This course introduces students to the fundamentals of academic work in architectural environment. It will explain what research is, what its aim can be, and how it relates to design process. Different research frameworks and methods are introduced, as well as why text is an essential tool for communicating the results of any research. Emphasis is therefore placed on ensuring that students understand the parameters of an academic text, how to work with sources and the rules for citing them, as well as the reasons for the establishment of a particular form of writing in an academic setting. An important part of the class is devoted to the active participation of students, who will gain the necessary experience of academic work by analysing and then discussing together selected academic texts and writing their own research proposal. The proposal will take the form of an academic text (essay) submitted at the end of the semester.