Architectural practices worldwide have to deal with increasingly complex design requirements. How do practices acquire the ability to do so?

The Changing Shape of Practice provides a handbook of examples for practices that wish to integrate more research into their work and a reference book for students that seek to prepare themselves for the changing shape of practice in architecture.

It addresses the increasing integration of research undertaken in architectural practices of different sizes ranging from small to very large practices from the UK, USA, Europe and Asia. The book is organized according to the size of the practices which is significant in that it addresses the different structures and resourcing requirements that are enabled by specific practice sizes, as this determines and constrains the type, scope and modes of research available to a given practice. The practices covered include:

Woods Bagot
Perkins + Will
White
AECOM
UN Studio
Shop Architects
PLP Architecture
Kieran Timberlake
3XN
ONL
AZPML
Thomas Herzog + Partners
Herreros Arquitectos
Spacescape
OCEAN Design Research Association

By taking stock of the current shape of practice, the book provides essential information for professional architects who are integrating research into their practice.