PhD Scholarship: Solid Timber Weaving — Modelling, Simulation, Prototyping and Tectonics

The Royal Danish Academy – Architecture, Design, Conservation invites applications for a fully funded three-year PhD position focusing on Solid Timber Weaving, with an emphasis on computational modelling, structural simulation, physical prototyping and tectonic development. The PhD will investigate the development of timber junctions for free-form gridshell structures woven from solid timber. It forms part of the Carlsberg Foundation Semper Ardens Accomplish project Kagome Architectures, which investigates weaving as an architectural and structural system in which geometry, material behaviour and construction emerge through the interaction of individual timber elements. Framework The PhD scholarship is based at the Institute of Architecture and Technology at The Royal Danish Academy and aims to advance fundamental knowledge of solid timber weaving as a construction system, with particular attention to the relationship between weave geometry, structural behaviour, junction design and assembly. The research will develop computational methods for analysing and evaluating woven timber structures, with the aim of informing the positioning, geometry and specification of timber junctions. Computational investigations will be coupled with physical prototyping and testing to examine the performance and constructability of different junction families and their application within full-scale woven structures. The research is expected to contribute both to the development of specific junction solutions and to a more generalised design methodology for the integration of structural analysis, geometric modelling and fabrication in solid timber weaving. The PhD project is expected to start as soon as possible. Research Focus The PhD will investigate one or more interconnected areas, including: Design and development of timber junction families responding to varying geometries, structural demands, material conditions and assembly sequences. Computational modelling and structural simulation of woven timber systems to assess the relationship between weave geometry, load paths, material behaviour and junction performance. Development of computational workflows for the selection, positioning and specification of junctions according to structural, geometric, fabrication and assembly constraints. Integration of structural analysis with existing digital design and fabrication workflows developed within the Kagome Architectures research programme. Physical prototyping and experimental testing of junctions and woven assemblies, including full-scale prototypes. Tectonic investigation of how junction design, weaving logic, material properties and assembly processes can inform architectural expression and construction methodology. The research should consider the junction not simply as a connection between discrete structural members, but as an active component of the woven system through which geometry, structure, fabrication and assembly are negotiated. Methodological Approach The PhD will employ an iterative research-through-design and research-by-making methodology, combining computational analysis with physical experimentation. The precise methodological configuration will be developed by the candidate in relation to the research questions, but is expected to include the following interconnected modes of investigation: Computational modelling and simulation Computational design and workflow development Physical prototyping and experimental investigation Comparative and iterative analysis Design experiments and full-scale demonstrators will function as research instruments through which new relationships between geometry, structure, material and construction can be explored and articulated. The resulting prototypes will provide both evidence and means for developing transferable knowledge concerning solid timber weaving. The methodology is therefore intended to establish a feedback loop between weaving, modelling, simulation, prototyping, testing and tectonic development. Candidate Profile We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with: A Master’s degree equivalent to a Danish Master’s degree (120 ECTS) in Architecture, Design, Engineering, Computational Design, Digital Fabrication or a related field. A strong interest in experimental construction and the development of novel structural and tectonic systems. Demonstrable skills and experience in triaxial weaving at an advanced level, preferably with solid timber or related woven structural systems. Strong experience in computational modelling and simulation, including relevant parametric, structural or geometric modelling methods. Experience with physical prototyping, digital fabrication and/or experimental construction. Evidence of research capability, preferably including peer-reviewed publications or equivalent scholarly outputs. The above are hard prerequisites for the PhD scholarship. The successful candidate will be expected to work across computational and physical modes of research and to develop the capacity to critically connect simulation, material experimentation, fabrication and architectural design. If educational degree is obtained abroad, the education must be assessed by the Danish Agency for International Education before enrolment and employment can take place. The Royal Danish Academy will assist with the assessment process if selected for the scholarship. Practical information can be found at http://ufm.dk/en/education-and-institutions/recognition-andtransparency/recognition-guide. Terms of Employment Enrolment takes place with a view to obtaining a PhD degree and leads to salaried fulltime employment for a period of three years in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations, AC, protocol on graduate fellowships (annex 5). The salary consists of a seniority-based base salary and a non-pensionable allowance. Place of work is our campus in Copenhagen. The PhD program is structured under the provisions of Ministerial Order on the PhD Program at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions (PhD Order) no. 1039 of 27 August 2013 issued by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Higher Education regarding PhD programs and PhD degrees. This executive order is found at https://ufm.dk/en/legislation/prevailing-laws-and-regulations/education/files/engelsk-ph-d-bekendtgorelse.pdf The Danish PhD education is a three-year full-time education consisting of independent research under supervision, 30 ECTS PhD courses, shift of research environment and knowledge dissemination. Application Requirements Applications must be submitted in English and include: A motivated proposal for a research framework (max. 3 standard pages. One standard page equals 2,400 characters) that demonstrate reflection of the 3-year study and the ability to position and develop the project within its relevant disciplinary and research contexts. The research framework must also outline the anticipated contribution of the research and the potential modes of dissemination Curriculum vitae Documentation of educational qualifications Portfolio of relevant work and studies List of publications (if applicable) Please submit application online via the “Apply for position” button n o later than Sunday the 1st of November 2026 . For further information about the application requirements, please contact HR Employee Sine Kildevang Madsen by e-mail at skmad@kglakademi.dk. Application material received after the deadline will not be taken into consideration. Anyone who meets the requirement of an academic degree at a graduate level is encouraged to apply for the scholarship regardless of age, gender, race, religion, or ethnicity. Assessment procedure The scholarship is advertised in accordance with the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science’s “Executive Order of 12 April 2019 on the employment of artistic and scientific staff at the higher artistic educational institutions within the remit of the Ministry of Higher Education and Science”. After the application deadline, in consultation with the appointment committee, the head of the institute will select a number of applicants for academic assessment by an unbiased expert committee. Applicants are selected on the basis of which applicants are found by the appointment committee to best meet the overall criteria set out in this call. All applicants will be informed as to whether or not their application will proceed to the next stage of the selection procedure, and those selected will be informed of the composition of the expert committee. The expert committee will the assess the selected applicants for the scholarship with focus on the abovementioned research area, techniques, skills and requirements. The committee will conclude whether each applicant is qualified. The assessed applicants will get opportunity to comment on their assessment. After the assessment process the appointment committee will decide amongst the qualified applicants to whom the scholarship should be offered. The appointment committee can choose to interview one or more of the qualified applicants. Further Information General information about PhD studies at The Royal Danish Academy can be found on the PhD School’s website: https://royaldanishacademy.com/en/phd-and-research-school About The Royal Danish Academy The Royal Danish Academy – Architecture, Design and Conservation educates graduates at the highest level and develops new knowledge through artistic and scientific research. The academy is internationally recognised for its work in architecture, design, and material practices, and plays an active role in shaping sustainable futures within the built environment. The Royal Danish Academy is a public institution under the Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Digital Affairs and has approximately 1,700 students and 350 full-time staff equivalents. Read more about the Royal Danish Academy on our website www.royaldanishacademy.com.