ResearchMethods in Architecture
Research Topics - Theoretical Framework - Research Question
Dr. Yasser Mahgoub
Spring 2023
THE FUTURE STARTS HERE
Research Topics
Dr. Yasser Mahgoub• re·search
Definition of Research
• noun.
• 1.diligent and systematic inquiry or investigation into a subject in order to disco ver or revise facts, theories, applications, etc.: recentresearchinmedicine.
• 2.a particular instance or piece of research.
• verb(usedwithoutobject)
• 3. to make researches; investigate carefully.
• verb(usedwithobject)
• 4.to make an extensive investigation into: toresearchamatterthoroughly.
• Origin:
1570–80; (v.) < Middle French recercher to seek, Old French, equivalent to re- re+ cercher to search;(noun) < Middle French recerche
•
Synonyms
1. scrutiny, study.
• 2. study, inquire, examine, scrutinize.
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Research Methods in Architecture - Dr. Yasser Mahgoub
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Research Methods in Architecture - Dr. Yasser
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Methods in Architecture - Dr. Yasser Mahgoub
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Research
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Methods in Architecture - Dr. Yasser Mahgoub
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- Dr. Yasser Mahgoub
How can Research serve Architecture?
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Research Methods in Architecture - Dr. Yasser Mahgoub
Architectural Styles Evolutionary Tree
This is a illustration of the development of architectural styles throughout history.
7 Reasons Why Research Is Important
Source: LEANN ZARAH, https://owlcation.com/academia/WhyResearch-is-Important-Within-and-Beyond-the-Academe
7 Reasons Why Research Is Important
The main purpose of research is to inform action, to prove a theory, and contribute to developing knowledge in a field or study.
1. A Tool for Building Knowledge and for Facilitating Learning
2. Means to Understand Various Issues and Increase Public Awareness
3. An Aid to Business Success (R&D)
4. A Way to Prove Lies and to Support Truths
5. Means to Find, Gauge, and Seize Opportunities
6. A Seed to Love Reading, Writing, Analyzing, and Sharing Valuable Information
7. Nourishment and Exercise for the Mind
Knowledge No Research Yes New New M
Research and Design Products Design Research Project Paper
Elements of a Research Paper
Abstract
Elements of a Research Paper
Summarize your purpose and design.
Use less than 300 words.
1. Introduction & Literature
Review
State the problem. Review relevant literature.
2. Methods Discuss your study design including any tools or instruments you will be using.
Outline the strategy you will use to analyze the data.
3. Results Restate your research question Describe your findings.
4. Discussion Discuss your findings in the context of your overall question as well as previous literature and research.
5. Conclusion Restate your thesis.
Make suggestions for future research projects on the subject.
Summarize the main points.
References Min 10 “recent” papers/books 2024 → 2023→ 2022
Research/Design
How does research and design work and benefit each other?
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Reading: Socially responsive research-based design in an architecture studio
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095263518300037)
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Reading: The Future of Evidence-Based Design
(https://www.iida.org/content.cfm/the-future-of-evidence-based-design)
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Site: Three Top Firms That are Pursuing Design Research
(https://www.architectmagazine.com/technology/three-top-firms-that-arepursuing-design-research_o)
– Site: Architectural Research and Design
(http://www.architecturalresearch.de/)
– Site: How architects use research – case studies from practice
(https://www.architecture.com/-/media/gathercontent/how-architects-useresearch/additional-documents/howarchitectsuseresearch2014pdf.pdf)
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• In
Research/Design
•
architecture, it can be difficult to determine where research ends and practice begins.
In sectors such as medicine and aerospace, research is distinct from the rest of the business.
Research/Design
• But architectural research tends to mix with practice. – Some argue that design and research are intertwined—that architects are conducting research as their design process leads them to better understand the site and other peculiarities of the project.
• In this regard, all design is a form of research!
• While design may be considered as a form of research, not all research is a form of design!
Research/Design
Research/Design
• In the last decade, we have seen an increase in practices that are integrating research into their design processes and services.
• The current technological innovation and complexity of design processes are requiring more research and integration between specialists.
