What will form the foundation of your EPQ architecture research project? Perhaps you’re interested in specific styles, urban planning, or sustainability? No matter your niche, architecture offers many EPQ research ideas to support your studies. 

Our collection of 100 ideas for research projects in architecture will structure your self-development as you begin to build your architectural career.

What Makes a Great Research Topic in Architecture?

There are several factors to consider when choosing a great architecture research project. Here are some tips for deciding on the best possible EPQ research idea for you.

  • Think about your interests: What are you passionate about? Choose a research idea that interests you.
  • Consider your future ambitions: Write about an architecture topic relevant to your future career ambitions and prospects.
  • Try to solve a problem: Architecture presents a range of real-world challenges that your research can solve, such as environmental issues and societal problems. 
  • Challenge yourself: Never choose an easy research idea. The greatest research projects are based on an intriguing, unique idea that challenges you to push boundaries. 

Ideas for Research Projects in Architecture:

Research Ideas about Urban Design and City Planning

#1: How can cities develop resilience to adapt to climate change challenges?

#2: What impact do vertical farms have in cities with large populations?

#3: What strategies can be developed to create pedestrian-friendly cities?

#4: Can the Internet of Things be integrated into urban planning?

#5: What are the possible solutions for urban sprawl?

#6: Can architecture reduce urban heat islands?

#7: Can we redesign streetscapes to promote sustainable mobility?

#8: The impact of transportation in urban communities

#9: Do public spaces help promote community engagement?

#10: Do affordable housing designs help large urban populations?

Research Ideas about Sustainable Architecture

#11: What architectural design strategies can help buildings contribute to net-zero energy?

#12: How can sustainable materials be used for housing projects and what are the benefits?

#13: Do green roof designs impact urban microclimates?

#14: How can passive solar designs help to reduce energy consumption?

#15: The impacts of biophilic designs on people and nature

#16: Incorporating renewable energy systems into architectural designs

#17: What is the life cycle of environmentally friendly building materials?

#18: What climate-responsive solutions can be designed for humid locations?

#19: Can waste minimisation be incorporated into sustainable construction?

#20: Can water conservation be incorporated into sustainable designs?

#21: Can co-housing offer a model for sustainable living?

#22: Can nature be incorporated into urban housing?

#23: Maximising a small space with clever architecture

Research Ideas about Preserving Heritage

#24: Balancing heritage conservation and modernisation in cities

#25: Can vernacular architecture be conserved in rural spaces?

#26: What sustainable techniques can you employ to restore ancient monuments?

#27: How have adaptive reuse projects succeeded over the decades?

#28: Can industrial sites be repurposed for societal and cultural uses?

#29: Ethical considerations when conserving religious spaces

#30: Can digital technologies be used to preserve architectural heritage?

#31: What strategies can be introduced to preserve architectural heritage?

#32: The challenges faced in reusing historic buildings

#33: Can post-conflict heritage sites be restored using design techniques?

Research Ideas about Human-Centred Design

#31: Designing affordable modular housing

#35: The best ways to design accessible homes for older people

#36: How can open-plan living impact families?

#37: How can architecture help families reduce their environmental footprint?

#38: Using architecture to design homes located in areas of extreme climates

#39: Can homelessness be eradicated with community-based housing solutions?

#40: Do housing designs influence the well-being of inhabitants?

Research Project Ideas about Interior Design and Well-being

#41: What techniques can be used to design flexible interior spaces?

#42: Can lighting help to create a productive workspace?

#43: Can acoustic design strategies impact shared spaces?

#44: The impact of interior green spaces on the mental health of inhabitants

#45: How can sensory elements be incorporated into architectural designs?

#46: How can you bring nature into the working environment?

#47: Does interior design affect emotions and behaviour?

#48: Can therapeutic environment designs benefit mental health facilities?

#49: Incorporating space-saving solutions in a micro-apartment

#50: How can minimalist interiors impact well-being?

