Tidskrift för Arkitekturforskning - de första fem åren av tidskriften som svenskt projekt

This paper examines the development of the scientific Journal of Architectural Research from 1987 to 1991. It’s a story of architectural research that needs to be told. The journal started as a Swedish project at the schools of architecture in Stockholm, Lund and Gothenburg. The association behind the journal held its first meeting 1987, October 3 in Gothenburg. In 1992 the association became transformed to a Nordic association and the journal changed its name to the Nordic Journal of Architectural Research. The paper investigates and analyzes the first Swedish phase of the scientific journal. Already in the beginning the journal has a clear division into three parts; 1) scientific articles, 2) articles and 3) reviews. This basic structure remains the same during the entire survey period. The study focuses on how the research was discussed in the journal. The global objective is to contribute to knowledge on the development of architectural research seen through the Journal of Architectural Research. During the period 1987 to 1991, the editorial board has managed to publish 14 issues containing 117 scientific articles, 31 debate articles and 44 reviews. Such is the essence of the publication in the field of architecture by the journal. The center of the study are scientific articles on architecture and how this subject relates to research according to the editorial board. What kind of discussion takes place in published articles dealing with architecture as art and science? How have the manuscripts been reviewed? What issues interested the authors when architecture was seen as a new field for scientific studies. The research strategy in the study may be summarized as follows: • Archive Studies; 14 issues during 1987–1991 have been investigated. They form an archive with texts, which are used as an empirical base for this paper together with documents from the association such as protocols from annual meetings with members and board meetings. • Selection of articles and close reading: Introductions from editors and a selection of scientific articles are investigated through close reading in order to understand the debates. • Interviews: Eight key persons from the board and editorial group have been interviewed through a questionnaire. From the texts we get a good understanding of how the journal was developed and how research questions in architecture transformed during 1987–1991. The interviews contribute with personal reflections from key actors. The result is summarized as five conclusions at the end of the paper. The development of the journal and its scientific ambition can be seen as based on trial and errors. The journal represents a first important step in building a research community and a qualified discussion on architecture, landscape architecture and urban design as art and science.QC 20170309