The University of Edinburgh, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland and the AHRC, is offering a full-time funded PhD studentship.
Background
The architecture of the period since 1975 is attracting increasing attention from historians. Although the broad outlines of its history seem to be well-known, detailed archival research and oral history are allowing a more complex picture to be developed.
On the one hand, this period saw the critical evaluation of the approaches to architecture and planning which had dominated in the 1950s and 1960s, and the emergence of new approaches, often indebted more overtly to history and context.
The role of the state as architectural patron was challenged by new political ideologies and models of procurement. An ever more diverse range of individuals and organisation became involved in shaping the built environment, with the contributions of women, minority groups, and local communities becoming prominent.
In Scotland, there were particular questions relating to the country's specific economic and social challenges. At the same time, Scotland's place in the UK was debated and contested. And yet, at the same time, there were also important continuities.
This project asks:
How far did Scottish architectural design of the 1970s, 80s and 90s demonstrate a new architectural culture reflective of Scotland's changing social and political contexts?
Who should apply:
We are looking for someone with interests in architecture, social history, and urban history who wants to find an answer to this question.
Regardless of previous specialism, you should (by October 2020) have a First or high Upper-Second class honours degree and, ideally, a Masters-level qualification, or comparable professional experience.
We are looking for someone who has the tenacity to investigate the archive systematically, who is motivated to drive their own research agenda forward in an independent way (with our guidance), and who has the analytical ability to develop new insights into the history of post-1975 Scotland.
Project sponsors
The project is a collaboration between the University of Edinburgh, which is a centre of excellence for study and research in architectural history, and Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the national body responsible for the built environment. HES is not only involved in conservation but has a substantial archive of post-1975 material and a research programme investigating this topic.
Fee Rate: Tuition fees are paid at the Home/EU rate (£4,327 in 2019/20).
Stipend: £15,285 for 2020/21 (increasing annually with the rate of inflation) available to UK/EU students.
Additional Benefits: HES will contribute up to £1,000 per financial year (for a total of four years) to support research-related expenses of the student, usually in the form of travel and subsistence.
Duration: The project is fully funded for 3 years 9 months with the potential to be extended for a further 3 months to enable the student to undertake further relevant professional development. (September 2020 start). Part time study options are available.
Closing date for applications: 11 May 2020
For full details and how to apply, visit our website.