Research Methods in Architecture
The of role of research in architecture
Dr. Yasser Mahgoub
Architectural Research Paradigms
Scientific Paradigm • The Oxford English Dictionary defines the basic meaning of the term paradigm as "a pattern or model, an exemplar". • The historian of science Thomas Kuhn gave it its contemporary meaning when he adopted the word to refer to the set of practices that define a scientific discipline at any particular period of time. • In his book The Structure of Scientific Revolutions Kuhn defines a scientific paradigm as: "universally recognized scientific achievements that, for a time, provide model problems and solutions for a community of researchers.”
Scientific Paradigm • what is to be observed and scrutinized • the kind of questions that are supposed to be asked and probed for answers in relation to this subject • how these questions are to be structured • how the results of scientific investigations should be interpreted • how is an experiment to be conducted, and • what equipment is available to conduct the experiment.
Sciences alternating periods • normal science, when an existing model of reality dominates a protracted period of puzzle-solving • revolution, when the model of reality itself undergoes sudden drastic change
Paradigm shifts "Successive transition from one paradigm to another via revolution is the usual developmental pattern of mature science.“ Paradigm shifts tend to be most dramatic in sciences that appear to be stable and mature.
Architectural Styles Evolutionary Tree May you be condemned to live in interesting times. A Chinese Proverb This is a brief coverage of the development of architectural styles throughout history using a timeline to provide a better visual overview.
Paradigm paralysis The inability or refusal to see beyond the current models of thinking. It could be difficult to assess whether a particular paradigm shift had actually led to progress, in the sense of explaining more facts, explaining more important facts, or providing better explanations, because the understanding of "more important", "better", etc. changed with the paradigm. The two versions of reality are thus incommensurable.
RESEARCH IN ARCHITECTURE How can Research serve Architecture?
Definition of Architectural Research Architectural research is the search for new knowledge and new ideas about the built environment. •Research can be conducted in a variety of sub disciplines, including building technology, environment-behavior studies, history of architecture and computing technology. •In each area of architectural research, certain presuppositions and fundamental beliefs guide and determine the appropriate focus and method of inquiry, as well as the significance and merit of each research project. •While the parameters of these research approaches vary, there are some common characteristics among them: Research Methods in Architecture - Dr. Yasser Mahgoub
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Definition of Architectural Research 1. Architectural research efforts are those that have clearly identifiable goals at the outset of the research, where the project is directed to respond to a question 2. Follows a credible, systematic method or mode of inquiry, relevant and acceptable to the research paradigm under which one is operating. 3. Results in significant results (and in a thorough, documented manner which reflects a solution or enhances understanding/knowledge within the research domain.
Design can be a form of research inquiry if it incorporated the three characteristics listed above. Research Methods in Architecture - Dr. Yasser Mahgoub
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How can Research serve Architecture?
Research Methods in Architecture - Dr. Yasser Mahgoub
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Human Interaction with Architecture
Human Interaction with Architecture
RESEARCH IN ARCHITECTURE • Architecture is a discipline focusing on the physical articulation of space on different scale levels, which deeply affects our life environment. • It involves bodies of knowledge and practices that are wide-ranging in nature and scope, as was already noticed, for example by Vitruvius, when he pointed towards firmitas, utilitas and venustas – firmness, commodity and delight – as basic dimensions of architecture.
EAAE Charter 2010
RESEARCH IN ARCHITECTURE • In the present age the domain of architecture continues to develop, since the new media also evoke architectural questions of how to articulate virtual and immaterial spaces (cinematic settings, network spaces, datascapes, etc.). • Accordingly, research in architecture is multi faceted.
EAAE Charter 2010
RESEARCH IN ARCHITECTURE • Because of this multidimensionality, studying architecture can be done from many different perspectives, with different methods and different focuses. • Engineering sciences, social sciences and humanities all have to offer something valuable to the study of architecture. • The vast area of architectural research therefore encompasses variable approaches which range from: 1. building physics and construction technology over 2. design theory and CAAD to 3. architectural history and theory.
