ARCHITECTURE THESIS TOPICS: FRESH IDEAS FOR STUDENTS


Architecture offers a rich field for research. There are a whole host of topics to explore, from the technical to the theoretical. Here are a few ideas to spur your creativity.


Worship Spaces

Religion and architecture have a long history together. Much of the world’s grand architecture has been dedicated to public worship of one form or another. This rich history makes the confluence of religion and architecture one of the most interesting areas to explore.

    Here are a few sample topics:
  • The Christian appropriation of pagan architecture
  • Ancient Mayan temples
  • Religious space in modern Jerusalem
  • The influence of the idea of “communal worship” on the design of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
  • The loss of faith and the conversion of European worship spaces into libraries

Sustainable Architecture

More and more, architects are struggling with the need to design and build structures that are both functional and sustainable. There’s no end to topics that explore how architects are trying to reduce the impact of buildings on the environment.

    Use these sample topics as a starting point:
  • Problems in the design of sustainable architecture
  • The use of recycled materials in sustainable architecture
  • Building low-energy houses
  • Sustainable architecture in Sub-Saharan Africa

The Architecture of Memorial Museums

By commemorating larger-than-life figures, historical triumphs, or tragic events in the life of a people, memorial museums offer powerful statements. Focusing on these museums of remembrance is a fascinating way to explore the intersection between architecture and the human experience.

    Here are a few ideas:
  • Spaces of Remembrance: The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
  • One World Trade Center
  • Sam Houston Memorial Museum

Affordable Urban Housing

Urban architecture is probably the most exciting and challenging areas for modern architecture. Some of the greatest and most interesting achievements in the built environment come from densely packed urban areas. So do some of the greatest problems, such as affordable urban housing. How can city planners and architects deal with ever-increasing urban populations and ever-decreasing space? How can they create structures that honor the constraints that urban conditions impose while remaining livable?

    Here are a few ideas to get you thinking:
  • Slums and urbanization in modern Turkey
  • Low-cost housing in Caracas
  • The effect of multi-family homes on family life
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