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Having had a rewarding experience during the MAUS programme, I wanted to further my research interests by reading for a doctorate. I was subsequently informed of an EPSRC-funded opportunity at the department and approached my MAUS Environmental Design tutor, Professor Koen Steemers, for guidance. He enthusiastically helped me to formulate a research proposal to further my interest in urban and architectural green infrastructure interventions, which impressed the interview panel and resulted in being awarded the Studentship.
As my Supervisor, Professor Koen Steemers was from the onset a supportive presence, providing direction throughout the evolution of my thesis project and my development as a researcher. He also encouraged greater participation in our research cluster activities (the Behaviour and Building Performance Group), while the Head of the Martin Centre, Professor Ying Jin encouraged greater involvement with the wider research community that resulted in gaining the privilege of being a convener of the Martin Centre Seminars, the longest running seminar series in the field. These departmental activities enabled me to engage with the research community and scholarship at the department, the wider University community, and world-renowned experts from further afield.
This stimulating environment resulted in the delivery of six journal publications and representation at four international conferences during my doctoral studies. Being emersed in the Cambridge environment also meant that I had many opportunities to present my research to College and wider University audiences, thereby aiding the development of a robust thesis. I feel especially privileged to have been a member of this department in the years leading up to its UK #1 ranking for Architecture awarded by the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). This is a testament to my belief that if one wishes to be at the cutting edge of research in the field, there is no better place to be than in this department.
Kanchane Gunawardena (May 2022)
While working closely with craftsmen on conservation and architectural design in India for over four years, I developed a keen interest in testing the scope of traditional building techniques in contemporary contexts. The Department of Architecture at Cambridge offered an environment of rigorous scholarship while the collegiate structure was ideal for community engagement for my young family and me.
My PhD supervisor, Dr Michael Ramage, was forthcoming in sharing his expertise and lending support for my research, which further benefitted from critical reviews from other department members. The university’s reputation also opened doors for archival research and fieldwork across the world. An unexpected and fulfilling experience came from supervising undergraduates, and I have since developed much respect for Cambridge’s tutorial system, which gives PhD students an early taste of teaching.
The department’s facilities and drive for academic excellence are complemented by excellent staff support, while the university’s range of training programmes for early career researchers, regular lectures by luminaries and international students, and Career services make it a fantastic place to be!
Aftab Jalia - Clare Hall (April 2018)