Linking theory back to practice

The Building Research and Information special issue 'Developing Theories of the Built Environment' (volume 36(3), 2008) explores the epistemology that underpins design research and the built environment. This commentary considers alternative models and processes of research that can assist with addressing the complexity and vast theoretical territory constituting the built environment. The continuing disciplinary fragmentation within universities and the separation of much university research from real data and from the needs of practice have been disastrous. A clear need exists for integrating knowledge across disciplinary boundaries and for crossing the chasm between university-based research and the users of research in practices. Important precedents provided by the Tavistock Institute, Space Syntax and Building Use Studies illustrate the virtues of combining field-based research, theory and practice, and demonstrate real benefits. Increasing recognition is necessary of the interdependence and linkage between the realms of practice and university-based research. It is vital to energize data that exist within practice through new, more flexible institutions and new, more inventive modes of research.