisions and market positioning. Insights provide actionable guidance for architects to integrate business acumen into design processes for sustainable professional practice.