CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHOD
CHAPTER 3 : RESEARCH METHOD
3.1 INTRODUCTION

3.2 RESEARCH PURPOSE

3.3 RESEARCH DESIGN

3.4 RESEARCH STRATEGY

3.4.1 CASE STUDY RESEARCH STRATEGY USED
3.4.2 RESEARCH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
3.4.3 POPULATION FRAME/ AREA OF STUDY
3.4.4 TIME HORIZON

3.5 DATA SOURCES

3.5.1 SECONDARY DATA SOURCES
3.5.2 PRIMARY DATA SOURCES

3.6 DATA ANALYSIS

3.6.1 CAUSAL EXPLANATORY ANALYSIS
3.6.2 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
3.6.3 SKETCHES AND MEASURED DRAWINGS
3.6.4 CONTEXTUAL BUILDING ANALYSIS
3.6.5 VISUAL ANALYSIS (PHOTOGRAPHS)

3.7 DATA PRESENTATION

3.8 SUMMARY
3.8.1 TABLE OF SUMMARY
Transformation of built form in Narok RESEARCH METHODS
3.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter details the methods and tactics employed by the author to accomplish the study’s stated
goals and objectives set out in chapter one which include to document Maasai culture and the Traditional
Architecture in Narok Region and to document the transformation of Maasai built forms, building
technology and the forces shaping them in Narok Region.. It begins by outlining the purpose of research,
the research design and the strategy of conducting the research. The chapter also demystifies the sample
criteria used and within that, the areas of study, the parameters of study, time schedule and limitations
of study are highlighted. Further, the chapter discusses the methods used to gather information, record
information, analyse the collected data and lastly highlight the methods to be used in presenting the
information acquired from the field.

3.2 RESEARCH PURPOSE

There are three purposes of research; descriptive, analytical and explanatory. This research adopts both
a descriptive and explanatory approach. Exploratory research is defined as the initial research into a
hypothetical idea. This is where a researcher has an idea or has observed something and seeks to understand
more about it. Once the groundwork is established, the newly explored field needs more information. The
next step is descriptive research, defined as attempts to explore and explain while providing additional
information about a topic. This is where research is trying to fill in the missing parts and expand our
understanding. This is also where as much information is collected as possible instead of making guesses
or elaborate models to predict the future, the ‘what’ and ‘how,’ rather than the ‘why.’ Lastly, analytical
research /brings together subtle details to create more provable assumptions and tell why something is
true.

Being a description-based research, it enables the investigation of built form determinants and its
relationship with the Maasai built forms in Narok region and the morphological transformation of
the built forms in Narok region. Being an explanatory research, it enables the interpretation of these
transformations with regards to the causes that various authors have put across. This research aims to
answer the following questions:
a) What is the culture of the Maasai and their traditional Architecture in Narok region?
b) What are the transformations of Maasai built forms, building technology and what are the forces
shaping them Narok region?
c) What are the design guidelines for buildings in Narok region ?
Transformation of built form in Narok RESEARCH METHODS
3.3 RESEARCH DESIGN
There are two types of research methodology; qualitative and quantitative research.The overall structure
of the research will enable this research to have valid, objective, reliable and statistically significant
results. This research will apply qualitative methods to investigate determinants of built form in relation
with Maasai built forms in Narok region and observe the transformation of the built forms in Narok
region.
Transformation of built form in Narok RESEARCH METHODS
3.4 RESEARCH STRATEGY
3.4.1 CASE STUDY RESEARCH STRATEGY
The case study method seeks to achieve an in-depth understanding of a phenomenon, event or occurrence
within its real-life context. A case is a bounded system with parts that work together (Mugenda &
Mugenda, 2012). A case could therefore be a person, an organization, a social group or any other entity
that operates as a system. In this case, a case would be built forms in Narok region.

To sustain the aims and objectives of this study, as mentioned in Chapter 1, this research employs the
case study strategy to understand the built form of the Maasai in Narok region and the transformation of
the vernacular built forms and what has caused the transformation, from social structure, construction
technology and building materials, climate change policies and economic status. This research focuses
on multiple case studies approach. A number of built forms are chosen for the study in Narok, an urban
area and surrounding context, a rural area towards the North. The case study method looks both into
Maasai vernacular and contemporary built forms.

This method of study was chosen because :

i) It allows the study of phenomena in their actual context, giving a true dimension of the transformation

ii) Morphological transformation in Maasai built forms and how various factors have influenced this
transformation can be observed.

