Application form for ABCE studentship

As part of your application, please answer in writing the seven questions below and upload a pdf
copy of this document to your application under the category ‘Reply Form’. Please DO NOT upload
a separate personal statement, statement of purpose, or letter of introduction as part of your
application.

Each question is followed by a suggested maximum word count. The shortlisting panel is looking for
concise and well-formed answers to each question.

This form will be used to shortlist applicants for interview, and the interview panel will ask
questions about the answers you provide below.

You will need to submit an online application to generate the application reference number.

Application reference: 000xxxxxx

Project reference: ABCE24/SC1

Q1. Why do you want to do a PhD? (150 words)

A PhD is a three- to four-year commitment that requires high personal motivation. Please explain
how doing a PhD will lead to your chosen career. Why are you interested in research? How did
you develop that interest?

Pursuing a PhD is more than a mere academic endeavor; it's a commitment to deepening my
understanding of a subject I'm passionate about and contributing fresh insights to the academic
community. Additionally, it serves as a crucial stepping stone towards my career aspirations in
academia or research-intensive industries.
My interest in research is fueled by my inherent curiosity and desire to explore the unknown.
Research offers a structured avenue to satisfy this curiosity by tackling unanswered questions
and pushing the boundaries of existing knowledge. Moreover, I'm driven by the potential to
make meaningful societal contributions through the discovery and dissemination of new
knowledge, whether it's advancing scientific understanding, addressing societal challenges, or
fostering technological innovation.
This passion for research has been cultivated through diverse experiences, including engaging in
undergraduate research projects, which provided firsthand experience in generating new insights
and overcoming intellectual challenges. Additionally, exposure to the work of leading researchers
through academic literature and conferences has inspired me, reinforcing my commitment to
pursuing a career in research.
In essence, pursuing a PhD aligns perfectly with my career goals, offering the opportunity to
delve deeply into my interests, contribute to the advancement of knowledge, and prepare for a
fulfilling career in academia or research.

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Q2. What interests you about this project in particular? (150 words)
Interest in a project will significantly underpin your motivation during your studies. Please
explain/describe the key aspects or points that drew you to apply for this project.

This research highlights the significance of addressing environmental sustainability in

architectural design and construction practices. The oversight of environmental concerns by the
Modernist movement has resulted in buildings with a legacy of environmental unsustainability.
Understanding the barriers to meeting zero-carbon targets is crucial for promoting sustainable
approaches. By examining policy, design processes, and construction methods, researchers can
identify opportunities for improvement and inform policy development and industry standards.
Achieving zero-carbon targets is essential for mitigating climate change, and addressing these
issues is crucial for creating an environmentally responsible built environment.

Q3. What project-specific skills, aptitude and experience do you bring to this PhD project? (200
words)
Please tell us how your skills fit with this PhD. You can use examples from a wide variety of life
experience, including work, academic study, research, presentations or public engagement
activities, wider reading, extra-curricular activities such as sports, volunteering, or other
community activities.

Overall, my combination of research skills, analytical abilities, interdisciplinary perspective,

communication skills, project management capabilities, and collaborative mindset positions me
well to contribute meaningfully to this PhD project on sustainability in architecture.

Q4. What do you think is one of the key research issues in the field of the PhD project you are
applying for? (350 words)
Please answer this question showing evidence of information gathered from a wide range of
academic or non-academic sources.

One key research issue in the field of this PhD project is understanding the historical and
ideological factors that shaped architectural design practices and policies during the Modernist
movement and how they continue to influence sustainability outcomes in contemporary
architecture. This includes examining how prevailing architectural paradigms and design
philosophies, such as the prioritization of form over function or the emphasis on technological
progress, have contributed to the neglect of environmental considerations. By uncovering the
embedded concepts in policy, design processes, and construction methods inherited from the
Modernist era, researchers can identify persistent barriers to achieving zero-carbon targets and
propose strategies for overcoming them. This research not only sheds light on the historical roots
of sustainability challenges in architecture but also informs efforts to promote more
environmentally conscious design practices in the future.

Q5. How do you plan and manage tasks and time during longer-term projects? (150 words)
Good project and time management skills are key to the successful completion of a PhD, so here
is the opportunity to show us how you approach planning and carrying out projects. Please

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describe how you plan tasks and manage your time using evidence from your academic, work or
life experience.

• Setting Clear Goals and Milestones:

• Creating a Detailed Plan
• Prioritizing Tasks
• Utilizing Time Management Techniques
• Flexibility and Adaptability
• Regular Monitoring and Adjustments
• Effective Communication and Collaboration
• Self-Care and Time for Reflection

Q6. What strategies do you use to solve problems? (150 words)

Experience shows that you will have to solve many problems during your PhD research, so here is
the opportunity to show us how you approach problem solving. Please describe a problem you
have had to solve during your studies, at work, at home or elsewhere. Please describe how you
solved the problem and how you might respond differently if you were faced with that problem
again.

When faced with problems, I employ a systematic approach that involves several key strategies:
• Define the Problem
• Gather Information
• Generate Options
• Evaluate Options
• Make a Decision
• Implement the Solution
• Monitor Progress

Learn from Experience Overall, my problem-solving approach emphasizes systematic analysis,

creativity, informed decision-making, proactive implementation, and ongoing learning and
adaptation.

Q7. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about that helps us understand a bit more
about you? (150 words)
For example, you could tell us about any extra-curricular activities such as sports, arts, or other
clubs; volunteering; outreach; any grants or prizes you have been awarded; any other skills
learned during internships or work placements, etc.

Certainly! Outside of my academic pursuits, I actively engage in a variety of extracurricular

activities, including:
Sports: I am passionate about playing tennis, which I find to be an excellent outlet for physical
fitness and stress relief.

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Arts and Creativity: I enjoy exploring my creative side through drawing caricature. Engaging in
artistic endeavors allows me to express myself creatively and unwind from the rigors of academic
work.
Volunteering and Outreach: I am committed to giving back to the community through volunteer
work and outreach activities. Whether it's volunteering at local shelters, mentoring students, I
find fulfillment in making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Grants or Prizes:
Ranked 7th in the nationwide entrance exams in the field of Urban Design for MS degree, 2019
Ranked 9th in the nationwide sketching exam, 2019
Awarded by Tehran Urban Research and Planning Center, 2021
Was selected as one of the best theses by Urban Living Lab, Shahid Beheshti University, 2022