architecture thesis topics

• Hispanoamérica
• Work at ArchDaily
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy

How to Choose an Undergraduate Architecture Thesis Topic

• Written by Suneet Zishan Langar
• Published on September 11, 2017

As architecture students head to their final year of BArch, half-crazy from years’ worth of scraped fingers, ghastly juries, sleepless nights, and a general lack of social life, they encounter the mighty problem of choosing a thesis topic. There are many subjects to choose from, but a personal interest in a particular subject is just one of the many factors that should influence this decision. Students need to ask themselves several other questions: Is the topic significant enough? Is it expansive enough? Is the project realistically doable?

The process can be daunting, for the decision has many consequences; sometimes, the choice of topic alone can mean the difference between the success and failure of a thesis. With so many factors to consider and deadlines closing in, students easily end up making decisions that they regret later. Here are eight tips to help you make an informed choice on the matter:

1. Dare to Be Un original

Thesis work at the undergraduate level strongly differs from that at the graduate or doctoral level, and it is important to understand the rationale behind its inclusion in the curriculum. Work at the graduate or doctoral level usually asks for the identification of a “gap in existing knowledge” about a subject and an original proposal to bridge that gap, but the expectations of an undergraduate student are less demanding. This means that you don’t necessarily have to go out of your way to be innovative at the undergraduate level. Choosing a simple unoriginal topic but executing it in a way that exhibits all the knowledge you’ve acquired in college will also do the trick.

2. Choose a Topic that Personally Interests You

With your peers picking varied topics and schedules, this year will be lonesome; the most you will have for company on an average day is a drawing board, your laptop, some books, and coffee. You will find yourself routinely getting distracted by Buzzfeed ’s latest video on Youtube or the cool new Drake track. Choosing a topic that you’re passionate about will make sure that you stay inspired and motivated to work, which should ultimately result in a great final project.

3. Set Your Scope Small

Many students give in to the natural temptation to do too much by picking topics or issues that are too expansive, and therefore almost impossible to execute in a short time-frame. A tip would be to start with the simplest version of a topic and add in extra complexity later if the circumstances allow it.

4. Recognize What You’re Good at

Every student possesses a unique set of skills and abilities which they’ve acquired through their experiences and by following their interests. No one is good at everything. An unbiased understanding of your creative and technical capacities and their limits thereof will allow you to choose a topic that best employs your expertise.

5. Is There Enough Existing Literature on the Topic?

A thesis project requires an enormous amount of reading and analysis before the beginning of the design process, and the primary source of reference information for an undergraduate student is usually existing studies or research. Hence, it makes sense to choose an area of study where a substantial amount of previous work exists. The availability of such work will enable you to analyze, compare, draw conclusions, and employ the knowledge gained to suggest an informed proposal.

6. Strike a Balance Between Art and Science

Architecture students dig themselves a grave when they begin to romanticize their thesis projects. It is hard to blame them, however, when you consider that the thesis project is viewed as the culmination of a multi-year program which is rooted as deeply in art and theory as it is in building technology. But it’s imperative to find a topic that is a balance of the two. A topic that seems too abstract might make it difficult for a jury to ascertain a student’s understanding of tangible issues.

7. What Do You Want to Do in the Future?

The thesis project is the single most important part of your portfolio as a fresh architecture graduate looking for a job in the industry or applying for a graduate program. The choice of topic will reflect your interest in or experience with a particular specialized subject. Hence, when choosing a thesis topic, you should try to align it with your plans for the near future.

8. Aim to Solve a Real World Problem

While there are many wide-ranging opinions about architecture’s ideal role in society, there is a general agreement that an architect’s work does influence how a society functions and evolves. In a world that is grappling with myriad serious issues like climate change, population growth, and an inequitable distribution of resources, it benefits young architecture students to acquaint themselves with the larger picture, and to choose a topic that at least aims to solve a current socio-environmental problem through a design intervention.

• Sustainability

想阅读文章的中文版本吗?

如何选择建筑学毕业论文题目

You've started following your first account, did you know.

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.

25,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

• Architecture /

Architecture Thesis Topics

• Updated on  
• Feb 21, 2024

Being an Architecture student, you are supposed to submit a dissertation or thesis on Architectural-related topics. It takes a lot more time to complete a dissertation research project than a thesis. The first step for pursuing a master’s or PhD degree is to choose a relevant dissertation topic. Some of the popular architecture thesis topics are Housing/ Residential Projects, Institutional Projects, Public Infrastructure Projects, Offices/ Corporate Projects, etc. In this article, we will provide you with general guidance about how to write an architecture dissertation and helpful tips to choose the right architecture thesis topics.

