Architectural research has traditionally moved in a tension field between art, science and the practical exercise of the profession. The discipline has shared this condition with other forms of research attached to an artistic field.

The artistic dimension of the architectural profession and the fact that the exercise of the architectural profession is based on experience and knowledge that is in opposition to the humanistic, social scientific and technical-natural scientific sphere with very different scientific methods and traditions, results in special conditions for the research-related development of knowledge within the architectural profession.

On these conditions, the Aarhus School of Architecture works determinedly on developing a research tradition. The overall aim is

• Through research to provide a knowledge base for:
• Research-based teaching at the highest level within all the domains. disciplines, tools and methods of the discipline
• Development of the discipline in a scientific, academic and societal perspective.
• Through architectural development to work to strengthen the artistic dimension of the teaching and the artistic development of the profession.

The Aarhus School of Architecture gives high priority to participation in national and international research connections. The school has – through networks and personal, professional contacts – a developed contact potential to other research environments, just as there is a continuous cooperation with architectural research institutes at home and abroad.