About the Journal

Focus and Scope

Publishing ZARCH Journal of interdisciplinary studies in Architecture and Urbanism, requires a minimum of justification. At times when architecture and urbanism are experiencing substantial changes with the corresponding reconversion of the professional and research activity, the proliferation of academic publications, sometimes with traditional formats and standpoint, turns out to be a bit paradoxical.

It's obvious that research is one of the University's tasks and the diffusion of its results through magazines that seek recognition from evaluating institutions. And that each university or School of Architecture needs to generate contributions that must be adequately spread, as a means to get jobs way outs which create researchers and professionals, logically, following society's demands. But it's also obvious that overdose risks exist when some people recognize a growing confusion in the "society of disinformation and lack of awareness" (Daniel Innerarity).

Aware of this necessity and the risks that such an initiative entails, it's a pleasure to present ZARCH journal, fruit of a collective effort, with collaborators from different areas of knowledge and geographical origin, led by our Department of Architecture, in the School of Engineering and Architecture of the University of Zaragoza, and connected to the PUPC's research group (Urban Landscapes and Contemporary Project).

ZARCH adopts a double perspective. Firstly, a global vision, that is international, although with its headquarters in our university and in the Spanish and European sphere, which implies coming to terms that most of the contributions are published in English, even though it seems compatible with a special attention to the Latin languages, not only in Spanish but also in French, Italian, Portuguese and others. Secondly, an interdisciplinary, transversal approximation with integrating visions, starting from the architectural field but open to other disciplines according with the changing limits and situations that today characterize the architecture field and urban studies. This leads us to the acceptance of close disciplines, from social sciences to technical visions, with logic condition of the scientific quality of contributions, previously evaluated by a rigorous system of arbitration. In any case, the Scientific Council's advice to the journal, guarantees the rigour and the attention to the standpoints and methodologies more innovative in our fields.

The idea is to stimulate the debate and not just publishing for publishing sake. What moves us is the need to potentiate a tool that suits the interchange of ideas, experiences and information; that is, trying to advance toward a real platform of debate about the problems and opportunities that today are set out in the world of architecture and urbanism.

Section Policy

ZARCH publishes original, unpublished research works, critical analysis, and dissemination of scientific activities in architecture. It adheres to the following section policy:

  • Editorial: On demand. Evaluated by the editorial committee.
  • Featured texts: On demand. Evaluated by the editorial committee.
  • Topic papers: Open submission. Blinded peer-reviewed. Articles received in response to the call for papers.
  • Conversations: On demand. Evaluated by the editorial committee.
  • Miscellany: Open submission. Blinded peer-reviewed. Articles received that do not respond to the open call.
  • Book reviews: On demand.

Editorial Process

Manuscript submission

ZARCH operates through calls for papers. Manuscript submission remains continuously open for sections whose policy indicates “open submission” (see section policies). Editorial Committee will only begin reviewing submitted articles after the closing date of each call for papers. For a manuscript to be considered by the Editorial Committee, it must comply with the style and content guidelines set out in the instructions for authors. The estimated time for this initial evaluation is one month from the closing date of the call.

Peer review process

Manuscripts accepted by the Editorial Committee for peer review will be forwarded to at least two independent experts in the relevant field of research and criticism, who are external to the Editorial Committee. The journal applies a double-blind peer review system.

Referees will evaluate the manuscript based on its scholarly interest, contribution to knowledge in the field, originality, coherence and validity of the critical discourse, use of sources and references, and clarity of writing. They may also include suggestions for improvement, if needed. The Editorial Committee provides reviewers with a standard evaluation form to guide their reports (see template).

Based on the referees’ recommendations, the Editorial Committee will issue a reasoned decision. The corresponding author will be notified through the OJS platform within approximately two months. The decision may be:

  • Accept without revisions
  • Accept with minor revisions
  • Accept with major revisions
  • Reject

Revision of corrected versions

If the manuscript is accepted subject to revisions, the authors must submit a new version of the article addressing the referees’ comments, along with a cover letter outlining the changes made. The estimated timeframe for authors to complete these revisions is one month.

The Editorial Committee will assess the adequacy of the changes and decide whether the revised manuscript meets the publication standards. The final decision will be communicated by the editor-in-chief to the corresponding author.

Acceptance and publication

Accepted articles, together with the editorial, invited texts, conversations and reviews, will be proposed for inclusion in the forthcoming issue of the journal. During this stage, the Editorial Committee may request final minor revisions and proofreading of galley proofs to prepare the publication-ready version. Final publication is contingent on the authors carrying out these final editorial changes.

The issue will be published according to the schedule announced in the call for papers.

Indexing

More information: https://papiro.unizar.es/ojs/index.php/zarch/indexacion

Publication Frequency

Journal issues will be published biannually.