Research/Design
Recent technological innovations have given rise to a number of specializations within architecture firms:
– computational design specialists,
– material consultants, and – sustainability experts.
– These are all jobs that largely didn’t exist 20 or 30 years ago.
– These experts don't have an established body of knowledge to work from. Instead, they are developing the knowledge as it's required.
•
Research/Design Architecture Design Research
Research/Design Architecture Design Research
Research/Design Research ForADesign or Design FromAResearch
Research/Design Design Research Design Research
OR
End Products
1. Design (topic [related to research], site [related to topic], program [related to site and topic], theory/philosophy/vision, concepts, project, present)
2. Research (topic [related to project], theory/hypothesis, method, paper [what? 5 items], publish [where? journal])
Urban Planning
City Planning
Urban Design
Landscape Design
Architectural Design
Interior Design
Furniture Design
Object Design
Research Problem Statement
• A research problem may be defined as: – an area of concern, – a gap in the existing knowledge, or – a deviation in the norm or standard that points to the need for further understanding and investigation.
• The ultimate goal of a statement of the problem is to transform a generalized problem (something that bothers you; a perceived lack) into a targeted, welldefined problem; one that can be resolved through focused research and careful decision-making.
GOAL PROBLEM
Research Problem/Project Statement
• Writing a statement of the problem should help you clearly identify the purpose of the research project you will propose.
• Often, the statement of the problem will also serve as the basis for the introductory section of your final proposal, directing your reader’s attention quickly to the issues that your proposed project will address and providing the reader with a concise statement of the proposed project itself.
• A statement of problem need not be long and elaborate: one page is more than enough for a good statement of problem.
Research Problem/Project Statement
A good research problem should have the following characteristics:
• address a gap in knowledge.
• significant enough to contribute to the existing body of research
• lead to further research
• render itself to investigation through collection of data
• of interest to the researcher and suit his/her skills, time, and resources
• The approach towards solving the problem should be ethical.
How to write a problem statement
• After you have identified a research problem for your project, the next step is to write a problem statement.
• An effective problem statement is concise and concrete.
• It should:
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Put the problem in context (what do we already know?)
Describe the precise issue that the research will address (what do we need to know?) –
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Show the relevance of the problem (why do we need to know it?)
Set the objectives of the research (what will you do to find out?)
How to write a problem statement
• In academic research, writing a problem statement can help you contextualize and understand the significance of your research problem.
• A problem statement can be several paragraphs long and serve as the basis for your research proposal, or it can be condensed into just a few sentences in the introduction of your paper or thesis.
How to write a problem statement
• In businesses and other organizations, writing a problem statement is an important step in improvement projects.
• A clearly defined and well-understood problem is crucial to finding and implementing effective solutions. In this case, the problem statement is usually a stand-alone document.
How to write a problem statement
Step 1: Contextualize the problem
• The problem statement should frame your research problem in its particular context and give some background on what is already known about it.
How to write a problem statement
Step 2: Show why it matters
• The problem statement should also address the relevance of the research: why is it important that the problem is solved?
• This doesn’t mean you have to do something groundbreaking or world-changing.
• It’s more important that the problem is researchable, feasible, and clearly addresses a relevant issue in your field.
How to write a problem statement
Step 3: Set your aims and objectives
• The problem statement should frame how you intend to address the problem.
• Your goal should not be to find a conclusive solution, but to seek out the reasons behind the problem and propose more effective approaches to tackling or understanding it.
Problem Statemen
How to write a problem statement
Practical research problems
Practical research is directly relevant to a specific problem that affects an organization, institution, social group, or society more broadly.
Theoretical research problems
Sometimes theoretical issues have clear practical consequences, but sometimes their relevance is less immediately obvious.
Research Problem/Project Statement
• Work with the five W's: who, what, when, where and why. This will help you frame your research problem statement.
Research 5 W and H
Assignment 1
• You are required to write a brief "Research Problem Statement" no more than one page (12 points, double spaced, Min 300 and Max 500 Words).
• The statement should include the following:
• Working title (temporary title).
• Student's Name and ID
• Problem definition:
• What is the problem that you are interested in?
• Research question (one) and sub-questions:
o Main question
o Max 3 sub-questions
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5 keywords