Here is our blog on Top Architectural Courses .

This Blog Includes:

What is an architecture thesis, how to structure an architecture thesis, relevant topic, pay attention to research questions, don’t be shy, go for advice, research a lot, how to choose the best title for your architecture thesis, how to choose the best topic for an architecture thesis, modern architecture thesis topics, thesis topics in landscape architecture, interior architecture thesis topics, b.arch. thesis topics for urban planning and transport:, sustainable architecture thesis topics.

An Architecture Dissertation or Thesis is an academic piece of writing that is supposed to signify the knowledge and skills you have learned so far during your architecture studies. While writing a dissertation your research must be precise and you should be logical with your conclusions. A clear analysis must be depicted while writing an architecture dissertation. 

Before searching for an architecture thesis topic, you must be familiar with the writing structure of a dissertation. Here we’ve mentioned the basic structure of a dissertation so that it gets easy for you when drafting a dissertation:

• Title – The title of your Architecture Dissertation must focus on your research objective.
• Abstract – The abstract part must be impactful. It must give an impression of what your dissertation is going to include.
• Introduction – The same is the case here with the introduction, it must reflect what the dissertation is going to include.
• Review of Literature – The Review of Literature Section must include a theoretical rationale of the problem, the importance of the study, and information for the dissertation that was gathered and used to form the arguments and points made in the work.
• 2-3 Main Chapters- These sections must include a bulk of information on the chosen topic. It should also include the data and diagrams if any.
• Conclusion- The main objective of the dissertation, the conclusion must include the arguments to complete the impression of the work.
• Bibliography – The bibliography is the section of the thesis where you mention all the referred sources, authors, and publications that you have taken information from while writing your thesis.

Also Read: Masters in Architecture in Canada

How to Choose the Right Architecture Thesis Topic?

If you are finding it hard to choose the right topic for your dissertation, here are some tips that might help what you can put your focus on while drafting your dissertation:

Select a relevant topic for your architecture dissertation as it contributes a lot to your career and future. To obtain a master’s degree in education, you need to find relevant topics for a dissertation. The topic must be capable of providing you with a significant amount of content for your architecture dissertation.

An Architecture dissertation must be broad enough to explore the whole topic. The dissertation must include a clear structure to contribute to the argumentation you are going to include in your dissertation.

Pay equal attention to the Research Questions you are going to include. Do not ever select narrow questions which are supposed to be answered with a Yes or No. Choose questions that provide you with relevant answers such as

• How do creative designs impact the modern era?
• What do you think about modern architecture?

Architecture students who are writing a dissertation are always provided with guidance. Supervisors are assigned to guide students throughout the duration of their architecture dissertation. So do not forget to ask for feedback or a piece of advice from your supervisors as they have years of academic experience, so their recommendations and feedback will only add to your research.

Before choosing an architecture topic, make sure you research thoroughly about the chosen topic. Try to select topics that are relevant in today’s time. The content provided by the topic must be more than enough to expand and support your arguments.

Also Read: How to become an Architect?

A significant title is very important while writing an architecture dissertation. So you must be extremely careful while choosing a title. Ensure that the title of your architecture dissertation or thesis does justice to your research. The title itself should be able to reflect the objective of your dissertation through the title.

Also Read: How to write a Dissertation?

Here we’ve mentioned some sources from where you can come up with a Dissertation Topic in Architecture:

• Study the most recent published piece of work to find out what kind of issues are open for further exploration and are sufficient to provide you with relevant argumentations.
• Check out Architecture Dissertation examples done by other scholars.

Best Architecture Thesis Topics

Choosing a topic can take a lot of time but we’ve made it easier for you as here we’ve mentioned some of the best topics you can choose for your Architecture Dissertation:

• What is the nature of middle-class architecture in modern society?
• Show the best elements of famous architects without duplicating their work.
• What is the need for closeness and privacy between architecture and family
• Cathedrals: Forming the old world on a new budget
• What is the difference between house designs in a cold climate and in a warm climate?

Also Read: How to become an Interior Designer?

