Course Syllabus

 

Semester & Location:	Spring 2025 - DIS Copenhagen
Type & Credits:	Elective Course - 3 credits
Major Disciplines:	Architecture, Art History, Urban Studies
Research Mentor:	Rodrigo Antonio Rieiro Díaz (current students please use the Canvas Inbox)
Research Director:	Susana Dietrich - research@dis.dk
Senior Research Manager:	Jeanette Erbo Wern jwe@dis.dk
Academic Support:	research@dis.dk
Time & Place:	See "Course Summary" below

Research Project Description

The collective housing projects that the recently deceased architect Gunnar Hoydal directed during his time as city architect of Tórshavn, in the Faroe Islands (1972-1997), have probably been overshadowed by his role as national poet and writer. Very little research and documentation has been done on outstanding cases like Tórsbyrgi (1977), a long-lasting example of implementation of cohousing principles in a sociocultural and economic context very far away from cohousing’s breeding ground in the Scandinavian metropolis, Berjabrekka and millum Gilja, two participatory low-rise dense housing developments from the 1980s, or Inni á Gøtu (1990), a rare example of a support + infill housing scheme in the Nordic region.

 The goal of this project is to conduct comprehensive primary research of these forgotten examples of local interpretations of contemporary global architectural debates aimed at its dissemination in and beyond the islands. Their secluded setting brings a valuable source of information about long-term evolution of these housing schemes while their research offers an opportunity to explore inconspicuous connections across the North Atlantic among the islands, the Danish metropolis, and the Americas beyond.

This project will extend to multiple semesters, assigning specific tasks per semester, allowing research assistants (RAs) to gain in-depth knowledge and research skills aligned with semester goals.

First part of the project is centered in the “hard” infrastructure of these housing systems, RAs are introduced to and instructed in quantitative data collection for architectural research, including data collection of spatial parameters and the use of drawing as a research methodology.

In the second part of the project, the focus will turn to goals and rules (the “soft” infrastructure) of the cases of study, and RAs will develop proficiency in qualitative research methods, including data gathering, interviews with residents and other stakeholders, and analysis within the social sciences.

The last part of the project will gather the previous work and address the dreamworlds and paradigms animating the cases of study. RAs will be introduced to a visual ethnographic approach for home studying. Visual and spatial qualities will be studied obtaining photography and drawings, combining that with other ethnographic methods, including participant observation and various documentary approaches in the tradition of action research.

In each part of the project, RAs will be introduced to different fieldwork methodologies during intensive research stays. All along the project, they will gain a comprehensive understanding of situated research methodologies, ranging from problem formulation and research design to academic analysis and writing specific to architectural research.

The expected outcome is the production of a series of critical written articles by the RAs, providing them the opportunity to gain insight into manuscript writing for scientific journals, while they take part in the process of collective creation of a publication about the community-oriented housing projects that Gunnar Hoydal led as city architect of Tórshavn.

 While achieving publishable results within the DIS semester timeframe is unlikely, the collected data will significantly contribute to advancing subsequent project phases. Over time, as more data accumulates, there will be opportunities to publish the results. Exceptionally dedicated and engaged RAs may be offered co-authorship, as determined by the faculty.

References and Further Reading

On the cases of study.

• Allin, S. (Ed.). (2007) Tórshavnar býaratlas : hús og býarumhvørvi í Tórshavn [Tórshavn city atlas: houses and city environment in Tórshavn]. Tórshavnar kommuna
• Dirckinck-Holmfeld, K., & Møldrup, S. (Eds.). (1995).Arkitektur på Færøerne [Special issue]. Arkitektur DK, 6/7, 293-420.
• Hansen, C. (2019). A story of connections. An intergenerational community in the Feroe Islands based on shared living[Thesis MA Spatial Design. The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation. Institute of Architecture and Design]. KADK https://kglakademi.dk/da/project/story-connections-intergenerational-community-faroe-islands-based-shared-living

 On the methodology.

• García-Huidobro, , Torres Torriti,D., & Tugas, N. (2008) Time builds! : the Experimental Housing Project (PREVI), Lima : genesis and outcome. Gustavo Gili.
• GIVCO - Grupo de Investigación Vivienda Colectiva (2013-now). Cuadernos de Vivienda, ETSAM. https://www.pc3.fau.usp.br/cvc-givco-en
• Mogollón García, I., & Fernández Cubero, A. 2016). Arquitecturas del cuidado. Viviendas colaborativas para personas mayores. Un acercamiento al context vasco y las realidades europeas [Architectures of care. Collaborative housing for the elderly. An approach to the Basque context and European realities].
• Pink, S. (2004). Home truths. Gender, domestic objects and everyday life.
• Rieiro Díaz, R. (2023). Make yourself at home. A critical retracing of the legacy of the housing utopias built in the Nordic countries in the seventies. [Doctoral dissertation. Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura]. ETSAMhttps://oa.upm.es/73570/1 RODRIGO_RIEIRO_DIAZ.pdf
• Simpson, D. “015). Young-old. Urban Utopias of an aging society. Lars Müller Publishers.