EAAE Charter 2010
RESEARCH IN ARCHITECTURE • Whereas the different fields mentioned thus far display affinities with well established and scholarly structured
domains, design constitutes a core characteristic of architecture, which is more rarely encountered in other disciplines.
• Design
engages different dimensions of architecture simultaneously. It constitutes a field of practical and theoretical knowledge that forms the basis for specific, practice-based research methodologies, which are oriented towards exploring and testing new articulations of space (material as well as immaterial) and ways of inhabiting it. EAAE Charter 2010
RESEARCH IN ARCHITECTURE • Taken together the different dimensions of architecture evoke issues of sustainability and ecology – the need to reflect upon the interaction between different scale levels in terms of their impact on the environment, in order to secure the long-term survival chances for people on our planet. • The interaction between different scale levels also has to do with the relations of buildings to their contexts – socially, culturally, historically, geographically, economically and politically. • Fields specifically addressing these contextual realities, such as urbanism, planning or conservation, engage and expand architectural knowledge and practices. EAAE Charter 2010
RESEARCH IN ARCHITECTURE • Research in architecture can therefore deploy in different ways, according to diverse methodologies and within a wide range of paradigms. • The trans-disciplinary nature of research in architecture, recognizing the validity of such different approaches and acknowledging research by design as a legitimate way to extend the diversity of methods with which to study architecture.
• Architecture needs and deserves research. It
is both a field and a topic for researchers.
EAAE Charter 2010
Architectural Research • Architectural research is the search for new knowledge and new ideas about the built environment. • Research can be conducted in a variety of sub-disciplines, including: 1.building technology, 2.environment-behavior studies, 3.history of architecture, and 4.computing technology. • Architectural research employs different methods depending on the subject of study. • Research methods range from experimental to descriptive depending on the nature of the research problem under investigation. • The following is a comparison between different research methods and approaches recommended for architectural research.
The American Institute of Architects Architectural Research
AIA Research Priorities Research needs to be fostered within a spirit of collaboration across the practice and academic enterprises. AIA Research Priorities align with the AIA initiatives of: Integrated Practice, Sustainability, and Diversity. The following domains are taken into account when addressing research: Leadership, Practice, Design, and Building Performance.
AIA Research Priorities Specific research agenda areas include: 1. Social, 2. Technological, 3. Environmental, 4. Cultural, 5. Organizational, 6. Design, and 7. Educational.
AIA Research Priorities • Social Research examines the people who inhabit and use the spaces of architecture. • Technological Research studies the physical materials, methods, elements, systems, and science of architecture and the design and construction processes. • Environmental Research investigates the physical context of architecture, opening timely questions about the influence of society on environment. • Cultural Research studies place-making and the norms of the inhabitants of natural and built places past, present, and future.
AIA Research Priorities • Organizational Research examines the ways in which individuals and teams collaborate in the practice of architecture and in the client organizations. • Design Research considers the processes of shaping and making of places. • Educational Research examines the pedagogies of architecture and related fields.
AIA Research Priorities •The following eight strategies help position research as a knowledge asset as well as establishing research priorities and direction for the AIA. • Continue to promote research linkages between the academy and practice. • Refine the role of academic communities and how they can contribute to and expand the research agenda. • Define and develop standard research criteria, techniques, and vocabulary. • Integrate research and "evidence-based design" in education and practice.
AIA Research Priorities •The following eight strategies help position research as a knowledge asset as well as establishing research priorities and direction for the AIA. • Establish a unified research database in AKR. • Encourage research initiatives at all AIA component levels involving local schools of architecture. • Explore possibility of a research award. • Refine and vet research priorities within the knowledge domains (Leadership, Practice, Design, Building Performance) and agenda areas (Social, Technological, Environmental, Cultural, Organizational, Design, Educational).
Architectural Knowledge Domains Leadership
Building Performance
Architectural Knowledge Domains
Design
Practice
AIA research agenda areas Social
Organizational
Educational
Cultural
Design
Environmental
Technological
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