Postgraduate disciplinary trends in architecture: mapping master theses in Jordan
ISSN: 2631-6862
Article publication date: 24 February 2022
Issue publication date: 20 October 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the postgraduate disciplinary trends in architecture in Jordan. It highlights current research topics in master theses of architecture programs, to enhance the selection of postgraduate thesis topics that are more responsive and adaptive to the raised research demands of communities and the profession.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper analyzed 254 master's theses published from 2009 to 2019 in three Jordanian universities. The paper employed a descriptive and content analysis for theses' titles and abstracts.
Findings
The principal results identify unique geographical, temporal and disciplinary trends in the mapped theses. The findings illustrate an interest in disciplines of design studies, building technology, housing and community and urban design among postgraduate students. The findings also highlight a centralization of theses' number and geographical location within Amman governorate. Many theses also focused on residential spaces as a scale of analysis.
Practical implications
The proposed suggestions include collaborative efforts and practical mechanisms by higher education institutions, practitioners and decision-makers for advancing rigorous, diverse and relevant research topics in postgraduate theses.
Originality/value
The paper provides a comprehensive mapping of the topics of postgraduate theses in the field of architecture. It highlights how they have evolved or have been influenced by community needs. It also draws attention toward specific disciplines that have been the focus of major architectural programs in Jordan. Finally, it highlights the coexistence of interdisciplinarity within the field of architecture.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the support from the Jordan University of Science and Technology who funded this research (Faculty Member Research Grant (FMRG)/ No. 513 – 2020). The university provided sufficient fund to carry out different research processes, including recruiting research assistants, and covering travelling expenses to different Jordanian universities. The content of this paper is the sole responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the Jordan University of Science and Technology. The authors would also like to thank our research assistants, Lara Daradkeh and Abdulrazzaq Shaamala, who provided support in data collection. The authors are also grateful to Dr. Nermeen Dalgomoni who provided critical feedback on the article draft.
Citation
Al Khalidi, M., Al-Rqaibat, S. and Okour, Y. (2022), "Postgraduate disciplinary trends in architecture: mapping master theses in Jordan", Archnet-IJAR, Vol. 16 No. 3, pp. 653-670. https://doi.org/10.1108/ARCH-08-2021-0212
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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