Researchers should pay more attention to investigate the relationship between Architectural Engineering and Architectural Design especially with respect to greenhouse gas emissions associated with buildings throughout their life cycle.
Not to sound too pessimistic, but if we revert the question to: Where are the research areas in architectural design that do not need any more investigation, then the result is pretty much '0'. I think we're pretty confident on architectural typology, although I believe it is an outdated topic; and the rest is basically up for grabs.
To make it a bit more concrete, among the many research topics, the following come to mind:
(1) Why are theoretical models of the design process poorly applicable in practice?
(2) How does architecture influence people (this can be interpreted in all possible implications)?
(3) Sustainable models of architecture that are actually productive in design stage.
(4) Reliable, robust, and fast simulation tools for buildings and environments in the design process.
I was just about to give you an answer but Henri has beaten me to It. I couldn’t agree more
Dear Henri Achten
Your response is greatly appreciated, and I like your way of rephrasing the question from a reverse perspective. I agree with all the gaps in your questions and really perceive the gaps included in questions 1 and 4.
Thank you
Dear Professor Lawson
Thank you for your interest in this question and I am pleased with your comment.