Job Description

This project investigates the form of architecture schools as a building type, and how this form has influenced the specific pedagogy of these institutions, with a focus on Asia. To identify the specificities of Asian architecture schools in terms of form and pedagogy, this study will involve a systematic comparison of plans, sections, 3D views, programs and quantitative data of a large array of architecture schools.

The research method of this study consists of two parts:

• Diachronic analysis: Researching the historical evolution of architecture schools in Asia and relating pedagogical programs to building form. This will involve archival research and dialogue with relevant institutions to secure information that is not available in the public domain.
• Synchronic analysis: Researching the present condition of a number of architecture schools in terms of teaching space and building morphology. This will require gathering large quantities of data, including orthographic drawings (plans and sections), of existing architecture schools, in order to format and analyse them.

Duties & Responsibilities

A full-time Research Fellow is required to undertake research and administrative roles during a 1-year-long appointment. The researcher will work closely with the Principal Investigator from the Department of Architecture, NUS.

The main job responsibilities include:

• Literature review;
• Elaboration of a precise list of buildings accommodating architecture schools in Asia and beyond in accordance with strict selection criteria;
• Establishing contact with architecture schools to obtain graphic data (plans, sections, elevations);
• Data collection of plans, sections and elevations of a selected number of buildings accommodating architecture schools;
• Quantitative analysis and graphic ordering of such buildings in relation to their teaching spaces (area, height, occupancy, form, location, and adaptability of these spaces over time);
• 3D modelling of a selected number of architecture schools;
• Documentation of research (writing research reports, progress updates, preparing presentations and writing joint publications);
• Coordination and communication, administrative work, backing up of research data and documents;
• Providing support for research-related teaching activities.

The expected duration of the appointment is for 1 year. The earliest starting date is 1 January 2023.

National University of Singapore is a comprehensive university, that is ranked 1st in Asia, and 11th globally (according to QS World University Rankings of 2022). The Department of Architecture has also been consistently ranked top 10 in the same ranking (6th in 2022).

Job Requirements

Skills and qualifications

• PhD in Architecture
• Experience in writing academic papers
• Good drafting skills (AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator)
• Good 3D modelling skills (Rhino)
• Good writing and communication skills;
• Good skills in working independently; good time management, systematic approach, and attention to detail

Covid-19 Message

At NUS, the health and safety of our staff and students are one of our utmost priorities, and COVID-vaccination supports our commitment to ensure the safety of our community and to make NUS as safe and welcoming as possible. Many of our roles require a significant amount of physical interactions with students/staff/public members. Even for job roles that may be performed remotely, there will be instances where on-campus presence is required.

Taking into consideration the health and well-being of our staff and students and to better protect everyone in the campus, applicants are strongly encouraged to have themselves fully COVID-19 vaccinated to secure successful employment with NUS.