The Centre for Architecture, Urbanism and Global Heritage

Our research at the Centre for Architecture, Urbanism and Global Heritage (CAUGH) focuses on the human aspects of architecture, spatial practices, community architecture, urban heritage, material culture and the built environment within the ever-changing urban and social structures of contemporary cities.

Our interdisciplinary research tackles aspects of social and cultural inequalities, looking at global and local challenges, transformations and evolution of architectural and urban landscapes. Through research, development and consultancy we provide cutting edge innovation, creativity and analysis of historic centres, modern structures and contemporary cities as well as future typologies and technologies for sustainable, safe and healthy cities.

At CAUGH, we approach design as a comprehensive and inclusive process. We take account of the influence and impact of human actors - either as individuals, groups, or communities - on the shaping of architecture, urban design and the preservation and development of heritage sites. The Centre’s research and development interests and services are global. We have active projects, partnerships and collaborations in the United Kingdom, Europe, South Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, and North and South America.

Research groups

Our key areas of interest and research expertise:

We welcome research collaborations and PhD applications in our key areas of research and further fields of enquiry such as:

heritage preservation and development
architectural, history, theory and practice
community architecture and participatory design
housing policy and development
institutions of memory: the architecture of museums, galleries and archives
smart and virtual heritage technologies and future architecture
landscape, urbanism and sustainable settlements.

Our research portfolio

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Our experts

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