Research Methods f o r Architecture

By: Arch. Rhea C. Reodique . Olimpo, M.Arch.,UAP

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RE + SEARCH =RESEARCH

Research Methods for Architecture Arch. R. Olimpo, M.Arch,uap 2

RE + SEARCH =RESEARCH
+ DESIGN
===================
NEW KNOWLEDGE

Research Methods for Architecture Arch. R. Olimpo, M.Arch,uap 3

Two ( 2 ) Poles
 Theoretical  Empirical
Pole – what Pole – basic
man thinks elements
happen / Research what is
researchers actually
specification To bridge happeningin
the gap
regarding between reality
reality thesetwo
domain
/linksthe
pole
together
Research Methods for Architecture 4
3 Core areas of Research

1.Environmental
Preservation and
Protection
2. Community Development
3.The Enhancement of the
Culture and theArts
Research Methods for Architecture Prof.R.R.Olimpo,M.Arch.uap 5
D e f i n i t i o n s o f Research

 Research is a systematic,objective
analysis of recording of controlled
observations that may lead to the
development of generalizations,
principles and theories resulting in
prediction and possibly ultimate
control of events.

Research Methods for Architecture 6

D e f i n i t i o n s o f Research

 Research
-is a systematic inquiry
directed towards the
creation of knowledge
(Synder, 1984)

Research Methods for Architecture 7

D e f i n i t i o n s o f Research

 Research
- is a systematic, formal, rigorous,
and precise process employed t
gain solutions to problemsand/or
to discover & interpret new facts
and relationships. (Waltz and
Bausell.1981)
Research Methods for Architecture 8
D e f i n i t i o n s o f Research

 Research
- is the process of looking for a
specific answer to a specific
questions in an organized,
objective, reliable way.
(Payton,1979)

Research Methods for Architecture 9

D e f i n i t i o n s o f Research

 Research is a systematic,
controlled, empirical and critical
investigation of natural
phenomena guided by theory and
hypotheses about the presumed
relations among such
phenomena. (Kerlinger, 1986)
Research Methods for Architecture 10
 Any Difference?
 Architectural  Architectural
Research – is aimed at Design – as the
gaining knowledgeabout activity of
built environment to generating
enhance human life.
proposals that
 - it is interdiciplinary changesomething
because it harnesses
thatalready exists
strategies and tactics from
other disciplines to into something
achieve it own ends. better.
(Groat &Wang 2000)
Research Methods for Architecture 11
USES /IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH

 To explore possible solutions to existing

problem either in any fields in education,
biology or socialsciences
 It aims to seek new knowledge, truth, laws
and principles
 It aims information in the form of variable
data
 Contributes to the progress and development
of humanity.
Research Methods for Architecture 12
 Major categories

1. BasicResearch 2. Applied Research

– which is done to - done to discover
discover new something with
knowledge,truth, practical use.
principle orlaw.

Research Methods for Architecture 13

14
Architect Francis D.K. Ching

Arch 299: Thesis Seminar By: Rhea R. Olimpo

2 nd sem SY 2005-2006 Prof. Romeo B. Santos 15
 Research Methods

Method – is the systematic

procedure, technique, or mode of
inquiry use in a particular science, art
or discipline(Webster,1986)

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Scientific Method-
- orderly procedure used by scientiststo
solve problems.
1.OBSERVATION,
2. STATEMENT OF THEPROBLEM,
3.GATHERING DATA,
4. FORMULATION OFHYPOTHESIS,
5. EXPERIMENTATION,
6. CONCLUSION

Research Methods for Architecture 17

1 . Observation
s c i e n t i s t use t o look or f i n d problems
through the use o f senses ( i . e . Sight,
hearing, t a s t e , smell & touch inc luding
the use o f common sense).
- problems are t hose t hat a ff e c t t he :
l i v i n g creatures,
the envi r nment ,
the school,
the church,
the societ y,
the community,
home and other agencies
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2 . Statement o f the Problem
statement o f questions (many times) t o
enable t o state i t c l e a r l y and make i t
specific.

