Architecture and the built environment encompass practiced-based disciplines, which provides multiple opportunities to develop interdisciplinary projects with academic researchers from around the world as well as transdisciplinary projects with stakeholders in public and private sectors and civil society. The following paragraphs provide more information about our international and transdisciplinary research agendas.

International Research

Internationalization is a priority for the Department of Architecture and the Built Environment, and we participate in multiple research consortia, networks, and projects with leading international scholars. We also participate in international conferences and formalized global networks to exchange knowledge and learn from one another.

Examples of international research collaborations include:

• EmbedterLabs: Better Embedded Labs for More Synergistic Sustainable Urban Transformation Planning (Urban Europe Website) - understanding how results from urban experiments can be scaled up and applied to policies. A three-year JPI Urban Europé project with Maastricht University, Gdansk University of Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and Uppsala University.
• The Role of Architecture in Shaping in Scientific Cultures: The Case of Nanonscience – a study new types of scientific architecture in Lund and Manchester A four-year Veteskapsrådet project with the University of Manchester.

Transdisciplinary Research

Over the last decade, there has been increasing emphasis on research projects that have positive impacts on society. This involves transdisciplinary research activities that engage academics with stakeholders from the public and the private sectors, the cultural and creative sector, NGOs, and civil society. These applied activities are integral to our strategic mission and provide a direct route to influence societal transformations.

Examples of transdisciplinary research collaborations include:

• Play for Democracy (Form/Design Center Website)– artistic research on means and methods for children to exercise their democratic rights in city building process. A four-year Formas project with the City of Ängelholm, Form/Design Center, Konstfrämjandet Skåne, and SLU Movium Think Tank.
• TRANS-LEARN: Ecosystems of learning for urban sustainability transformations – study on how different approaches to learning can enhance sustainable urban development. A four-year Formas project with the National Board of Housing, Building and Planning, the Gothenburg Region, IQ Samhällsbyggnad, Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions, Viable Cities, and VINNOVA.
• Syntax of Equality: A tool for expressing and implementing equality and inclusion – a study to identify and test patterns in the physical environment that support equality and inclusion. A four-year VINNOVA project with the City of Gothenburg, City of Kalmar, City of Östersund, and Gothenburg University.
• CO-HOPE: Collaborative housing in a pandemic era – to shift housing policies towards community-led collaborative housing. A three-year JPI Urban Europé project with academics, municipalities, design firms and civil society groups.
• Interaction Construction robotics: 3D-printing, adaption and sensor feedback – research using robots and 3D-printing to realize nature-based solutions in the construction industry. A two-year Formas project with PEAB AB.
• Homes for more people in the existing housing stock in Uppsala: Test bed for sharing and reduced loneliness - implementing a co-creation process to promote shared housing in the existing housing stock A four-year VINNOVA project with EttTak, HelaStaden, the City of Uppsala, and KTH Royal Institute of Technology.

If you are interested in initiating a research collaboration, please contact us to identify relevant experts in one or more of our subject areas. Shared activities might involve data collection and analysis, development of building types and appliances, processes and experiments, scenario building, and prototyping. We work to ensure that our collaborations are mutually beneficial for all partners while developing and communicating useful and accessible knowledge that can be applied in a wide range of contexts. Please note that we do not pursue research collaboration with private individuals.