This research focus views spatial design as a fundamental method of architecture, urban planning and landscape architecture. It is an artistic and scientific practice that becomes research when, guided by overarching questions and through reflection on academic discourse, it generates new, transferable knowledge. Spatial relationships are examined in specific contexts, and the representation and communication of future scenarios are explored from multiple perspectives – through collaborative approaches and analyses, theoretical classifications, experiments and artistic activity. 

Design Research operates in a transdisciplinary manner: exchange with social actors and interest groups shapes the processes of knowledge acquisition and assigns design a transformative, moderating and knowledge-generating role. The focus builds a productive bridge between academic disciplines and non-academic points of reference, and is likewise shaped through critical dialogue with other research approaches.