3 . Gathering o f Data
from resource person who are experts and
knowledgeable about the problem.
Sour ce of i deas: books,
Manuals, magazines,
B u l l e t i n , newspapers,
Published thesis
Good source o f data on the
Problem a t hand
-broadcast media 19
4 . Formulation o f Hypothesis
i n t e l l i g e n t guess which serves
as temporary solution t o the
problem.
- t h i s is a statement which
requires s t a t i s t i c a l
tools that w i l l
help n u l l i f y or
accept such
statement.
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5 . Experimentation
hypothesis i s being tested. –
experimental set-up i s done by the
s c i e n t i s t using the control &
experiment a l group fo llowin g a c l ear and
d e f i n i t e procedure.

- the steps to be f o l l owed should be

towards the solution of
the stated problem.

-several variables are

used in t he experiment .
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6 . Conclusion
statement based on the
finding s and hypothesis of
the research.

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Research methods - are designs used by writers
to find solution/s to the stated problem.

1. Experimental Method
2. Historical Method
3. Descriptive Method

Research Methods for Architecture 11-21-13 23

 1 . Experimental Method
-To discover information by utilizing experimentation(Chaplin,1978)

-A method to manipulate and control one 0r more variables

used in the experiment(Kerlingen,1977)

Variables – are processes, conditions or anything that

may or may be quantitatively or qualitatively changed from
one condition to another .

 Classified as :

1. Dependent –measure of attittude, personality and achievement
2. Independent –controlled and manipulated by the researcher like
the time, language, teaching methods, temperature,pH, height, size,
age, weight, IQ, etc..
Research Methods for Architecture
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 2 . H i s t o r i c a l Method
 Is a critical investigation of the PAST events,
experiences and development.
 Knowing the PAST will give us useful information and direction for
the present and for the future action.

Classification of Historical data:

1. Documents – are reports of events composed of impressions
in the past that have been consciously recorded for the purpose
of relaying the information.
2. Relics – or remains are written materials or objects

Sources of Historical data:

1. Primary sources – are the original, authentic and official
repository of records and historical information like photos, relics,
paintings, sculpture, slides etc..
2. Secondary sources – information given by writers or persons
who are direct participants 25
 3 . Descriptive Method
I s a general procedure which describes the nature of a
situation as it exists at the time of the study and explores
the course of a particular phenomenon.(Tavers,1978)

It describes, records, analyzes and interprets what it is .

Types:
a. Content Analysis – “documentary analysis”
b. Case Study – descriptive case study method
c. Feasibility Study – descriptive feasibilty method
d. Survey Method – investigation of the population or group in
terms of economic, social, etc…

Research Methods for Architecture

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C r i t e r i a f o r choosing a good
research t o p i c . .

1.Relevance 2. Importance 3.Budgetary

and moral and and time
implication interesting requirement

Research Methods for Architecture 27

Choice o f a research design..

 Depends on the
questionsasked.
 This means that “the
method chosenmust
be appropriate for
answering question
(Moody&Hutchinson,1989)

Research Methods for Architecture 28

Write your research proposal
 Based on your
architectural thesis
proposal as your
research paper
 Maximum of 20words
for research title..
 Focus your proposal
on either 1-3 core
areas in research

Research Methods for Architecture,

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 A r c h i t e c t u r a l Research proposal
 Research Title:
Problem Research
Statemen Objective
t s
1. Absence of architectural 1.To design a proposed
edifices like... building for...

2. No facilities available 2.To proposed the facilities

for.. for...

3. Insufficient 3. The identify the

requirement requirements for...
Attached photos f o r the
problem/s encountered..

 State theproblem as
shown ?

 Figure 1. ____________

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Research Methods for Architecture
Problem:

Figure 1. Street flooding caused by heavy rains or typhoons.

Arch 425: Research Methods for Architecture,
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Problem:

FigureFigure
2. Lack2. of
Lack of public transportation.
publictransportation
Arch 425: Research Methods for Architecture,
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