research areas
Since 2005, the team won several international and national funded research projects, as project leader and partner. This was possible due to: the consolidation of research, the increase of the team’s scientific outputs, the integration of new researchers (broadening the expertise and the scientific areas), and the submission of national and international competitive bids.
In recent years, the research group has concentrated on four main Research Areas and several Cross-Cutting Key Issues. CIAUD-UPT’s transversal themes emerge from these intersections, generating innovative research that addresses contemporary challenges in architecture, heritage, urbanism, and multimedia such as Adaptation to Climate Change, Digital Transition, and New Social Paradigms.
Architecture
Sustainable and ecological contribution to quality in architecture, the study of habitat and its capacity to prepare and adapt are one of the focuses of the research. This strategic focus of research combines areas relate to the Integrated Master on Architecture and Urbanism (5 years). On the last years, several research projects have been awarded competitive funding and have been developed with outstanding results. The different areas of research have been strategically related, promoting common synergies. The selected research approach has a conceptual alignment with the strategic mission of the Department, as well as with its cultural commitment and pedagogical orientation.
Keywords: Sustainable Architecture | Earthen Architecture | Habitat & Resilient Communities
Heritage
Heritage analysis, heritage assessment and heritage intervention have been part of the team’s study and research experience for the last 20 years, contributing actively for awareness, protection and preservation of cultural heritage, at local, national and international level. Since 2005, the research team has won competitive funding addressing the study and the protection of heritage. The selected research approach has a conceptual alignment with the strategic mission of the Department, as well as with its cultural commitment and pedagogical orientation.
Keywords: Vernacular heritage | Cultural heritage | World Heritage | 20th-century modern architecture
Urbanism
This research strategy addresses the development of cities and regional planning. It comprises a sustainable approach with an integrated perspective, through solutions regarding socio-economic, environmental and governance challenges currently being faced. The selected research approach has a conceptual alignment with the strategic mission of the Department, as well as with its cultural commitment and pedagogical orientation.
Keywords: Urban and Regional Studies | Urban Design & Resilient Built Environment | Collaborative Planning
Multimedia
The research area comprises artistic and scientific production based on the interconnection between contemporary art, digital and technological evolution. This approach is possible through a direct link between the scientific areas / curriculum of the Multimedia and Visual Arts degree. CIAUD-UPT combines artistic practice with scientific research in a transdisciplinary approach, with a focus on digital / technological (re)materialization, as well as the aesthetics resulting from it. The selected research approach has a conceptual alignment with the strategic mission of the Department, as well as with its cultural commitment and pedagogical orientation.
Keywords: Media Arts | Digital Art | New Media
Recently, the RESEARCH GROUP entitled “Studies in Architecture, Heritage, Urbanism and Media Arts” defined two main Research Lines:
- Research Line 1
Territorial Dynamics, Resilient Habitat and Innovation
This line examines urban and regional transformation, sustainable habitat design, and innovative solutions for heritage conservation, climate adaptation, and resilient built environments that respond to contemporary socio-environmental challenges. - Research Line 2
Media Arts, Digital Culture & Society
This line explores the intersection of contemporary art, digital technologies, and cultural transformation, combining artistic practice with research on visual culture, interactive media, and the aesthetic and social implications of emerging technologies.
