Inside looking out: a framework for discussing the question of architectural design doctorates

This text proposes a framework for provoking and sustaining a debate on the question of architectural design doctorates. Through a series of aphorisms it argues that the formal structure of architectural research should be defined by architects according to disciplinary specificity.

1. Architectural design is to architecture what research is to science.

2. The recognition of architectural design as research is more a problem of academic and social legitimisation than an epistemological one.

3. The process of architectural design is close to the process of knowledge creation in the sciences.

4. Architectural design is a process that incorporates and reconstructs knowledge.

5. The doctorate is a link in the chain of professional training of scientists as researchers and of architects as designers.

6. The ArchD is an opportunity to improve the practice of architecture.

7. The ArchD is an exploration of architectural design, the main tool of architects.

8. The Interface ArchD connects architectural design to theories and practices, to other forms of design and to other types of knowledge.

9. The Didactic ArchD contributes to the training of design professors, to the conversion of design knowledge into educational content and to innovation in learning environments in architecture.

10. The Self-reflective ArchD questions real or simulated practice, or proposes visionary designs.

11. There is no axiological difference between architectural design and scientific research.