Republic of the Philippines

Western Mindanao State University

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

ARC 149
RESEARCH METHODS FOR
ARCHITECTURE

Arch. Joseph Andrew L. Sahial

 Introduction to Research
Lesson 1

RESEARCH

• “Research is an essential and powerful tool in leading man towards progress.

Without systematic research there would have been very little progress.” (Pandey &
Pandey, 2015)

• John W. Best, cited in Pandey & Pandey (2015), says that “the secret of our cultural
development has been research, pushing back the areas of ignorance by discovering
new truths, which, in turn, lead to better ways of doing things and better products.”

• “Scientific research leads to progress in some field of life. New products, new facts,
new concepts and new ways of doing things are being found due to ever-increasing
significant research in the physical, the biological, the social and the psychological
fields. Research today is no longer confined to the science laboratory.” (Pandey &
Pandey, 2015)

Objectives:

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Define research and its importance.

2. Know the “proper way” in preparing for thesis deliberation and graduation
requirements.
3. Improve critical thinking when conducting research
4. Provide a standardized structure for their write-ups

Topic Outline:

I. What is “RESEARCH”?
a. Meaning of research
b. Definition of research
II. General objectives of research
III. Characteristics of Research
IV. Types of research

Try this!
On a one whole sheet of paper (HANDWRITTEN)
1. Tell something about your self in 100 words.
2. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Think ahead!
On a one whole sheet of paper (HANDWRITTEN), define the following in your own words.
1. RESEARCH
2. THESIS
3. ARCHITECTURAL THESIS
2
 Read and ponder!

Ia. MEANING OF RESEARCH

• ‘Research’ = RE + SEARCH (“ to search again”); a systematic investigation or

activity to gain new knowledge of the already existing facts.

• An intellectual activity- new knowledge/ correcting the present mistakes; removing

existing misconceptions and adding new learning to the existing fund of
knowledge.

• The application of scientific method in solving the problems- systematic, formal

and intensive ways of obtaining knowledge.

• Intuition, revelation, and authority; logical manipulation of basic assumptions,

informed guess, observation, and reasoning by analogy.

Ib. DEFINITION OF RESEARCH

• “Research is an endeavor / attempt to discover, develop and verify knowledge. It is

an intellectual process that has developed over hundreds of years ever changing in
purpose and form and always researching to truth.” J. Francis Rummel

• “Research is an honest, exhaustive, intelligent searching for facts and their meanings
or implications with reference to a given problem. The product or findings of a given
piece of research should be an authentic, verifiable contribution to knowledge in the
field studied.” P.M. Cook

II. GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH

1. Exploratory or formative research studies- to gain familiarity with phenomenon

or to achieve new insights into it.

2. Descriptive research studies- to portray accurately the characteristics of a

particular individual, situation or a group.

3. Diagnostic research studies- to determine the frequency with which something

occurs or with which it is associated with something else.

4. Hypothesis- testing research studies- to test a hypothesis of a causal

relationship between variables.

3
III. CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH

1. Research is directed toward the solution of a problem.

2. Research requires expertise.

3. Research emphasizes the development of generalizations, principles, or theories that

will be helpful in predicting future occurrences.

4. Research is based upon observable experience or empirical evidences.

5. Research demands accurate observation and description.

6. Research involves gathering new data from primary or first-hand sources or using
existing data for a new purpose.

7. Research is characterized by carefully designed procedures that apply rigorous analysis.

8. Research involves the quest for answers to un-solved problems.

9. Research strives to be objective and logical, applying every possible test to validate the
procedures employed the data collected and the conclusions reached.

10. Research is characterized by patient and unhurried activity.

11. Research is carefully recorded and collected.

12. Research sometimes requires courage.

IV. TYPES OF RESEARCH

(A) On the basis of nature of information:

(2) types:
a. Qualitative research

b. Quantitative research

(B) On the basis of utility of content or nature of subject matter of research:

(2) categories:

a. Basic/ fundamental/ pure or Theoretical Research: its utility is

universal

b. Experimental or Applied Research: its utility is limited

4
(C) On the basis of approach of research:
(2) categories:

a. Longitudinal Research: Examples of this category are historical, Case

study and Genetic research.

b. Cross-Sectional Research: Examples of this category are Experimental

and Survey Research.

