Sustainable architecture describes environmentally conscious architecture that minimizes its environmental impact. Students can study subjects such as energy-efficient building design, the use of renewable construction materials, and the inclusion of renewable energy sources like solar panels in the building's construction. Examples of sustainable building materials include recycled wood, low volatile organic compound-emitting paints, and bamboo flooring. As public attention shifts to focus on environmental problems, the study of sustainable architecture can be a good thesis project because it's socially relevant.
Urban architecture can be a good thesis project subject because the building needs of urban areas are continually growing and evolving as the world's population increases. Population density in urban areas presents architectural design challenges that can present unique opportunities for students to demonstrate their ability to provide solutions. In addition to urban building design, students could also choose to pursue a thesis project that examines urban planning, which is the broader study of organizing and designing urban spaces.
Revisiting architecture and building techniques used in the past can help shed light on how modern architecture trends and techniques came to be. Students can compare and contrast techniques from varying historical periods, demonstrating why and how things evolved. Architectural capabilities and needs change between historical periods. Showing how different periods link together can be a good thesis project because it illustrates your understanding of architectural history.
Your own personal architectural interests is also a good thesis project to pursue because it affords you the opportunity to intensely study something that you're passionate about or hold a personal stake in. This can be especially appealing if you did not get a chance to study this subject during the length of the architectural program. Bear in mind that if you do choose to study a personal architectural interest, you must still demonstrate its relevancy and importance as an academic contribution to the study of architecture.