GAM 22
Synergies:
Building Collaborations in Architectural Research

A defining feature of architecture is its multidisciplinary nature—whether in design, practice, or research. In architectural design, many different fields of knowledge must be considered. In building practice, various teams of specialists are involved in any sizable project. Architectural research, which, according to Jeremy Till, must address an “expanded field,” is obviously multidisciplinary as well. No single discipline can provide sufficient answers to the pressing questions facing architecture today. Confronted with the challenges of the future, one thing is clear: we cannot do it alone. Whether as individuals or as architects or architectural researchers—we need to reach out. It is vital that we join forces with other disciplines, engage with other kinds of expertise, different points of view. Yet the added value of multidisciplinary efforts is never guaranteed. Sometimes it is even the opposite. In a variation on a popular saying, one might quip that sometimes “a camel is a horse, designed by a multidisciplinary team.” We have all been there. Finding common ground, working together productively and toward common goals, fostering synergies is not easy. And yet, when synergies arise, they make every effort worthwhile.

GAM 22 is looking for positive examples of synergies—not only between academia and building practice, but also between different research disciplines: architects teaming up with material scientists to develop carbon-neutral building materials, multidisciplinary teams that come up with novel construction methods, new approaches to recycling, to using digital technology, to integrating biological processes into architectural proposals, or other innovative interdisciplinary ways of dealing with the complexities of our environment and of improving our buildings, cities, and regions, or more generally, the landscapes we live in. We are also looking for built examples of such synergies: projects that can be seen as applied research, that demonstrate the value of multidisciplinary research, that provide fresh ideas and the positive, inspiring energy only synergies can offer. In other words: a bit of hope and some joy, at a time when the world really needs it.

Abstracts on the topic “Synergies” can be submitted together with a short biography until June 10, 2025 to gam@tugraz.at. The submission deadline for the final contribution is September 15, 2025.