SEK 25 million for architectural research at KTH
Formas’ research council has just awarded SEK 50 million to two strong research environments. Katja Grillner, Professor at KTH’s School of Architecture, will be responsible for half of the money. The “million” programme (architecture and residential areas) is one research area where the money will used; an area where huge investments are to be made in the future.
Effects of architecture: To rethink architecture’s social dimension. That is the epithet of the strong research environment which Katja Grillner and KTH is responsible for.
To be more specific, it will be taking a closer look at the relations between architecture, society and politics. To enhance the critical understanding of architecture, our built environment, and its effects on individuals, society and its political function and significance.
“I am responsible for one of the two strong research environments which Formas has chosen to focus on. This is a major structural investment, and includes a lot of theoretical and methodological development. Specifically, we will concentrate on problem areas of important current interest where the links between architecture, society, politics and power are especially apparent,” says Katja Grillner.
An example is the “million” programme (architecture and residential areas). Huge investments will be made here in the future and there is an enormous and complex need for knowledge.
“Sustainability also plays a very central part of course. What role does architecture play in the work towards a more sustainable society, and what are the consequences of the different ways of tackling sustainability issues for both politics, planning and architecture,” says Katja Grillner.
The research money from Formas, will be spread out over a five year period between 2011-2015.
Besides Katja Grillner’s strong research environment, KTH is also involved in the other strong research environment within the venture. This is led from Chalmers. KTH also receives a share of an additional SEK 30 million from the research council Formas. Money which will finance a new national research school in architecture. The lead applicant is Lund University; besides KTH, Chalmers University of Technology and Umeå University will also form a part of the new school.
For more information, contact Katja Grillner on 08-790 87 69 or katja.grillner@arch.kth.se.
Peter Larsson