Research clusters in the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning align with the
research pillars and priorities of Qatar University and the State of Qatar. Our research clusters encompass the building sciences under the pillar of Energy and Environment,
computer technology under the pillar of Information and Communication Technology, human-environment interaction and cultural identity under the pillar of the Social Sciences and Humanities,and transformative research priority of Education and Economic Sustainability due to the comprehensive nature of the built environment in our world. It drives our department’s impact-focused interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary research on built environment efficiencies and thermal comfort, data visualization and Building Information Modeling (BIM), social change and identity, economic diversification, and sustainable development.
Built Environment & Energy Efficiency
The research cluster investigates ways of reducing the energy consumption of built environments through the effective use of passive strategies and technological innovations in building design for energy, acoustics, waste management, thermal insulation, shading, air infiltration, ventilation, and other building services. A key component includes investigations of thermal comfort related to indoor and outdoor environments, such as clothing, human thermal adaptation, comfort temperature, occupant behavior, indoor air quality, and environmental satisfaction.
SMART & Digital Built Enviornment
The research cluster investigates the graphical representation of information, methods of data visualization, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) techniques and processes for the design, construction, financing, and delivery of projects. It includes applying various tools, technologies, and contracts involving the generation and management of digital representations for buildings and places’ physical, functional, and supply chain characteristics, including SMART buildings and cities.
Architectural & Urban Studies
The research cluster investigates the physical, economic, and socio-cultural nature of sustainable built environments from the scale of a single house to entire metropolitan regions. The goal is to contribute to advancing knowledge by developing and applying research findings based on conceptual approaches such as Transit-Orientated Development (TOD), urban regeneration, typologies of architectural form, and empirical methodologies such as space syntax to the built environment.
Heritage & Socio-Cultural Identity
The research cluster investigates the evolution and adaptation of historic buildings or urban environments for new uses and functions. It explores contemporary practices in remodeling, upgrading, renovation, and adaptive reuse of historical buildings, including whether or not these practices respect the historical design and structure, its immediate urban fabric, environmental aspects, and their impact on socio-cultural sustainability.