• Multicultural Architecture in the Urban Landscape
• Trends of Environmental Technology in Residential Structures
• Evaluating Design in Municipal Structures
• Creative Designs in the Modern Era
• Maximizing Resources and Space with Accessibility
• How to maximize resources and space with Accessibility
• How to use Minimalist Design in Small Areas
• Which methods to use to Mitigate Damage from Natural Disaster
• What are the must-have features of Portable Housing Units
• Procedures of Pre-fabricated Design

Also Read: Finance, MBA, Accounting Dissertation Topics

• The urban energy landscape in regional planning
• Processing of data on water, energy, and food flows in space and time
• Composing four-dimensional maps that show current spatial and temporal dynamics of water, energy and food flows
• Constructing Zen
• Farmland Preservation
• Land Conservancy
• Therapeutic Gardens
• Self-sufficient energy islands across Europe or Asia
• India – Protection/production of freshwater through for example infiltration and retention
• Landscape Construction Performance Approaches
• Paper Space & Interior Fiction: Employing Speculative Design to Explore the Creative Design Process and Conceptual Interiority
• Implementing Biophilic Attributes in Elementary Schools
• Re-Mobile Home: An Exploration of Mobile Homes in Rural North Carolina
• Designing Deeper: Creating Interior Spaces That Support Well-Being through Explorations in Process-Driven Design
• How can exhibition spaces reflect design compatibility with spatial aesthetics?
• Airports Design.
• Train stations.
• Urban transport planning.
• Mass Rapid Transit System (MTRS) Study and Station.
• Integrated Transportation Node.
• Bus Terminal Cum Commercial Complex.
• International Cruise terminal.
• Redevelopment around the metro and MRTS Corridor.
• Architecture in motion.
• Neighborhood development
• Community garden concepts
• Waste recycling facilities
• Heritage building restoration
• Rehabilitation housing
• Riverfront development
• SMART village
• Net-Zero energy building
• Bermed structure
• Regenerative design
• Urban Agriculture center
• Revitalizing abandoned mills and processing buildings
• Eco-tourism facilities
• Revival of an old building
• Repurpose a building
• Redevelopment of a slum
• Vertical farm
• Wetland restoration

An architecture dissertation for a master’s degree must not exceed the 60,000-word limit.

IIT-Roorkee, Uttarakhand has been ranked #1 in the Top 25 Architecture Colleges in India.

McGill University and the University of Waterloo are the top 2 colleges in Canada for Architecture. 

Related Articles

Students who are pursuing an Architecture degree must be very careful while writing a dissertation as it is the only way they’ll be able to obtain a master’s degree. Choosing the right topic for the Architecture dissertation, and submitting the dissertation/thesis on time, all the above-mentioned aspects must be given equal importance. If you are interested in knowing more about Architecture courses abroad, then feel free to contact our experts at Leverage Edu anytime.

Damanpreet Kaur Vohra

Daman is an author with profound expertise in writing engaging and informative content focused on EdTech and Study Abroad. With a keen understanding of these domains, Daman excels at creating complex concepts into accessible, reader-friendly material. With a proven track record of insightful articles, Daman stands as a reliable source for providing content for EdTech and Study Abroad.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Contact no. *

Leaving already?

8 Universities with higher ROI than IITs and IIMs

Grab this one-time opportunity to download this ebook

Connect With Us

25,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. take the first step today..

Resend OTP in

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

September 2024

January 2025

What is your budget to study abroad?

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

#Mission2.0 is here to disrupt the mundane. Are you? Join Now

• BIM Professional Course for Architects
• Master Computational Design Course
• BIM Professional Course For Civil Engineers
• Hire From Us

Request a callback

• Architecture & Construction
• Computational Design
• Company News
• Expert Talks

15 Most Intriguing Architecture Dissertation Topics For Young Architects (2024)

15 min read

October 31, 2022

Table of Contents

What is an Architecture Dissertation?

An architecture dissertation is a research paper that explores a specific topic in the architecture field. It is written by students pursuing an architecture degree and is a graduation requirement. It allows students to demonstrate their knowledge of the subject matter and their ability to conduct independent research. The topics for architecture dissertations vary widely, but they generally focus on a particular architectural aspect, such as design, history, theory, or technology.

If you're seeking inspiration for your architecture dissertation, we’re there to help you. In this blog, we have curated a list of 15 interesting dissertation topics spanning urban architecture, public spaces, hospitality structures, religious edifices, and more.

How to Choose a Dissertation Topic for Architecture?

Before going to the list of dissertation topics, let us first discuss how you can choose a dissertation topic for architecture:

1. Identify your Interests

Choose a topic that interests you the most. This will help you stay motivated throughout the research process.

2. Explore Current Trends

Look for the latest trends and developments in the architecture field. This can help you identify gaps in the industry and come up with a unique topic.

3. Consult with Your Advisor

Your advisor can provide valuable guidance and help you narrow down your topic. They can also suggest relevant literature and research methods.

4. Consider Your Resources

Ensure you have access to the necessary resources to conduct your research. This includes access to libraries, archives, and other sources of information.

5. Brainstorm Ideas (H3)

Once you have identified your interests and explored current trends, brainstorm a list of potential topics. This can help you identify the most promising ideas and narrow down your focus.