Image shows architects in an office, discussing a 3D design of the interior of a building and comparing it to a floor plan.

Research Project Ideas about Design Techniques

#51: How can parametric designs impact architectural aesthetics?

#52: Can algorithmic design impact architectural structures?

#53: How have large-scale projects benefitted from generative design strategies?

#54: Can 3D printing contribute to parametric architecture?

#55: How can you design buildings that adapt to changes in the environment?

#56: In what way can computational design tools be integrated into sustainable architecture?

#57: The benefits and limitations of computational design on free-form architecture

#58: Has artificial intelligence influenced architectural design?

#59: In what way can digital fabrication be used in architecture?

Research Project Ideas about Architecture and Society

#60: Creating smart urban infrastructure using parametric design

#61: Designing public spaces to benefit diverse communities

#62: Can architecture encourage social interactions in parks?

#63: Creating multifunctional spaces for the public in busy city environments

#64: Designing urban plazas to benefit societal outcomes

#65: Can public art installations impact the identity of a community?

#66: Strategies used to integrate nature into city spaces

#67: Can public transportation hubs be redesigned as busy social areas?

#68: How can architecture promote social equity?

#69: The impact of pedestrian-only areas on the economy of a city

Research Project Ideas about Architecture and Climate Change

#70: Can architectural designs help make disaster-prone areas resilient?

#71: Creating earthquake-resistant buildings

#72: Designing flood-resistant housing

#73: Does architecture help rebuild communities after a disaster?

#74: Designing resilient infrastructures for hurricane-prone areas

#75: Architectural strategies used to develop resilience to climate change

#76: What building materials are best for vulnerable areas prone to bushfires?

#77: Strategies used to design refugee shelters after a disaster

#78: The best earthquake-proof designs for buildings in developing areas

#79: How does architecture influence flood planning and drainage?

#80: Design structures and strategies used for cyclone-resistant areas

Research Project Ideas about Architecture and Technology

#82: The use of augmented reality in preserving architectural heritage

#81: Can virtual reality impact architectural design?

#83: Can 3D printing be used when developing sustainable construction?

#84: Can automation be integrated into housing to develop smart homes?

#85: Are drones used to survey sites?

#86: Is building information modelling improving the construction industry?

#87: How can artificial intelligence influence design workflow?

#88: The benefits and limitations of using robotics in construction

#89: Can nanotechnology impact building materials?

#90: Can digital twin technology impact building management systems?

Research Project Ideas about Inclusivity in Architecture

#91: Can architecture impact and shape cultural identity?

#92: Incorporating gender-sensitive designs into public spaces

#93: Encouraging learning in designs for educational facilities

#94: Is architecture responsible for balancing social inequalities in cities?

#95: Does religious belief impact architectural spaces?

#96: The relationship between politics and architecture in well-known buildings

#97: Has globalisation impacted local identities and their architecture?

#98: How can you design inclusive spaces for people with disabilities?

#99: What is an architect’s role in promoting well-being and good mental health in cities?

#100: The social impact of living in high-rise buildings in busy cities

Architecture

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Provides a thorough introduction to diverse academic fields. Ideal for students beginning to contemplate their future academic paths and eager to explore various disciplines.
Architecture final project in a career programme
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Architecture

In-person

Oxford’s scholarly brilliance and breathtaking history will encourage...

Academic Insights
Provides a thorough introduction to diverse academic fields. Ideal for students beginning to contemplate their future academic paths and eager to explore various disciplines.
Ages: 16-18

Which Architecture Research Project Should You Choose?

These top 100 research project ideas for architecture are just a glimpse of the wide range of architecture topic areas you can explore. Feel free to pick one of our recommendations or use them as a starting point to develop your own unique idea.

Whichever you choose, go for a topic you’re interested in. You’ll spend six months researching your chosen research idea before writing your essay, so make sure it truly inspires you! 

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