Lecture7 research methods in architecture evidence based design

Research Methods in Architecture Evidence based design

Dr. Yasser Mahgoub

Architectural Research

Research Methods in Architecture - Dr. Yasser Mahgoub

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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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Environment and Behaviour

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Goals and Objectives • Increase the student's understanding of the role of research in architecture.

• Increase the student's abilities to interpret and evaluate research.

• Increase the student's abilities to conduct architecture research.

• Increase the student's abilities to present research results.

• Increase the student's understanding of data, information, and knowledge.

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Goals and Objectives • Understand the place of the person in the research process • Understand the architect as consumer and producer of research • Distinguish among competing assumptions in various modes of inquiry (interpreting research) • Critically evaluate research conducted from alternative perspectives according to appropriate criteria • Identify methods of inquiry appropriate for investigations in the different contexts of architecture (develop ability to conduct research)

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Goals and Objectives • Differentiate research producer and research consumer points of view • Synthesize from the readings a perspective on research that is consistent with your beliefs and practice regarding your future in design • Differentiate key terms including: values/bias, context, theory, phenomenon, validity, and so forth

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Architectural Research Paradigms

Architectural Research Paradigms

Architectural Research CURIOSITY-ORIENTED Theoretical Interpretati Experiment Research ve Research al Research

MISSION-ORIENTED Survey Research

Simulation Research

Qualitative Research

Action Research

Theoretical Research Ontological assumptions Knowledge is created by devising logical, abstract theories of some reality Epistemological Assumptions We know through our own reasoning capabilities Disciplinary base Philosophy, mathematics Research goal(s) Develop theory Methodological Orientation Logical abstraction; use of deductive logic Key methodological concepts Logic Variables Emerge during research Control or comparison group Not relevant Data analysis Not relevant Participant's role in research None Researcher's role Seeks theoretical interpretation Political pressures Ignored Research report (implementation and communication) Presentation of logical conclusions (academic focus) Architectural examples Design optimization approaches; mathematical theories; algorithms

Interpretative Research Ontological assumptions Knowledge is created by developing alternative interpretations of reality in order to understand the human condition Epistemological Assumptions We know through our intuitive understanding combined with reasoning Disciplinary base History and the Arts Research goal(s) Develop interpretative, theoretical understanding Methodological Orientation Both inductive and deductive Key methodological concepts Develop critical perspective Variables Emerge during research Control or comparison group Not relevant Data analysis Descriptive; possibly augmented with quantitative approaches Participant's role in research Provides first hand record of event Researcher's role Seeks theoretical interpretation Political pressures Often an integral part of interpretation Research report (implementation and communication) Presentation of interpretation (usually academic focus) Architectural examples Theories of architectural history and theory

Inductive and Deductive

Experimental Research Ontological assumptions Knowledge is created by developing and testing general theories that apply to items of interest Epistemological Assumptions We know only what we perceive through our senses (logical positivist) Disciplinary base Natural sciences Research goal(s) Identify causal links; causal explanation; test theory Methodological Orientation Experimental and quasi-experimental; induction; "scientific method" Key methodological concepts Validity, reliability, bias; test of null hypothesis Variables Predetermined Control or comparison group Necessary Data analysis Usually parametric (correlation, t-test, ANOVA, regression) Participant's role in research None Researcher's role Seeks to be objective Political pressures Controlled by research design or ignored Research report (implementation and communication) Presentation of statistical proof (academic focus) Architectural examples Material testing

Survey Research Ontological assumptions Knowledge is created by developing and testing general theories that apply to all social/psychological issues Epistemological Assumptions We know only what we can measure and test (Logical positivist) Disciplinary base Social sciences Research goal(s) Causal explanation; test theory Methodological Orientation Quasi-experimental; induction Key methodological concepts Validity, reliability, bias, test of null hypothesis Variables Predetermined Control or comparison group Usually comparison groups established in analysis Data analysis Usually non-parametric (rank correlation, chi-square, MCA) Participant's role in research None Researcher's role Seeks to be objective Political pressures Controlled by research design or ignored Research report (implementation and communication) Presentation of statistical test and interpretation (academic focus) Architectural examples Post-occupancy evaluations, behavioral mapping

Simulation Research Ontological assumptions Knowledge is created by improving our understanding of the behavior of complex systems through simulation Epistemological Assumptions We learn about the world by simulating artificial worlds Disciplinary base Artificial sciences Research goal(s) Development of insights about the behavior of complex systems Methodological Orientation Deduction to build model; induction to evaluate simulation results Key methodological concepts Develop a model to simplify reality Variables Predetermined and emerge Control or comparison group Comparisons emerge as result of simulations Data analysis Varies from descriptive and quantitative to quantitative Participant's role in research Varies depending on definition of the artificial system Researcher's role Extrapolates behavior of simulated system to real world Political pressures May be relevant depending on the definition of the artificial system Research report (implementation and communication) Presentation of model's logic; comparison of simulation results to reality (academic or pragmatic focus) Architectural examples Thought experiment, gaming-simulation, mock-ups, computer simulations, cost/benefit analysis

Qualitative Research Ontological assumptions Knowledge is a socially constructed reality and cannot be generalized Epistemological Assumptions We know only by developing an in depth, intimate understanding about individuals Disciplinary base Cultural anthropology; Ethnography Research goal(s) Describe situation holistically and from perspective of the participants Methodological Orientation Case studies; thematic/content analysis Key methodological concepts Empathy; descriptive orientation Variables Emerge during research Control or comparison group Not relevant Data analysis Usually thematic or content analysis; descriptive focus Participant's role in research Usually as an informant Researcher's role Interactive; often as participant observer Political pressures Described Research report (implementation and communication) Present holistic portrayal of participants and settings (academic or pragmatic focus) Architectural examples Participant observation

Action Research Ontological assumptions Knowledge is created through the process of change; Generalized knowledge less important Epistemological Assumptions Participants learn from trying to improve existing situations Disciplinary base Practice Research goal(s) Focus is on developing practical results; solving real problems; set change in motion Methodological Orientation Diagnosis; development and implementation of action plans; evaluation of action plan Key methodological concepts Empowerment; may emphasize training Variables Emerge during research Control or comparison group Not relevant Data analysis Depends on client and specifics of the situation; often used to diagnose the problem Participant's role in research Actively participates Researcher's role Collaborates with client Political pressures Included as part of the action research context Research report (implementation and communication) Describes the context and outcome of the research (pragmatic focus) Architectural examples Demonstration projects; advocacy planning

How can Research serve Architecture?

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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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