Most Intriguing Architecture Dissertation Topics

We have compiled a list of 15 dissertation topics that are intriguing and relevant to the architecture field. These topics cover various categories, from public to religious architecture and more. Take a look below:

1. Temple Complex of the Future (Religious Architecture)

Temples have always held central importance around the world and can be active sites of cultural confluence. Possible areas to explore in your architecture dissertation for this topic are the uses of sustainability in creating religious structures, materials used, analysing the cultural significance of the architectural elements in structures, and classifying their types and historical context.

Inter-faith traditions are spreading across the world, and this can and has given rise to new ideas. The Lotus Temple in Delhi is an excellent case study on the same - with a marvellous, nine-sided circular shape that embodies the central tenets of the Baha’i’ faith. It receives 20 percent of its electricity from solar panels. While the structure may look delicate, it can withstand an earthquake of up to 8 on the Richter scale. This is because each of its nine petals has been individually constructed and fortified. It is also one of the foremost examples of biomimetic architecture in the modern world.

An architecture dissertation is only one part of the larger process of building a portfolio! Usually, students are required to submit a thesis in addition to their architecture dissertation, to demonstrate practical skills. You can also call it a rite of passage! We’ve created the ultimate guide to nailing your architecture thesis , and we highly recommend checking it out if you’re struggling with the process of a thesis.

2. Community Centre (Public Architecture)

Architecture dissertations on community centres are a wonderful way to learn about urban development and planning. Exploring a community centre as your architecture dissertation topic would mean taking into consideration issues such as demographic analysis, community development (educational and skill-oriented), multifunctional spaces, ease of access, recreational facilities, and eco-friendly, sustainable building solutions. You can also look to design spaces that foster social relations and harmony within a local community while incorporating their culture and preferences, and perform case studies on the same.

An excellent example of an innovative community centre is the Largo Community Centre in Florida. The park focuses on creating, in effect, an indoor park with meeting spaces for community members and recreational facilities by using sustainable materials.

A community centre is also an excellent project to showcase in your architecture portfolio , which is essential to developing your skills and practical knowledge. Read more tips to create an incredible architecture portfolio.

3. Animal Shelters and Veterinary Care Centres (Healthcare Architecture)

It is no secret that planning and designing spaces for animals are very different from designing spaces for human beings. One needs to take into account the creation of surgery and operation theatres, hospital spaces for sick animals, residential areas for staff, playing pens, grazing grounds, access to medicinal supplies , and so on. Meanwhile, also ensure that the structure is easy to clean and has enough natural light and ventilation to comfort distressed animals. Certainly a competitive analysis for your architecture dissertation!

The Veterinary Clinic Masan in Chur, Switzerland is an excellent case study for this. Designed to house 17 members of staff, along with garden spaces, surgery rooms, and laboratories, the clinic is a unique testament to the fact that spaces for animals provide tremendous design and research scope.

4. Mass Rapid Transit Systems Design (Transportation Architecture)

MRTS includes the design structure of trams, buses, metros, monorails, and commuter rails. The challenges in this unique field include mapping strategic routes, conducting population demand and density analysis, interchange zones, and so on. All the while, ensuring that the MRTS design is in line with civic and environmental goals, goals, property development, population growth, and appropriate land use. This makes it a very stimulating architecture dissertation topic.

A fabulous example is the Shinkansen (tr. in Japanese: ‘new railway line’) in Japan , or the bullet train system. It connects major Japanese cities, and in the 50+ years of its operation, there has not been a single fatality, collision, or derailment. Now, that’s something!

5. Multi-Functional Urban Spaces (Urban Architecture)

It is estimated that by 2030, the world’s population will stand at a staggering 8.6 billion, with the 10 most populated cities seeing over 400 urban million dwellers . This makes multifunctional spaces in urban cities an increasingly important concern for developing countries. Some factors that are taken into account while planning multifunctional cities are preventing urban sprawls and overcrowding, taking care of waste management, and finding more sustainable ways to build structures. This must be done without affecting a decline in the city’s living standards, and with attention to issues such as mobility and equity . It is an exciting and highly futuristic for your architecture dissertation topic.

An interesting example of this is the Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, which turned from one of the foremost cultural and economic hubs of the city to a barren land between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. Its revival after the fall of the Berlin Wall occurred when the government announced a design competition for the plaza, which turned it into one of the largest building sites in Europe, with clearly demarcated territories of commercial centres, cultural centres, and leisure zones.

Increasingly, urban designers and architects have realised that to construct the most efficient structures for urban living, they need to use technologies such as BIM. BIM helps all stakeholders in a project stay up to date with the latest developments and collaborate effectively. You can read more about the best architecture firms in India that have capitalised on BIM here.