(D) On the basis of method of research :

(5) categories:
a. Philosophical Research: It is purely qualitative in nature and we are
focusing on the vision of others on the content of research.

b. Historical Research: It is both qualitative as well as quantitative in nature

and deals with past events.

c. Survey Research: It deals with present events and is quantitative in

nature. It may further be sub-divided

d. Experimental Research: This is purely quantitative in nature and deals

with future events.

e. Case-Study Research: It deals with unusual events. It may be qualitative

as well as quantitative in nature depending upon the content.

See if you can do this!

Answer the questions by filling in the boxes of a Sudoku puzzle with the
corresponding answers: 1 – RESEARCH 2 – TRUE 3 – FALSE 4 – THESIS
Case study is a type A statement or It is okay to “copy
of research. theory that is put and paste” texts
forward as a from the internet
premise to be
maintained or
1 without citing the
source.
proved.

Research is based Synonymous to a requirement that One of the

upon assumptions investigation, vary greatly objectives of
or theoretical exploration, and between degrees research is to gain
evidences. analysis. and disciplines. familiarity with a
phenomenon.

Research requires Research is an An intellectual

expertise. educated guess. process or activity

4
A systematic A research is good There are two
investigation or when it is types of research
activity to gain new misleading but on the basis of
knowledge of the
already existing
correct in a
technical sense.
nature of
information.
4
facts

5
 Architectural research
Lesson 2

ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH/ARCHITECTURAL THESIS

Architectural thesis is “that one project” that should integrate all your learnings in
the first four years of architecture education.

The architecture thesis project is a two-fold undertaking by the graduating students

of B.S. Architecture. The thesis would be a Research/ Design project focusing on any
architectural concept, ideas or principles.

Objectives:

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Conceptualize a research study (Almeida, et al. 2016)

2. Know which design problem is most suited for you
3. Know the importance of research to architecture

Topic Outline:

I. Five areas of specialization in Architectural Research

II. Problem Identification
III. Topic Analysis
IV. Project Identification

Try this!

• Look for a problem or issue that is related to architecture and expand your thought/
argument about it. It must be encoded on a one whole sheet of paper (A4 size) and make
sure to use the standard font style and size for writing technical papers.

Think ahead!

1. What is the importance of RESEARCH to ARCHITECTURE?

1. Differentiate “Architectural Design” and “Architectural Research.”

6
 Read and ponder!

I. Five (5) areas of specialization in Architectural Research

1. Architectural Science & Environmental Technology

• Deals with how buildings are made and how they are controlled.
• The study of the physical aspects of architecture and design
• The area encompasses studies in the physical aspects of lighting, daylighting, acoustics, thermal
performance, wind effects, noise, structure, and construction.
• It can also include how people react to the environment
• Requires physical testing of building components, computer simulation of systems performance
and statistical evaluation
• Illumination: how people respond to the lit environment
• Acoustics and audio
• Energy conservation: form and space making potential of energy and environmental issues
• Aerodynamic performance of traditional architecture

2. Design process and methods

• This provides a research approach to design strategy (process) and design tasks (methods)
• Take a comprehensive approach to design
• This area encompasses a research intersect in design theory and method
• Interdisciplinary in nature

3. Design Computing & Cognition

• Directed towards the development in computational models of design, computer-mediated
collaborative design, cognitive studies of designers, evolutionary design, learning and
representation in design, and virtual architecture.
• Geometric modelling
• Interactive graphics programming
• Knowledge-based design systems, and database per design

4. Environment & Behavior

• Focuses on the study of how people, organizations and communities engage, interpret and
influenced by the built environment.
• Advancement of architectural theory
• Architectural practice and formulation of public policy
• Environment-behavior research
• Socially and aesthetically responsible urban and environmental policy
• Aesthetic assessment, perception and environmental quality
• Social responsibility in architecture
• Socio-behavioral-cultural factors in architecture and design, landscape and urban design, and
urban planning

5. Architectural History & Theory

• This is concerned with a critical examination of the record of architectural development from
the earliest times to the present
• Focuses on theoretical and theory-building
• Example: Symbolism of Philippine Folk Islamic Architecture

7
II. Problem Identification
• Come up with a project that is not only feasible, but is also believable and
distinctive.
• It begins with a problem, and ends at finding a solution to that problem.
• You need to come up with enough proof that your solution is right.

but first, HOW DO YOU COME UP WITH “THE PROBLEM”?

But before we get into that, you have to choose a certain topic first. This will help
you narrow down the number, the extent and the magnitude of the problem you want (?)
to solve.

