Design Units and Research Clusters

At The Bartlett School of Architecture, design is central to our approach. For over 25 years, our unit structure has become a defining feature of studying design-led subjects at the School, fostering innovation and critical exploration.

In some of our undergraduate and master’s programmes, Design Projects modules are taught within design units or research clusters, each led by distinguished tutors from academia and practice. Students can learn the skills to practise architecture, exchanging ideas with students from across the globe as well as leading practitioners and academics.

Design units were established to give students and staff the freedom to explore diverse approaches relevant to their mutual research interests. Each unit has its own distinctive position on the discipline and subject of architecture that evolves through a new theme each year. 

Below, explore the 2024–25 design units and research clusters. 

Explore student life and work

Discover the visual work created by our undergraduate and master's students, showcased to the public in our annual flagship exhibitions. These publications provide insights into life and work at The Bartlett, one of the world's top architecture schools.