6. Co-Living Housing (Residential Architecture)

Urban migration for work is an extremely common phenomenon in the current day and age. Co-living housing, statistically, is popular among young professionals who want to save funds and not take up the hassle of hunting for houses, flatmates, and furniture. A co-living unit usually comes pre-furnished and costs less than an apartment. An architecture dissertation that focuses on co-living spaces would need to take into account successful case studies, shared spaces between residents, affordability and energy efficiency, suitable privacy, and the changing trends within co-living structures.

An excellent case study on this topic is Roam Co-Living in Bali, which comes fully equipped with the modern amenities a young professional would need, while still offering enough privacy. This unique centre has often been described as “a model of a micro-society”.

7. Sustainable Architecture

Sustainable architecture is an increasing zone of concern all over the world for acquiring long-term environmental, economic, and social viability. An architecture thesis that focuses on sustainability would need to include research on the various kinds of sustainable practices and their materials. For instance, solar power, wind power, biomass, materials such as bamboo, recycled plastic, among others. Sustainable architecture is a large field and, therefore, requires a narrowed-down focus on the kind of structure you are analysing, be it a hospital, a factory, or a school. It would also need to be lined up with case studies on local environmental factors and population analysis.

An excellent example of the same is Kohinoor Hospital in Mumbai. More than 40% of the resources used to construct this hospital are made of recyclable materials. In addition, the hospital places emphasis on water conservation. This is just one example. The number of structures one can explore for architecture dissertation topics on sustainability are endless. Kohinoor Hospital, too, is one of many amazing sustainable buildings.

8. Urban Campus (Educational Architecture)

Designing and researching a university campus is similar to building a small town. It needs to accommodate student housing, dining halls, libraries, classrooms, laboratories, recreational facilities, university administration offices , and several other concerns. In addition, it also needs to be representative of the university’s ethos and cultural identity. For students, it needs to promote a sense of well-being. Energy efficiency and pedestrian safety are also essential considerations, making it a very stimulating architecture dissertation topic.

Case studies on this topic need to be extensively researched and curated. An excellent case study example is the University of Washington’s campus , with its clear demarcations, easy-to-navigate routes, libraries, and recreational facilities.

9. Reinventing Villages (Residential Architecture)

Reviving villages often means rebuilding lost traditions and folklore that have been displaced or disappeared. This may occur due to changes in the economy, migration patterns, technological changes, and environmental degradation. Factors that need to be accounted for in an architecture dissertation on this topic are a regional historical analysis of the mentioned factors, in addition to demographic analysis for your case studies. Analysing building structures for technological progress, education, and employment generation, studying the architecture of existing structures, and focusing on the preservation of local historical monuments are some ways you can approach this topic for your architecture dissertation.

An excellent case study for the improvement of village structures is the revival of Kumbalangi fishing village by the government of Kerala . Focusing on eco-tourism, developing transportation routes, and improving the building structure for water access were some ways in which the government aided the Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village project.

10. Redefining Hotels and Resorts (Hospitality Architecture)

An architecture dissertation on hotels and resorts has several interesting offshoots to explore. Hotels and resorts, apart from being hubs for tourists and vacation venues, can also provide historical relevance and embody local traditions. An architecture dissertation on this topic can focus on the adaptive reuse of buildings, technical and cultural redevelopment, the relationship between the psychology of space and hospitality, eco-tourism, and sustainable development of hotels.

An incredible example of a re-conceptualized hotel is the Harding Boutique Hotel , designed by the firm Anarchitect. It combines the modernist style of acclaimed architect Geoffrey Bawa with traditional Sri Lankan architectural elements. It is located 30 minutes from the UNESCO heritage site Galle Fort , which makes it part of Sri Lanka’s prime cultural avenue.

11. Waste Management Centre (Industrial Architecture)

Waste management is an urgent concern in the modern world. An architecture dissertation topic of this nature would need to explore aspects such as recycling waste as construction material. Within this, it would involve analysing different kinds of waste (such as electronic waste, industrial waste, sludge waste, and organic waste) and how they can be repurposed. It would also include studying public policy and by-laws for waste management , among other factors.

A great case study on waste management is the Holmene islets of Copenhagen . These are nine man-made islets, and their unique design combines fossil-free energy production. Biowaste and waste water from Copenhagen’s 1.5 million residents are turned into clean water and biogas.