Learning Objectives

The primary objective is for you to experience the world of research and gain skills that will prepare you for any future career you choose to pursue. By the end of the term, you will grasp the complexities of the research project and have made your own contribution to the project. You will have learned to communicate ideas and findings, both orally and in writing, to colleagues within your particular discipline, as well as peers from other disciplines.

Research Mentor

Rodrigo Antonio Rieiro Díaz

Ph.D. in Architecture with the highest distinction. Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, ETSAM: “Make yourself at home. A critical retracing of the legacy of the housing utopias built in the Nordic countries in the 70´s” (2023). Before, guest researcher at the SBi (Danish Building Research Institute), teaching assistant in Project Design, ETSAM, and master's in architecture from the same school. 

 Senior architect with more than 12 years of experience working for several prestigious offices in Copenhagen (ERIK, WERK, Dorte Mandrup, Mikkelsen, EFFEKT) and before in Madrid (Ábalos+Sentkiewicz, DL+A).

Roles and Responsibilities of the Research Assistant

You are expected to spend a minimum of 10 hours per week on the project. The workload
may vary over the semester. If you are travelling to do field research in a different
location, additional time may be required.
As research assistant, you will engage in some or all of the following:
1. Participate in weekly meetings with your research mentor at a time set collectively at the beginning of the term.
2. Participate in a research orientation at the beginning of the semester 
3. Participate in two research workshops during the semester.
4. Write an assessment of your own strengths and weaknesses in the research
process at the beginning of the semester. Revisit at the end of the semester as part of an evaluation of your own participation in, and learning from, the research project.
5. Keep a research journal and submit it on canvas every week (or another specified interval) for your research mentor an DIS Research, describing the activities of the week, and outlining goals for the following week.
6. Conduct literature reviews.
7. Participate in carrying out the research project. This may include: familiarizing yourself with core concepts, prototyping, design testing, preliminary user studies. The specific responsibilities may vary depending on how the project progresses. Be prepared to contribute to tasks that may come up
during the semester. Research processes are not always predictable.
8. Present the relevance of the research and/or findings to peer(s) from other
disciplines at the DIS Festival.
9. Make a final oral and/or written presentation of the research you are involved in, depending on what is agreed with your research mentor.

Readings

The readings will be agreed upon with the Research Mentor at the beginning of the semester -
the exact content will differ depending on your background. You will receive guidance
concerning the basics of relevant concepts, study designs, methods of analysis, etc.

Evaluation and Grading

All research assistants are assessed on their participation, weekly status reports to the research mentor, self-evaluation and presentation to peers from other disciplines. Additional evaluation and grading depends on the individual research project and project phase and is outlined by the research mentor. It may include literature reviews, a poster presentation for an expert panel, a working paper, etc.

Participation* 10% of grade comprises attendance & active participation including homework in the research orientation, research workshops, and DIS Festival	20%
Literature review	5%
Research Project Outline	10%
Presentation at DIS Festival	10%
Final Paper	55%
TOTAL	100%

Research Orientation & Workshops

Days and times are available in the Course Summary, below.

Field Research (if applicable)

Some research projects include field research. Expenses related to fieldwork will be
covered by a DIS travel grant. The fieldwork will be planned with the research
mentor at the beginning of the semester.

Approach to Mentoring

All DIS research mentors have been trained in mentoring students but their approach to
mentoring may differ. Mentoring is about engaging at a different - and often deeper -
level than what is typical in the class room. However, mentoring also comes with some
degree of ambiguity, which is important for you to expect. The research
mentor will work closely with you throughout the semester but part of the training is also
for you to use your own judgement, to make assessments and decisions. As part of
planning your tasks and responsibilities for the semester together, the research
mentor will talk to you about her/his approach to mentoring.

Expectations of the Research Assistant

The specific expectations of the individual research assistant are agreed upon at the
beginning of the semester. In general, a research assistant is expected to take initiative,
take ownership of the project and work independently. You must also be prepared for
meetings and be willing to part take in relevant discussions. In cases where more
research assistants are involved in the same project, you will be expected to engage in
some teamwork. Carrying out a research project is not a straightforward and
predictable process. This is part of what makes it exciting. It also means that
communication is crucial. You are expected to take responsibility for communicating
about problems or issues that arise.

Data

Note that many US colleges/universities require their students who are participating in research at home or abroad to acquire Institutional Review Board approval. Examples include:

• Research involving human subjects
• If the results of any research conducted during your semester with DIS involving human subjects are to be made public or published in the US

You are responsible for confirming whether home IRB-approval is required and, if so, for seeking the approval of your home schools IRB. In addition, all research conducted in Europe must adhere to GDPR regulations, as noted above.

Disability and Resource Statement

Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact Academic Support in Copenhagen (acadsupp@dis.dk) or in Stockholm (academics@disstockholm.se), depending on the project location. In order to receive accommodations, students should inform the instructor of approved DIS accommodations within the first two weeks of classes.

Academic Regulations

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations. on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on: 

• Course Enrollment and Grading.  
• Academic Expectations and Honor Code.