Design, Theory and Practice (DTP)
Group Leader(s): Professor Marcel Vellinga
Contact: mvellinga@brookes.ac.uk
About us
The Design, Theory and Practice (DTP) group undertakes design research produced inside and outside the discipline of architecture in order to facilitate the advancement of architectural research as a creative practice. The group explores the relationship between the theory and practice of design-based research in architecture.
Members of the group undertake research using methods typically used in architectural design as well as methods from other disciplines including:
- architectural drawing/ modelling/ prototyping
- painting and non-architectural drawing
- film making; photography
- creative writing
- digital fabrication.
The research focuses on places and buildings in a variety of contexts around the world and aims to be grounded in the communities that participate in it.
Part of
Related courses
- Architecture (BA (Hons))
- Architecture (MPhil / PhD / PhD by Practice / PhD by Published Work / Research Degree involving Creative Work)
- Applied Design in Architecture (ARB and RIBA part 2) (MArchD)
- Architecture (MArch)
- Digital Craft in Architecture (MA)
- Interior Architecture (BA (Hons))
Research impact
The research done in the Design, Theory and Practice group informs professional practice and explores the relationship between theory and built form. The projects are wide ranging and look at a broad spectrum of topics, including:
- therapeutic environments
- live projects
- digital fabrication
- cultures of practice.
Using an evidence-based approach, and in collaboration with charities, local communities, industry partners and governments, the research has resulted in the improvement of the nature, efficacy and inclusivity of architectural environments in contexts as diverse as cancer centres, courtrooms, local neighbourhoods and arctic environments.
Leadership
Professor Marcel Vellinga
Professor of Anthropology of Architecture