This case study strategy will allow for collecting qualitative data on transformation of built forms in
Narok region while providing the best opportunity for contrasting and comparing the vernacular and
contemporary built forms. Groat & Wang (2002) in ‘Architectural Research Methods’, outlines four
characteristics of case study research that led to its selection for use in this research.
1. Case study strategy focuses on multiple cases, studied in their real - life contexts: This research
focuses on Maasai built forms in Narok region. Homesteads for the study will be analysed in real-
life context, focusing on date of construction to give an accurate account of transformation, building
technologies and thermal comfort.

2. The capacity to explain causal links: This study seeks to uncover all building materials and
construction technologies employed and determine how they are directly or indirectly suitable for
the hot and dry climate of the Narok north region.
Transformation of built form in Narok RESEARCH METHODS
3. The analysis of case studies is essential for theoretical development in the research design phase:
This research which is focused on theoretical analysis, reviews available literature on the historical
background of the Maasai

4. Case study research is highly unbiased. It relies on multiple sources of evidence, with data
converging in a triangulation form: This study seeks to uncover all building materials and construction
technologies employed and determine how they are directly or indirectly suitable for the hot and dry
climate of the Narok north region.

RESEARCH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

a) What is the culture of the Maasai and their traditional Architecture in Narok region?

b) What are the transformations of Maasai built forms, building technology and what are the forces
shaping them Narok region?

c) What are the design guidelines for buildings in Narok region ?

3.4.2 AREA OF STUDY

As stated by Mugenda & Mugenda (2012) the population frame is a complete listing of all the units of
the target population to enable the researcher to determine the sample size and the appropriate method
of sampling.
In this research, the area is study is Narok North, specifically in Narok town, Nkareta and Olukurto.
It represents the sample size of the population to be studied including contemporary and vernacular
residential buildings. The elements are the buildings within Narok.

3.4.3 TIME HORIZON

Cross sectional studies were used in this research for collection of data. The study will be carried for
ten days in Narok town, Nkareta and Olukurto. Actual work included taking measurements traditional
and new houses, taking photographs and sketching out the layout and section of the houses, carrying
out interviews with the locals and using digital data loggers for temperature and relative humidity (RH)
recordings.
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Vernacular built form in Olukurto Vernacular built form in Olukurto Vernacular built form in the border of Nkareta
and olukurto
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Map of Kenya highlighting Narok county

Semi- modern built form in Nkareta

Map of Narok county highlighting Narok north

Semi- modern built form in Nkareta

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Map of Narok North highlighting the areas where the various built forms are found
Contemporary built form in Narok town Semi- modern built form in outskirtsof narok town
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Transformation of built form in Narok RESEARCH METHODS
3.5 SAMPLING DESIGN
NON PROBABILITY SAMPLING
The author employs the non- probability sampling approach which is defined as a sampling technique in
which the researcher selects samples based on the subjective judgement of the author rather than random
selection.

Both the convenience sampling and purposive sampling methods. Convenience sampling has been used
in selecting the vernacular and contemporary built forms since they are conveniently available to the
author. The built forms selected are near the main road that connects Narok town to the northern side till
Olukurto. The built forms are less than 2km from the road sated above.
Purposive sampling has been used by the author to select built forms that can be able to describe how
transformation has occurred in Narok region. This stretches from the traditional manyatta to the modern
stone house.

3.6 DATA SOURCES

Leeds (1993) defines data collection methods as the act of administering research tools. It is the collection
of primary and secondary sources of information.

3.5.1 SECONDARY DATA

i) Literature review
ii) Information from local authorities and cultural villages
3.5.1 PRIMARY DATA
i) Observation
ii) Photography, sketches and measured drawings
iii) Interviews
iv) Modified 3D images and visualisation

3.7 DATA ANALYSIS

Data analysis entails processing ,presentation and manipulation of data into meaningful information that
can help that can help you draw conclusions and recommendations (Taylor, 2008).
Transformation of built form in Narok RESEARCH METHODS
3.6.1 CAUSAL – EXPLANATORY ANALYSIS
This analysis probes relations between variables and identify their correlations. Independent variables
(spatial layout, Layout arrangement, Construction materials, Size of walls, Window sizes, Fenestration
logic, Courtyard sizes, Room sizes & Spatial use, Building technology, Architectural elements etc.)
impact on the dependent variable (house form).

3.6.2 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

The vernacular Maasai houses act as the datum and are compared against the transformed houses.
This comparative analysis addresses:
i) socio-cultural responsiveness
ii) Regional responsiveness
iii) Socio-spatial organization
iv) Materials, construction and technology
v) Climatic responsiveness

3.6.3 SKETCHES AND MEASURED DRAWINGS

Sketches and photos are to be taken during fieldwork while architectural drawings will also be generated
during the field study.

3.6.4 CONTEXTUAL BUILDING ANALYSIS

This consists of the historical and geographical context of the case studies.

