The International Conference aims to discuss topics and methods in architectural research, focusing on their cross-disciplinary interrelations and their relevance to the design process itself. We are interested to see approaches to the development of a research culture in architecture.

During the Gothic period, Leonardo Fibonacci of Pisa (1180-1240) established the foundations of theoretical geometry. Back then, the masters of building were architects, artists and engineers at the same time. Geometry strongly influenced their artistic work. Unfortunately, little is passed down about their knowledge, because the architects did not write.

The Gothic period stands figuratively for the complexity of architecture and its research culture. Architecture refers to many participating disciplines such as construction, materials sciences, building physics, sociology, fabrication technology, computer science, geometry, arts, architectural history and theory. It is significant, that these disciplines are interlinked in planning, design and realization processes of architecture. Compared to other sciences this is certainly one of the reasons why the development of a research culture in architecture is more difficult.

The International Conference aims to discuss topics and methods in architectural research, focusing on their cross-disciplinary interrelations and their relevance to the design process itself. We are interested to see approaches to the development of a research culture in architecture. This conference will identify research topics and methods, encourages a research discourse and provides impulses especially for young researchers.

The cross-disciplinary interrelations will be debated through invited keynote lectures, as well as presentations of papers and posters, which have been accepted by our scientific committee. The invited experts from academia and practice will showcase pioneering projects and developments from various fields of architectural research. Additionally, the special situation of a research culture in architecture as well as research topics and methods will be discussed at round tables.

The International Conference rca 2018 is funded by DFG - Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.