Topic 1.

Introduction to Architectural Research

Overview
This topic introduces research in the context of architecture. It also tackles the importance of
architectural research in academic and professional practice endeavors.
Objective
At the end of the lesson the students should:
1. Know the definition of research in the context of architecture.
2. Understand the importance of architectural research.
Discussion
1. Domains of Architectural Research
A. It is the development of particular structural forms or building materials over the
centuries which is the outcome of trial-and-error experimentation, systematic
observation, and application of such building principles to other building projects.
B. It is the conduct of studies outside the confines of specific building projects which
includes climate, product development, and building systems design (1950), and
sociobehavioral issues, design methods and energy conservation (1960s to early
1970s), and the significance of particular theoretical influences, rapid advances in
building technologies, and innovation in design process among many others.

2. Defining Research
A. It is a systematic inquiry directed towards the creation of knowledge.
 The notion of systematic inquiry suggests that there is a conscious demarcation
of how particular information is culled from the rest of human experiences,
how it is categorized, analyzed and presented.
 The notion of knowledge creation is frequently cited as characteristic of
research endeavor. Knowledge can emerge through relatively small
increments attained through a variety of means, including the assessment of
the outcome of integrating two previously distance functional building types,
materials testing through a series of built projects, or evaluating the success of
particular building forms in communicating intended meaning in the public
realm.
 Significant changes across a variety of professions in response to global
economic trends make research on the structure and scope of architectural
practice key to the future of the profession.

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 3. Reasons Why People Do Research
A. To get a research degree, along with its benefits like better employment, promotion,
increment in salary, etc.
B. To get a research position in countries like USA, Canada, Germany, England, Japan,
Australia, etc. and settle there.
C. To solve the unsolved and challenging problems
D. To get joy of doing some creative work
E. To acquire respectability
F. To get recognition
G. Curiosity to find out the unknown facts of an event
H. Curiosity to find new things
I. To serve the society by solving social problems.
4. Importance of Research
A. A research problem refers to a difficulty where a researcher or scientific community
or an industry or a government organization or a society experiences. It may be a
theoretical or a practical situation. It calls for a thorough understanding and possible
solution.
B. Research on existing theories and concepts to help in identifying the range and
applications.
C. It is the fountain of knowledge and provide guidelines for solving problems.
D. Research provides basis for many government policies.
E. It is important in industry and business for higher gain and productivity and to improve
the quality of products.
F. Mathematical and logical research on business and industry optimizes the problems
in them.
G. It leads to the identification and characterization of new materials, new living things,
new stars, etc.
H. Only through research inventions can be made new and novel phenomena and
processes.
I. Social research helps find answer social problems.
J. Research leads to a new style and makes it delightful and glorious.
5. The Prime Objectives of Research
A. To discover new facts
B. To verify and test important facts
C. To analyze an event or process or phenomenon to identify the cause and effect
relationship
D. To develop new scientific tools, concepts, and theories to solve and understand
scientific and nonscientific problems
E. To find solutions to scientific and social problems
F. To overcome or solve the problems occurring in our everyday life.

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 6. Nature of Research
A. Searching for a theory, for testing theory or for solving problems
B. It means that a problem exists and has been identified and that the solution of the
problem is necessary.
C. Kerlinger: “research is a systematic, controlled, empirical, and critical investigation of
hypothetical propositions about the presumed relations among natural phenomena.”
 Systematic because it follows steps or stages
 A science because it is controlled.
7. Qualities of a Good Research
A. Published in reputed international journals
B. Cited by other researchers working on a similar research topic or field of interest.
C. Adds new information to the existing knowledge on a topic
8. Qualities of a Good Researcher
A. Friendly with Respondents L. Not hasty
B. Least Discouragement M. Good in conversation
C. Free from Prejudice N. Good grasp of words
D. Capacity of Depth of O. Open minded
Information P. Hardworking
E. Accuracy Q. Diligent
F. Truthful R. Focused
G. Keen Observer S. Critical thinker
H. Careful in Listening T. Resourceful
I. Good time management skills U. Creative
J. Economical V. Inventive
K. Credible
Student Activity:
A. Students are asked to identify three (3) potential topics for research.
B. Topic rationalization and alignment of purpose to architectural research.
C. Assessment of topics considering availability of related literature and research method.-

Reference:

Groat, L.N. & Wang, D. (2013). Architectural research methods. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.,
Hoboken, New Jersey
Rajasekar, S., Philominathan, P., Chinnathambi, V. (2013). Research methodology. Retrieved
from https://arxiv.org/pdf/physics/0601009.pdf
Qualities of a good researcher (2020). Study lecture notes. Retrieved from
http://studylecturenotes.com/qualities-of-a-good-researcher/
How to select a research topic (2020). University of Michigan. Retrieved from
https://www.umflint.edu/library/how-select-research-topic

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