SUGGESTED PROBLEM AREAS

1. Formulation or development of a project that does no exist yet
2. Generation of useful technical data or technical properties of new material or
process
3. Improvement of existing knowledge
4. New application of an existing knowledge
5. Comparative study of two or more entities or development of an improved
version of an existing one
6. Physical development of a research work
7. Documentation

THE RESEARCH PROBLEM SHOULD ADDRESS A RESEARCH GAP IN THE

FIELD OF STUDY

CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING A TOPIC OR PROBLEM

1. The research topic must be one which YOU selected.

2. It must be within your interest.
3. It must be within your specialization.
4. It must be based on your competence to tackle the necessary work.
5. It must be within your financial capability.
6. It should have definable limits to suit your available resources.
7. It must be researchable and manageable.
8. It must be completed within a reasonable span of time.
9. Its solution must require original, critical and reflective thinking.
10. It must be significant, important and relevant to the present time and situation.
11. It must contribute to the national development goals for the improvement of
quality of life.
12. It must contribute to the Institute’s “body of knowledge.”
13. It must not undermine nor compromise the moral and spiritual values of the
people.
14. It must advocate changes in the present order of things.
15. It must offer some kind of return for your efforts.
16. It must not involve any hazards such as physical, social or legal.
These criteria, by the way, are not the only bases for your selection. You may have
some criteria of your own that will help you decide.

8
 III. Topic Analysis

After coming up with a problem, you need to know and identify the direction of your
research which will be inclined to an architectural discipline. A topic analysis, on the other
hand, will help narrow down your study from a general idea to a more specific architecture-
related idea. It is in a diagrammatic form and supported by your literature review. So, you
might wonder why did I mention literature review here. You need to understand first the
sequence of activity in doing research. When you have already found a problem that you
want to work on to, you have to find and collect related literature and studies that will help
you understand the nature of your research problem/topic as those literature will help you
prove that your research is feasible and novel. Shown below is an example of a topic
analysis.

Low levels of productivity in a

telecommunication office General/broad problem

Environmental factors behind low Further investigation on the said

levels of productivity problem (RRL)

Social Component Physical/built You have found out that all employees
environment have different behavior in the office

Social behavior Spatial design Furthermore, you arrived at a specific

topic with regards to the impact of
office layout on productivity
Office design promoting efficiency Conceived architectural idea
and productivity (you can still break this down into a
more specific architectural approach)
Figure 1. Topic Analysis

(Your topic analysis depends on your own research and architectural approach since we all
have our different styles on brainstorming ideas as long as the purpose of doing a topic
analysis will be preserved and justified.)

IV. Project Identification

• Develop a perspective about the breadth, depth and scope or architectural discipline
• Is there a program, project, or product that needs evaluation?
• What do you intend to create or produce and how will be of value to the society?
• You may be looking for something wrong or something that needs close attention

When you have already set your mind on a certain topic or problem, the next step is
to find out its physical application. Your thesis, after all, does not just involve research. Most
of the time, the topic or problem chosen must be translated into a structure or a set of
guidelines. Here are some questions to help you determine what kind of project you
may carry out to interpret your research.

1. What are your interests? Do you know of any organizations or groups that
support your interest? They may have possible projects.
9
 2. Do you know of any possible proposal by a government agency and unit which
you can further develop?

3. Are you aware of any new concept, technology or project which may be tested
for feasibility in local application?

4. Again, you may have other bases that you might want to add to these.

Now that you’re set at zeroing in on the topic and the project that you want to work
on, it might be really useful in the future to list them down. To further assist you in the final
decision, you can use a table such as the one shown in Figure 2. Creating a criteria on
evaluating which project is best for you to undertake would be practical since it will help
you visualize what will be your project’s strength and weakness. Doing things in a manner
like this would help you to ease your way.

CRITERIA Project 1 Project 2 Project 3 Rating:

1 - Poor
1. Availability of data 2 – Fair
3 – Good
2. Personal Interest
4 - Very Good
3. Financial Capability 5 - Excellent
4. Time requirement
5. etc. (you can add as many
criterion as you want)

Figure 2. Selection of Project (source: Architecture Thesis Manual EMCVillanueva.GRLajom)

See if you can do this!

A. Explain how to conceptualize a research topic.

1. How to find your research focus?

2. What are the gaps in the literature?
3. Where to start?
4. Refining research topics: Is it architecturally inclined?

B. Selection of Project

1. Once you have already conceptualize your research topic, the next step is to find
out its physical application. This is where architecture takes place. Look for at least
three (3) projects which you desire and evaluate which one is suitable for your
chosen topic. Make sure to use the criteria similarly shown on figure 2.

10