Science and Research

Research activities at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague

Research activities at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague (AAAD) take the following forms: art theory research, artistic research, and research cooperation with the applied sphere (contract research).

Art theory research is mainly conducted by the Department of Theory and History of Art. The department also offers a follow-up master's study programme, Theory and History of Modern and Contemporary Art. Research is also carried out through the doctoral programme of the same name. The department is currently implementing several grant projects (especially the large NAKI project). The standard results of art theory research are publications (monographs, catalogues, studies, and articles) and exhibitions.

Artistic research consists of a long-term, systematic, well-argued and well-documented artistic activity conducted within the studios of the university within the departments of Architecture, Design, Graphics, Applied Arts, and Fine Arts. Students of the doctoral programme Visual Arts have a major contribution (in the fields of Architecture, Design, Visual Arts, Graphics and Visual Communication). The standard results are complex works of art and performances accompanied by extensive author reports and the presentation of the same.

Cooperation with the applied sphere consists of research conducted on the basis of contracts between the university and its partners in industry, state administration, municipalities, and the non-profit sector. This type of research is generally conducted in studios and both educators and students participate in it.

Each of these research areas has a specific social benefit. Research by art historians and theorists is focused on the study of architecture, design, and visual art from the 19th century to the present. Its results significantly advance knowledge in this area and impact the perception of modern culture.

Art research contributes to new advances in materials and technology, to the development of a creative environment, and last but not least to a deeper self-reflection on our current social existence.

Contract research primarily conducted in the area of design shows that the AAAD can play an important role in the development of the creative industry, the importance and economic benefit of which is gradually becoming more apparent to society.

The importance of the direct connection between research and teaching at the AAAD cannot be overstated, as it has a critical impact on the employability of graduates.