PhD student Meaning & Translation. Towards a conceptual toolbox for reuse

Hasselt University, Belgium

Updated: over 2 years ago
Deadline: 15 Sep 2021
The Faculty of Architecture and Arts of Hasselt University seeks a (m/f/x)

PhD student Meaning & Translation. Towards a conceptual toolbox for reuse
Background
Creativity, communication and research are central to the academic educational programme in Architecture and Interior Architecture of the Faculty of Architecture and Arts. Through realistic projects and intensive guidance, students learn to come up with original solutions to questions within a certain societal and spatial context. Through practice and multidisciplinary guidance, our students develop a personal style and vision. The educational programmes of Architecture and Interior Architecture educate versatile students and excellent designers.
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Meaning & Translation. Towards a conceptual toolbox for reuse

In the built environment, reuse is increasingly seen as a common and sustainable counteracting tactic against financial and material obsolescence. Although there is a consensus on the importance of reuse in design and education practice, the focus is more on material and technical challenges. But what happens in the translation between old and new? What meanings are formed or erased in new architectural interventions at heritage sites?
This research project aims to develop a conceptual toolkit that can be used in practice and education. The research specifically focuses on the question of how textual and non-textual sources can contribute to the emerging theory of re-use and its relationship with new architectural interventions on the one hand and conservation/restoration discourses on the other.
The knowledge building will take place on three levels:
  • A critical discourse analysis based on the existing canon of 20th century architectural theory in order to develop a broader conceptual framework for reuse processes (e.g. texts by Robert Venturi, Colin Rowe, Giancarlo De Carlo,...);
  • Introducing new texts from other disciplines (mainly literary studies and art history) that can add new, unexpected insights to the existing discourse and practice (e.g. texts by Georges Steiner, Kenneth Rexroth, Jeff Malpas , Umberto Eco, Erwin Panofsky, Paul Ricœur, TS Eliott, Vernon Lee, Walter Benjamin);
  • Reading some exemplary historical and contemporary re-use projects in which notions of meaning, translation and transition interact. The analysis here can be done both through the study of the physical building itself and through the analysis of design drawings and sketches.

    • This research aims to make a fundamental contribution on two levels: 1. substantiating the discourse of adaptive reuse through a critical rereading of 20th century theoretical texts from different disciplines and 2. To further develop the conceptual framework for adaptive reuse from non-textual sources.
    The research is grafted onto four ongoing lines of enquiry within the Trace research group: 1. Reusing the Ruin. Building on the fragmented fabric; 2. Traces from within. repurposing and 'contaminated heritage'; 3: Iconography & Iconology in Reuse; 4. Pedagogical Tools and Design Strategies for Urban Reuse: ILAUD, 1976-2015[MOU3] .
    For more information on the research group, see this link .
    Profile
    • You obtained a Master's degree in (interior) architecture or Master's degree in engineering: architecture. (or equivalent)
      Final-year students are (likewise) encouraged to apply.
    • You can report clearly, both orally and in writing.
    • You are willing to take on teaching assignments on a limited basis.
    • You are able to work independently as well as in interdisciplinary teams.
    • You can build and function in an international network.
    • You are fluent in written and oral communication (English)
    • You can demonstrate the necessary research and/or design skills. If applicable, please upload a portfolio under 'relevant documents' on your online application.
    • You can work interdisciplinary and as part of a team and have fluent social skills to work with both professionals and individuals in the research process.
    • You have a feel for critical reading of theoretical texts, and/or a strong interest in delving into these areas.
    Offer
    You will be appointed and paid as PhD student .
    Doctoral fellowship for 2 x 2 years with interim evaluation.
    Selection procedure
    You can only apply online up to and including 15 September 2021.
    The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file and an interview.
    Further information
    Prof. dr. Koenraad VAN CLEEMPOEL, +32-11-292105, [email protected]
    More about working at Hasselt University? Check www.uhasselt.be/vacancies for our staff benefits.

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