The ubiquitous new media have significantly influenced the practice of architecture in China. Gazes and frames in the media are abstractions that work to organize or structure meaning. Based on the gaze and framing theories, this research will explore the gazes hidden in disseminating architectural photos/images and specific frames in the discourse of the new media reports of Chinese architecture. By using NVivo and machine learning (ML), this research will conduct discourse analysis and image analysis, exploring how the architectural images were constructed and how the selected architecture cases and relevant events were interpreted and explained via specific frames in the media report while placing them in a broader sociocultural context. In addition, it will map out the changes in the design profession and the impact on the architects driven by gazes and frames. It proposes to refresh the understanding of the rationale informing architectural production in the new normal.

For more information about doctoral scholarship and PhD programme at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), please visit:

https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/global/entry-requirements/

https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/global/fees-and-scholarship

Supervisors:

• Principal supervisor: Dr Jiawen Han (XJTLU)
• Co-supervisor: Dr Likai Wang (XJTLU)
• Co-supervisor: Dr Fei Chen (UoL)

Requirements:

The candidate should have a master’s degree (or equivalent qualification), in architecture. Evidence of good spoken and written English is essential. The candidate should have an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, if the first language is not English. This position is open to all qualified candidates irrespective of nationality.

Degree:

The student will be awarded a PhD degree from the University of Liverpool (UK) upon successful completion of the program.

Funding:

The PhD studentship is available for three years subject to satisfactory progress by the student. The award covers tuition fees for three years (currently equivalent to RMB 99,000 per annum). It also provides up to RMB 16,500 to allow participation at international conferences during the period of the award. The scholarship holder is expected to carry out the major part of his or her research at XJTLU in Suzhou, China. However, he or she is eligible for a research study visit to the University of Liverpool up to six months, if this is required by the project.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants are advised to email [email protected] (XJTLU principal supervisor’s email address) the following documents for initial review and assessment (please put the project title in the subject line).

• CV
• Two formal reference letters
• Personal statement outlining your interest in the position
• Certificates of English language qualifications (IELTS or equivalent)
• Full academic transcripts in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)
• Verified certificates of education qualifications in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)
• PDF copy of Master Degree dissertation (or an equivalent writing sample) and examiners reports available

Contact:

Please email [email protected] (XJTLU principal supervisor’s email address) with a subject line of the PhD project title. The principal supervisor’s profile is linked here: https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/study/departments/designschool/architecture/department-staff/academic-staff/staff/jiawen-han