We integrate research into our design process to make our practice more reflexive and adaptable to a wide range of issues, locations, and technologies. Research is a way of building a more comprehensive understanding of the conditions of a project. Although we often revisit the same broad interests—ideas about environment, culture, and technology—their application varies from project to project.

The critical function of our research is as much to provoke a rethinking or retooling of our process as it is to inform the specific content of our work. Our research engages a variety of interconnected topics and scales:

• Materials and New Methods of Fabrication
• Innovative Systems
• Program/Identity
• Site and Climate
• Urban Growth

Each project begins with a set of questions that arise out of its initial parameters and constraints. Our process of questioning our basic assumptions opens up a dialogue and a new set of ideas. This is analogous to an ecological approach, where our design response remains adaptable to a wide variety of circumstances and climates. It also seeks to engage these circumstances with heightened rigor and specificity. We believe the ongoing integration of research into our design process encourages innovation and continually improves the quality of the work we produce. This way of working naturally also lends itself to collaboration and the assimilation of seemingly disparate forms of content and ideas. As a result, our work is very diverse, addressing subjects and interests that vary with our clients.