12. Eco Museum (Cultural Architecture)

An eco museum is a structure that uses a location's historical and cultural identity for tourism and heritage appreciation. Eco museums are usually run by local communities and are a way for them to participate in and preserve their heritage. Sustainable development is a major factor in eco museum construction and development. A architecture dissertation on the same would have to delve into the concept of heritage, restoring old buildings and sites, and ideating eco-friendly methods for conservation and future preservation.

A case study of a successful eco museum is the Flodden 1513 Eco Museum , which is situated on the northeastern border between Scotland and England. It was the site of a battle between English and Scottish forces in 1513 and caused the death of many noblemen and King James IV.

13. Disaster Relief Housing (Residential Architecture)

Asia and the Pacific islands are the most disaster-prone areas in the world. Over 45% of natural disasters occur in this region. This makes disaster relief architecture a very urgent concern in the area. An architecture dissertation on disaster relief housing would need to consider aspects such as the design of emergency shelter centres, sanitation access, and indexes of low-cost, weather resistant, and easily recycled materials that ca n survive diffic ult circumstances.

An excellent case study on disaster relief housing is architecture firm Designnobis’s all-inclusive emergency shelter, Tentative. It is a disaster response tent that can adapt to almost any climate.

14. Retracing the Identity of a Crematorium (Public Architecture)

Understanding funerary architecture is a unique topic for an architecture dissertation. One must understand the spatial needs of a funeral with respect to the culture and religion of the deceased person. There are many kinds of spaces to consider - cemeteries, crematoriums, tombs, towers of silence, and so on. The significance of the materials used with respect to their cultural symbolism and functional qualities is also important. Another interesting factor to explore is the environmental consequences of funerals.

An interesting case study of funerary architecture is the Parsi Tower of Silence. It is a circular, raised structure made of three concentric circles with an almost flat top. According to Zoarastrian rituals, bodies of men are left in the outermost circle, those of women in the middle circle, and those of children in the innermost circle for scavenger birds as an act of charity to nature.

15. Revitalising Local Markets (Commercial Architecture)

Markets have historically been a central location for shopping, trading, social gatherings, and more. In addition, they also often contain locally significant structures such as mosques and temples. When you consider revitalising local markets as part of your architecture dissertation, you have to take into account factors such as the different kinds of markets (street, enclosed, open) , their layout , spatial features , and whether they are permanent, or weekly. In addition, you must think about their function, history, local demographic and future possibilities to understand the context of revitalization in order to have a fruitful architecture dissertation on this topic.

An interesting example of a revitalised market is the Denpasar City traditional markets , where problems such as neglect in spatial planning and an increasing number of traders caused a decline in the market’s trade.

Final Notes

That concludes our list of the most interesting architecture dissertation topics you can pursue! A dissertation is an important stepping stone to the professional world of architecture. The field is rapidly changing, and the emergence of processes and digital tools has allowed students to push the technological boundaries of the kind of projects they wish to go after. Definitely, being in touch with the latest developments in the AEC industry will give you an edge while crafting your architecture dissertation and thesis.

Novatr offers courses on the two most in-demand skills in the AEC industry– BIM Professional Course and Parametric Modelling Course – both taught by industry experts with years of real-world experience working in the industry. You will also get to work on challenging projects, which will undoubtedly be good additions to your portfolio. If you want to know more about BIM and parametric modelling, our Resources page has plenty of informative reads!

Similar Blogs

Building a Career in Sustainable Architecture: Advice from a Sustainability Expert

Architecture Thesis Projects: A Comprehensive List of 30 Topics to Pick From (Updated 2022)

How to Give a Fantastic Architecture Thesis Review That Stands Out

Understand how BIM can help your career!

Speak with an Expert Now!

BIM Professional Course

Related topics.

• design careers
• Architecture and Construction
• future tech

Subscribe to Novatr

Always stay up to date with what’s new in AEC!

Get articles like these delivered to your inbox every two weeks.

Related articles

A Beginner’s Guide To Isometric Drawings: How Do We Use Them In Architecture?

December 22, 2022

The 8 Most Promising Hyperloop Projects in the World (2023)

March 28, 2023

10 Award-Winning Architecture Thesis Projects From Around The World

Neha Sharma

June 7, 2023

Top 6 Innovative Architectural Mega Projects Around the World

Pragya Sharma

March 22, 2023

Ready to skyrocket your career?

Your next chapter in AEC begins with Novatr!

As you would have gathered, we are here to help you take the industry by storm with advanced, tech-first skills.

Dare to Disrupt.

Join thousands of people who organise work and life with Novatr.

Join our newsletter

We’ll send you a nice letter once per week. No spam.

• Become a Mentor
• Careers at Novatr
• Events & Webinars
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use

©2023 Novatr Network Pvt. Ltd.

