Research is central to the study of architecture within the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA). It motivates University of Edinburgh's intellectual and creative activities and underpins their collaborations with a range of important international and UK-based institutions.

The University of Edinburgh actively promotes interdisciplinary approaches to research in architecture. Their expertise and interests range across the following areas:

Architectural Conservation
The focus includes:

conservation theory and history
urban conservation
conservation technology
the challenges of bridging heritage and new architecture

Architectural History, Theory and Criticism
The university has particular strength in:

the history of architecture in Britain and the British colonial world (18th and 19th centuries)
Germany, Central Europe and Russia
modernism in Europe, North America and Africa
Renaissance Italy
the history of landscape
the history of technology
the international history of mass housing and urban development
the theory and philosophy of architecture
the philosophy of place
critical inquiry and methodology

Design-led Research and Studio Practice
The university focuses on:

research in and through design, as informed by contemporary architectural and cultural theory
studio pedagogy
research-led teaching
methodologies of urban research and fieldwork

Digital Media and Design
They have expertise in:

the spatial, social and philosophical implications of media
histories of design computing
the relationship between computers and design practice
cognitive models of human-computer interaction
3D modelling
mobile computing
the sonic environment
e-commerce

Technology, Environment and Sustainability
We offer expertise in:

lightweight steel structures
the building envelope
concrete construction
design and manufacturing
sustainable design in both qualitative and quantitative senses, looking at environmental response, design theory, rural planning and user-centred solutions