Research is generally concerned with the relationship that technology and environmental issues have with design. The research ranges across a number of areas.

There is a great deal of activity towards innovative technology, developed through a combination of practical study often using full-scale prototypes and detailed engineering based research. Thus both a detailed understanding of the technology, which can be explained using contemporary engineering principles, and an exploration of the application in pragmatic and expressive construction is sought. Research is cross-disciplinary, involving both architecture and engineering students, as well as close collaboration with the construction industry. The Architectural Research Workshop provides a resource for the exploration of construction at full-scale and performance testing. Examples of recent projects include:

The use of fabric formwork for concrete structures.
Innovative lightweight building systems
Use of mechanical clinching
Development of stone and concrete cladding systems

The relationship between design and technology forms the basis of a more didatic series of studies encompassed by studies into the relationship between architecture and engineering, resulting in the book series The Engineer's Contribution to Contemporary Architecture.

Environmental research focuses on particular fields. Sustainable Communities and the relationship between architectural expression and sustainability.