All Rights Reserved

List of architecture dissertation topics

The architecture dissertation takes you on a ride where you are questioning what exists, and you are the one to address and answer what you want to change or architecturally contribute to. While brainstorming the architectural topic, you need to be very composed about your interests and aspirations. In this process, being integral with ongoing living trends and contextual issues will lead you towards making your architecture dissertation relevant and impactful. Here are a few categories to help you choose your design forte and then sink into the hustle and celebrate the phase of your architecture dissertation.

Categories:

• Urban Architecture
• Industrial Architecture
• Public Architecture
• Hospitality Architecture
• Religious Architecture
• Cultural Architecture
• Commercial Architecture
• Healthcare Architecture
• Educational Architecture
• Residential Architecture

As per the categories below is the list of architecture dissertation topics:  

1. Co-living Housing ( Residential Architecture )

In the age where earning a living is of more priority than living in families, co-living spaces are here to stay. Co-living housing schemes, not only encourage sharing space, but also sharing culture, social life, and philosophy even across generations. This design topic has the scope of uplifting the work from home culture and offering affordable ideas which respond to the collective lifestyle.  

2. Multi-functional Urban Squares ( Urban Architecture )

With the increasing population, the world faces land scarcity and a rise in concrete jungles. But some places have been solving this problem by introducing multi-functional urban squares. Thus, while accommodating urban facilities, this concept also offers recreational facilities. The topic allows fulfilling the urban requirement with shades of green in the cityscape.  

3. Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) Design (Transportation Architecture)

Urban cities with efficient transit systems develop quickly in terms of technology and economy. Architecture dissertation for mass transit challenges one to dictate movements of city residents through designing it to be less chaotic and more engaging. Along with technological aspects, one can instigate environment-friendly public transport proposals.

4. Waste Management Center ( Industrial Architecture )

An increase in urban population led to an increase in urban waste, which is not treated well in cities. An architecture dissertation in waste management could be a game-changer for rethinking urban environments to be sustainable. It grants exposure to materials that can be recycled or reused and also towards the scale, acoustics, and circulation around the machines installed for waste management.

5. Community Center ( Public Architecture )

Community centers often are the result of the empathetic need in society. Architecture has always amazed society with its contribution to community development. Not only in rural areas but also in the urban vicinity we live requires such centers to address the mental health of urban dwellers. It is a context-driven topic where one can showcase their sensibility towards neglected social issues of any observed region.

6. Redefining Hotels and Resorts (Hospitality Architecture)

Hotel Architecture has been initiated to become the face of the city and reflects nuances of the city culture, history, and style. Hospitality has always been a diverse concept, from greeting to offering meals, and architecture has magnificently contributed to constantly adapting this diversity. This kind of architecture dissertation topic confronts one to be pitch-perfect in the functional planning and circulation of spaces and at the same time create a statement design.

7. Temple Complex of the Future (Religious Architecture)

The temple architecture involves ample customs and traditional beliefs while considering the hierarchy of spaces. Such topics evoke a sense of narration to remodel the temples that will be as captivating in the future as they are today. Hence, to design for the religious activities performed today and fathom the design response of future cohorts is the gap to be bridged.

8. Retracing the Identity of Crematorium (Public Architecture)

The death phenomenon has always been dark and desolate, and crematoriums reflect this with utmost peculiarity. Although, along with time, the idea of death has transformed quite spiritually, and there is a rising need to imprint that intangibility in the tangible space of cremations. This topic challenges to mold human perspectives towards life and death by attempting to retrace them.   

9.  Eco-Museum (Cultural Architecture)

Lately, museums have evolved in varied typologies from general science-art-history museums to an intervention of Virtual Reality in the museums. However, eco-museums encourage observation and learning of the social, cultural, and natural ties of the place and the people and highlight sensitivity towards the welfare of the ecosystem. This typology of architecture dissertation attempts to connect with the visitors through awareness activities expanding the community distantly.

10. Revitalizing Local Markets (Commercial Architecture) 

Markets are a place of constant engagement and community encounters. Analyzing markets post-pandemic, one can sense the need to organize these congestions. Thus, while designing a market, it is essential to adapt to the current needs, achieve a sustainable design, and recreate engagement. 

11. Animal Shelter and Veterinary Care ( Healthcare Architecture )

While we are busy designing for our needs, being thoughtful for the ecosystem is equally crucial. The architecture dissertation dedicated to natural life around us apart from fulfilling the never-ending demands of humans’ could direct towards eco-sensitive design. The animal habitats are not something they can compromise on, and when they need to be treated by veterans, they face difficulties with the environment around them.

