PROJECT : RESEARCH

Project : Research — O.porto School of Architecture Research Journal is an innovative bilingual (Portuguese and English) scientific journal designed to be accessible in both digital and print formats. Published biannually (twice a year) by the Center for Studies in Architecture and Urbanism of the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Porto, this journal ensures a rigorous scholarly process with content subjected to a double-blind peer review. Embracing an open-access distribution model, the journal guarantees broad accessibility to its content. Our commitment is to foster intellectual discourse and contribute to the advancement of architectural knowledge by exploring the architectural project as a distinct form of thought and knowledge. We emphasise the equivalence between “project” and “research,” as indicated by the colon in the journal title, underscoring our dedication to highlighting the intrinsic relationship between these two concepts. 

The journal asserts the concept of the architectural project as a distinct form of intellectual inquiry, placing it at the forefront to advocate for an idea that might not be universally embraced in the scientific community: the contention that the architectural project inherently qualifies as a rigorous form of research, substantiated by the presentation of factual information. Positioned as a nexus between abstract or conceptual ideas and tangible reality, the architectural project encapsulates the distinctive contribution of the discipline of architecture to the generation of knowledge and comprehension of the material, social, and temporal dimensions of the world.

What is commonly termed “architectural design research” has been an inherent aspect of the architectural project for over 500 years. While architectural design research is typically defined as the processes and outcomes of inquiries and investigations in which architects contribute to design thinking through the creation of projects or broader initiatives, this journal adopts a critical perspective on the conventional understanding of architectural design research. Instead, it posits the architectural project itself—comprising primarily visual documentation along with a written component related to a built structure, an urban plan, or, in broader conceptions, a book, a film, or an exhibition—as a scientific inquiry capable of illustrating, demonstrating, proving, and exploring disciplinary problems, ideas, aims, and objectives, thereby generating knowledge. 

The architectural project is inherently a problematic entity, representing an expansive field that transcends its immediate context and embraces a broader temporal perspective. Constantly oriented towards the future, it considers potential impacts and actions while deriving insights from the past. Laden with the weight of centuries of history, the architectural project boldly ventures into unexplored territories, reflecting a dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation.

While affirming the distinctiveness of the architectural project within the discipline of architecture, the journal also advocates for its enduring status as the outcome of collaborative efforts and interdisciplinary research. The architectural project encompasses a diverse array of methods, frameworks, literature, and approaches from various fields. Vitruvius, often credited as the first architect to define architecture as a discipline, recognised that its body of knowledge encompassed a wide range of expertise, spanning literature, geometry, philosophy, music, astronomy, medicine, and legal matters. In alignment with this perspective, the journal pays homage to Carlos Ramos, the inaugural director of the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Porto, who consistently emphasised the importance of artists, engineers, sociologists, economists, historians, and philosophers in nurturing a humanistic education that integrates artistic and scientific perspectives. This acknowledgment reinforces the journal’s commitment to the rich interdisciplinary heritage that contributes to the multifaceted nature of the architectural project. 

Without a doubt, the Oporto School of Architecture has forged a robust tradition in acknowledging the pivotal significance of the architectural project within the discipline of architecture, laying a sturdy groundwork for this journal to advance upon. Simultaneously, it underscores the necessity of conducting thorough investigations and problematising research, delving into the architectural field’s capacity to propose and define places, generate meanings, and communicate through a distinct language.

The journal firmly positions itself within the realm of Architectural Practices, structuring its content around diverse types of practices, such as Project practices, Theoretical practices, Historical practices, Territorial practices, and Representation practices. Each volume, centred on a specific theme, will be curated by two guest editors who are invited to contribute their unique perspectives and insights to the journal’s core pursuits. This approach builds upon the delicate balance between the persistence of certain issues within the discipline and the emergence and urgency posed by contemporary concerns.