Critically Fit

Doctoral research can be considered a device to transform the industry and the discipline at large. The aim of this course is to prompt and discuss work how performative, critical and contemporary research in architecture is articulated - its structure and methodolgy within dissertations. This two-days seminar will follow the broad themes of Justice, Extraction/Materials, Space Production, and Territory. Invited guests with research expertise in and around architecture research will present their work and then act as a respondent to the presentations of the doctoral students.

A performative dissertation is composed of a section that lays out the ground for the research question, a hypothesis on the focal point of the research, and finally, a strategic position on how the research can contribute to critically impact the discipline of architecture, the construction industry and related socio-spatial aspects. The seminar is interested in the ways that structuring research can specifically target specific goals. The course also intends to open a discussion on the performance of research, and to tap into the existing knowledge within the school and foster dialogue within the community.

This seminar will run over two consecutive days this coming November 9th and 10th, 2023.

The course will host a total of 10 PhD students who have established and confirmed their research plan. Applicants should submit their research plan to riot@epfl.ch for acceptance to the course by the 20th of October.

Please contact Summer Saud Islam (summer.islam@epfl) in case of questions.

The seminar is open to the public for attendance (TBC hybrid option).