12. Urban Campus (Educational Architecture)

Urban campus weaves itself into the urban fabric such that the students coming from distant places feel a part of the city. They aim to offer distinctive curricular experiences through providing spaces to learn, work, play, and integrate themselves into fun learning. This topic liberates you to plan a wide range of functional spaces like R&D labs, libraries, cultural areas, cafes, canteens, etc., and integrate themselves to create a vibrant and energetic environment.

13. Reinventing Villages (Residential Architecture)

Rural development scouts to create affordable and sustainable living conditions for the residents. They lead a simple life with contentment and vulnerability towards nature. In response, recreating vernacular housing and providing them with basic amenities like health and sanitation, educational and communal facilities, electricity, and gas supply with proper maintenance could fulfill Gandhiji’s ideal village initiative. 

14. Disaster Relief Housing (Residential Architecture)

Disaster Relief calls for emergent architecture during natural calamities or even wars or terror attacks. Such a dissertation topic requires crisp research on building materials that can be prefabricated, recyclable, easily available, and assembled at such times. This topic is not limited to modular buildings and can innovate for concentration camps to resolve the issue. 

References: 

Online sources:

• Arkitecture & design.   100+ latest unusual architecture thesis topics list for dissertation research proposal . [online]. Available at: https://www.arkitecture.org/unusual-architecture-thesis-topics-list.html [Accessed 25 February 2022].
• ArchDaily.   Architecture Projects [online]. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/search/projects?ad_source=jv-header&ad_name=main-menu [Accessed 25 February 2022].

Images/visual mediums:

• BlessedArch. (2018).  68 Thesis topics in 5 minutes . [YouTube video]. Available at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NczdOK7oe98. [Accessed: 25 February 2022].

Trishla Doshi is a philomath designer and an architect in Mumbai. She aspires to foster cultural resurgence among people through reaching out to them sometimes in the form of words and sometimes design. She is in the constant exploration of the space between herself and her illustrative narratives breathing history.

Why is it essential for architects to build a brand for their practice?

School of Architecture by Bernard Tschumi Architects: Learning creativity with a creative space

Related posts.

Travel the Word: Somolia

New Architectural Discoveries as of 2023

Utilizing Cutting-Edge Technologies and Materials in Design

5 Examples of Experiential Architecture

How to Conduct research

What are the challenges and benefits of community-driven architecture projects?

• Architectural Community
• Architectural Facts
• RTF Architectural Reviews
• Architectural styles
• City and Architecture
• Fun & Architecture
• History of Architecture
• Design Studio Portfolios
• Designing for typologies
• RTF Design Inspiration
• Architecture News
• Career Advice
• Case Studies
• Construction & Materials
• Covid and Architecture
• Interior Design
• Know Your Architects
• Landscape Architecture
• Materials & Construction
• Product Design
• RTF Fresh Perspectives
• Sustainable Architecture
• Top Architects
• Travel and Architecture
• Rethinking The Future Awards 2022
• RTF Awards 2021 | Results
• GADA 2021 | Results
• RTF Awards 2020 | Results
• ACD Awards 2020 | Results
• GADA 2019 | Results
• ACD Awards 2018 | Results
• GADA 2018 | Results
• RTF Awards 2017 | Results
• RTF Sustainability Awards 2017 | Results
• RTF Sustainability Awards 2016 | Results
• RTF Sustainability Awards 2015 | Results
• RTF Awards 2014 | Results
• RTF Architectural Visualization Competition 2020 – Results
• Architectural Photography Competition 2020 – Results
• Designer’s Days of Quarantine Contest – Results
• Urban Sketching Competition May 2020 – Results
• RTF Essay Writing Competition April 2020 – Results
• Architectural Photography Competition 2019 – Finalists
• The Ultimate Thesis Guide
• Introduction to Landscape Architecture
• Perfect Guide to Architecting Your Career
• How to Design Architecture Portfolio
• How to Design Streets
• Introduction to Urban Design
• Introduction to Product Design
• Complete Guide to Dissertation Writing
• Introduction to Skyscraper Design
• Educational
• Hospitality
• Institutional
• Office Buildings
• Public Building
• Residential
• Sports & Recreation
• Temporary Structure
• Commercial Interior Design
• Corporate Interior Design
• Healthcare Interior Design
• Hospitality Interior Design
• Residential Interior Design
• Sustainability
• Transportation
• Urban Design
• Host your Course with RTF
• Architectural Writing Training Programme | WFH
• Editorial Internship | In-office
• Graphic Design Internship
• Research Internship | WFH
• Research Internship | New Delhi
• RTF | About RTF
• Submit Your Story

Looking for Job/ Internship?

Rtf will connect you with right design studios.