3.6.5 VISUAL ANALYSIS

3.7 DATA PRESENTATION

In this dissertation, data collected and analysed has been presented in the form of:
Maps
b) Architectural drawings i.e. plans, elevations, sections
c) Photographic images
d) Tables
e) Sketches
f) Notes
TABLE OF SUMMARY

PARAMETERS VARIABLES ASSESSED DATA SOURCES DATA COLLECTION DATA ANALYSIS

METHODS METHODS
SOCIO - CULTURAL i) Family structure - Primary data - Observations (taking - Photographs
FACTORS - Privacy - Secondary data photographs, free hand - Architectural
- Lifestyle Activities sketching, taking notes drawings and
- Quality of life - In-depth unstructured sketches
- Religion interviews - Modified 3D
- Position of women images and
- Social intercourse visualizations
- Economic structure - Comparative
analysis

REGIONAL FACTORS i) Settlement analysis - Primary data - Observations (taking - Photographs

(RURAL TO URBAN) ii) Compound analysis - Secondary data photographs, free hand - Architectural
iii) House unit analysis sketching, taking notes drawings and
- In-depth unstructured sketches
interviews - Comparative
analysis
SOCIO - SPATIAL - Settlement layout - Primary data - Observations (taking - Photographs
ORGANIZATION - Dwelling unit layout - Secondary data photographs, free hand - Architectural
sketching, taking notes drawings and
- In-depth unstructured sketches
interviews - Comparative
analysis

MATERIALS, - Functionality - Primary data - Observations (taking - Photographs

TECHNOLOGY AND - Building materials - Secondary data photographs, free hand - Architectural
CONSTRUCTION - Functionality sketching, taking notes drawings and
- Construction technology - Taking measurements sketches
- Construction process - Comparative
- Openings analysis
PARAMETERS VARIABLES ASSESSED DATA SOURCES DATA COLLECTION DATA ANALYSIS
METHODS METHODS
CLIMATIC FACTORS - Building depth - Primary data - Observations (taking - Photographs
- Orientation - Secondary data photographs, free hand - Architectural
- Size & position of fenestrations sketching, taking notes drawings and
- Ventilation - In-depth unstructured sketches
- Sunshading interviews - Modified 3D
- Temperature images and
- Density of homesteads visualizations
- Topography - Comparative
analysis
GLOBALISATION - location of the site - Primary data - Observations (taking - Photographs
- plot size - Secondary data photographs, free hand - Architectural
- building regulations sketching, taking notes drawings and
- ratio of covered to open areas - In-depth unstructured sketches
- spatial planning interviews - Modified 3D
- quality of walls images and
- lighting & ventilation visualizations
- doors and windows - Comparative
- facade design analysis
LITERATURE REVIEW OF PUBLISHED MATERIAL

i) Borden, I. & Ray, K., (2006). The Dissertation : An Architecture Student’s Handbook. Architectural Press, Jordan Hill, Oxford.
ii) Fedders, A., (1989). People and Cultures of Kenya. Rex Collings, London.
iii) Givoni, B., (1994). Passive and Low Energy Cooling of Buildings. Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York.
iv) Groat,L. & Wang, D., (2013). Architectural Research methods. John Wiley & Sons press, New Jersey.
v) Hooper, C., (1975). Design For Climate: Guidelines for the Design of Low Cost house for the Climates of Kenya. Kenya Building
Centre, Nairobi.
vi) Konya, A.,(1980). Design primer for hot climates. The architectural press Ltd, London.
vii) Koenigsberger, O.H., (1974). Manual For Tropical Housing and Building. Longman, London.
viii) Kipury,N., (1983).Oral literature of the Maasai.Heinemann Educational Books,Nairobi.
ix) Oliver, P., (1976). Shelter in Africa London. Barrie and Jenkins.
x) Rapoport, A., (1969). House, Form and Culture. Englewood Cliffs N.J., Prentice Hall.
xi) Rukwaro, R. & Maina, S. (2006). Transformation of Maasai art and architecture. Nairobi: Arts
Press.
xii) Rukwaro, R. S. (2016). Proposal Writing In Research. Nairobi: Arts Press.
xiii) Salingaros, N., (2006). A theory of Architecture. Umbau-Verlag, Solingen
xiv) Sobania, N., (2006). Culture and customs of Kenya. Greenword Press.
xv) Ching. D.K., (2007) Architecture: Form, Space, and Order, 4th Edition. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
v) Forty, A., (2000) Words and Buildings: A Vocabulary of Modern Architecture : Form. New York: Thames and Hudson.
vi) Whiteman, J., (1987). On Hegel’s Definition of Architecture. MIT Press.
vii) Passanti. F., (1997). The Vernacular, Modernism, and Le Corbusier. Cambridge. Massachusetts.