Research Assistant: Modes of Architectural Production in U.S., Denmark, and Sweden

Introduction to the topic:

This project investigates a supranational ‘triangle’ of influences among Denmark, Sweden, and the United States in regards to a shift that occurred in the organization of architectural practices during the Cold War (1947-91). The focus is on the nature of this triangle. How was it shaped? What was its geometry (e.g. equilateral triangle or was it unbalanced through one or the other nations)? Which were the paradigmatic documents (e.g. manuals, guidelines, handbooks) that reified this supranational economic and cultural ‘triangle’? Who were the actors (e.g. architectural firms, building companies, associations)? Which were the outcomes (e.g. architectural projects, advertising campaigns) in the implementation of such specific modes of architectural production towards productivity?

This project aims thus to investigate precisely this import-export of knowledge flourished under the ‘Pax Americana,’ beyond the traditional narrative of U.S. as an exporter of knowledge but also as an importer and recipient.

Project details:

This project is meant as a collective, progressive project where samarbejde (working collectively) is strongly encouraged among the participants, from data collection until the research is disseminated. The research assistant(s) are introduced to and instructed in quantitative data collection (e.g. literature and archive review based on Arkitekten (DK) a Danish specialized architectural magazine as the main media for architectural critiques at that time); as well as performing initial data analysis through inscriptive architectural and design tools (e.g. infographics).

The expected outcome is the production of a series of critical written articles by the research assistants as part of some progressive architectural installations. The first installation, named “Tripolarity”, was hosted by the Copenhagen DIS Student Hub. It was a site-specific installation part of the Copenhagen Architecture Festival CAFx 2020 in October 2020. A second installation, “Old, but gold” was hosted by the SPARK Galleri in Malmö, Sweden in fall 2022.

Selected relevant publications:

Gigliotti, A., Monterumisi, C., & Prencipe M. (Eds.). (2024). Canon(s) and Icon(s): re-wondering a North-South contamination. Book Series: Analecta Romana Instituti Danici. Supplementa (Roma: Quasar Editore).
Gigliotti, A. & Gigone, F. (October 7th – November 7th, 2022). Old, but gold. [Installation]. SPARK Galleri, Malmö, Sweden.

Additional application required

You must submit an additional application through the Online Registration portal.

All application materials must be submitted on the following dates by midnight in your time zone:

November 1 for spring semester applicants
May 1 for fall semester applicants

Complete your application through Student Registration.

Recommended experience

Some knowledge of history and international studies concerning the Cold War and implications of the Marshall Plan on the European post-war condition is an advantage to understand the research framework, but not a requirement.

Faculty

Angela Gigliotti

Faculty

Ph.D. (Aarhus School of Architecture, 2020). M.Sc. (Building Architecture, Polytechnic University of Milan, 2011). Visiting Ph.D. Candidate (Architectural Association, School of Architecture, U.K., 2018). Teaching Assistant, Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy, 2010-13, and at NMBU University in Ås, Norway, 2014-15. Under the field of architectural history of practices, research interests include labor, professionalism, and welfare state. Beyond academia, Co-Director of the research-based practice OFFICE U67 ApS that operates widely as exhibition designer. With DIS since 2016.

Fabio Gigone

Faculty

Degree in Architecture, IUAV Venice, Italy 2007. Ph.D. fellow at The Royal Danish Academy (2018-22) in Copenhagen, affiliated to the excellence Centre for Privacy Studies. Academic Guest (gta Institute at ETH Zürich, Switzerland, 2020-21). Associate Professor at NMBU University in Ås, Norway (2015-18); Unit Faculty at Aarhus School of Architecture, Denmark (2015-18). Beyond academia, editor and creative director for specialized magazines and co-director of the research-based practice OFFICE U67 ApS. With DIS since 2021.

Research Assistantship FAQ

Learn more about research at DIS.

: Earning authorship within the course of a semester is challenging. Exceptional Research Assistants may be considered for co-authorship, subject to evaluation from the supervising Research Mentor.

Though you may not ultimately become an author on a published paper, you will gain many practical skills and insights into the publication process.

: Many research projects last across several semesters, so not all RAs on the same project will conduct the same research.

: On average, students in 3-credit Research Assistantships spend at least 10 hours a week on research tasks. These 10 hours per week consist of a variety of different research-related tasks, including conducting a literature review, data collection, analyses, coding, documentation, and meetings with your mentor. You may decide on a particular block of time (consistent each week) for you to carry out the work, or adjust it on a week-by-week basis.

Students in a 6-credit Research Assistantships spend an average of 20 hours per week with lab and clinically based research tasks. You decide the exact meeting and lab times with your supervisor, but your schedule consists of classes at DIS two days a week, with two days a week in the lab.

There may be peak times in the research process where all Research Assistant students are expected to spend a few more hours, and then possibly fewer hours another week – to reflect the individual research project and process.

: Work for the 3-credit Research Assistantships may take place outside DIS, on your own time at a location of your choosing, or at DIS – this varies from project to project. The 6-credit research assistantships generally take place at labs in Copenhagen or Stockholm outside DIS.

: Students with a variety of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the 3-credit Research Assistant course. While some courses do have prerequisites, many opportunities do not require prior research experience.

The 6-credit Research Assistant opportunity is designed for highly motivated students who have a strong science background within the field of interest and some basic research experience. The student must be willing to commit a large portion of their semester to an engaging opportunity involving hands-on research in universities and medical institutes in Copenhagen or Stockholm.

Introduction to the topic:

Project details:

Additional application required

Recommended experience

Faculty

Angela Gigliotti

Fabio Gigone

Research Assistantship FAQ

Will I publish a research paper?

What exactly will I do?

What is the time commitment for a 3-credit or 6-credit Research Assistantship?

Where is the research work carried out?

What type of student applies for the 3- and 6-credit Research Assistant courses?