PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERSITY

URDANETA CITY CAMPUS, URDANETA CITY, PANGASINAN

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

ARCHITECTURE DEPARTMENT

RESEARCH WORK NO. RSW – MT – 01

DATE ISSUED: OCTOBER 03, 2022

TITLE: “IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH TO THE

ARCHITECTURE PROFESSION”

COURSE AND TITLE: STUDENT NAME: DATE DUE: FINAL

RMA4 - RESEARCH METHOD GUMALLAOI, JUDELLE V. RATING:
OCT. 10, 2022
FOR ARCHITECTURE
INSTRUCTOR: COURSE/YEAR/SECTION: DATE
SUBMITTED:
AR. ALVEN T. BACTAD, uap BS-ARCHITECTURE 4-a
FACULTY INSTRUCTOR OCT. 05, 2022
 Research Methods for the Architectural Profession

Introduces research as a systematic process, describes how to formulate research questions, provides an

in-depth explanation of different research methods (qualitative, quantitative, and experimental), and

explains how to select appropriate research methods and execute research studies. It describes the

process of documentation, knowledge dissemination, and application of research results in architectural

design and practice. Most importantly, it provides guidelines for integrating research into profession

and uses extensive case-studies and practice-relevant examples to illustrate main concepts, procedures,

and applications.

Integrating research into practice is essential for developing new knowledge, solving design and

technical problems, overcoming different types of challenges present in the contemporary profession,

and improving the design outcomes. Innovation requires a much stronger correlation between research

and design, and it is pertinent for the future of architectural practice that research becomes an integral

part of architectural profession. This book provides a roadmap for successfully integrating research into

architectural design and for establishing innovative practices, regardless of a firm’s size.
 Research Definition

what is research
Research is an original and systematic investigation undertaken to increase existing knowledge and understanding of the
unknown to establish facts and principles.

Some people consider research as a voyage of discovery of new knowledge.

It comprises the creation of ideas and the generation of new knowledge that leads to new and improved insights and the
development of new materials, devices, products, and processes.

It should have the potential to produce sufficiently relevant results to increase and synthesize existing knowledge or correct and
integrate previous knowledge.

Good reflective research produces theories and hypotheses and benefits any intellectual attempt to analyze facts and
phenomena.

The word ‘research’ perhaps originates from the old French word “recerchier” which meant to ‘search again.’ It implicitly
assumes that the earlier search was not exhaustive and complete; hence, a repeated search is called for.

In practice, ‘research’ refers to a scientific process of generating an unexplored horizon of knowledge, aiming at discovering or
establishing facts, solving a problem, and reaching a decision. Keeping the above points in view, we arrive at the following definition of
research:

Research is a scientific approach to answering a research question, solving a research problem, or generating new knowledge
through a systematic and orderly collection, organization, and analysis of data to make research findings useful in decision-making.

When do we call research scientific? Any research endeavor is said to be scientific if

 It is based on empirical and measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning;

 It consists of systematic observations, measurement, and experimentation;
 It relies on the application of the scientific methods and harnessing of curiosity;
 It provides scientific information and theories for the explanation of nature;
 It makes practical applications possible; and
 It ensures adequate analysis of data employing rigorous statistical techniques.

The chief characteristic which distinguishes the scientific method from other methods of acquiring knowledge is that scientists seek to let
reality speak for itself, supporting a theory when a theory’s predictions are confirmed and challenging a theory when its predictions prove
false.

Scientific research has multidimensional functions, characteristics, and objectives.

Keeping these issues in view, we assert that research in any field or discipline:

 Attempts to solve a research problem;

 Involves gathering new data from primary or first-hand sources or using existing data for a new purpose;
 is based upon observable experiences or empirical evidence;
 Demands accurate observation and description;
 Employs carefully designed procedures and rigorous analysis;
 attempts to find an objective, unbiased solution to the problem and takes great pains to validate the methods employed;
 is a deliberate and unhurried activity that is directional but often refines the problem or questions as the research progresses
 Characteristics of Research
Keeping this in mind that research in any field of inquiry is undertaken to provide information to support decision-making in its respective
area, we summarize some desirable characteristics of research:

1. The research should focus on priority problems.

2. The research should be systematic. It emphasizes that a researcher should employ a structured procedure.
3. The research should be logical. Without manipulating ideas logically, the scientific researcher cannot make much progress in
any investigation.
4. The research should be reductive. This means that one researcher’s findings should be made available to other researchers to
prevent them from repeating the same research.
5. The research should be replicable. This asserts that there should be scope to confirm previous research findings in a new
environment and different settings with a new group of subjects or at a different point in time.
6. The research should be generative. This is one of the valuable characteristics of research because answering one question leads
to generating many other new questions.
7. The research should be action-oriented. In other words, it should be aimed at solving to implement its findings.
8. The research should follow an integrated multidisciplinary approach, i.e., research approaches from more than one discipline
are needed.
9. The research should be participatory, involving all parties concerned (from policymakers down to community members) at all
stages of the study.
10. The research must be relatively simple, timely, and time-bound, employing a comparatively simple design.
11. The research must be as much cost-effective as possible.
12. The research results should be presented in formats most useful for administrators, decision-makers, business managers, or
community members.

nature of a research
RESEARCH IS A SYSTEMATIC INQUIRY WHOSE GOAL IS COMMUNUICABLE KNOWLEDGE:

 SYSTEMATIC BECAUSE IT IS PURSUED ACCORDINGLY TO SOME PLAN;

 AN INQUIRY BECAUSE IT IS SEEKS TO FIND ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS;
 GOAL-DIRECTED BECAUSE THE OBJECTS OF THE INQUIRY ARE POSED BY THE TASK DESCRIPTION
 KNOWLEDGE-DIRECTED BECAUSE THE FINDINGS OF THE INQUIRY MUST GO BEYOND PROVIDING MERE
INFORMATION; AND
 COMMUNICABLE BECAUSE THE FINDINGS MUST BE INTELLIGIBLE TO, AND LOCATED WITHIN SOME
FRAMEWORK OF UNDERSTANDING FOR, AN APPROPRATE AUDIENCES.

IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH TO THE

ARCHITECTURE PROFESSION

Architecture is not just Architecture; it is a complex process of designing around human needs and comfort. Its essence lies in
the philosophy and approach to craft something unique. But we need to understand a major portion of what we desire to create lies in the
past or present built form. Solid research backs up in strengthens design contextually. Though, architects in practice claim that research
does not affect the field of work. This perception is largely since research is considered as a “theoretical” aspect, but in reality, it
encompasses various criteria. Research isn’t always authority can approach to project it is understanding and relating process to the past
for creating a new future. This continuous process of evolution in architecture requires analysis of the past, for a better hierarchy of spaces
for mankind.

A product of research forms a background to context

with giving purpose and direction to the process. Architecture is
not just building industry it is understanding and absorbing the
space narrative that makes up the premises. Architectural research
is a simple concept that involves developing knowledge in a
particular direction, applying a well-structured approach and
methodology. With the benefit of expertise, it also gives a competitive advantage to the practitioner and applying their capabilities as
equipped professionals in the field.

In this period of dynamic times, for the design to function socially, culturally, and economically one has to respond to the affluent
factors to minimize cost, maximize efficiency and optimize resources. According to AIA, there are three scales at which architectural
research can affect and be relevant:

1. Individual/human scale: architecture revolves around human factors so understanding who we are designing for needs thorough
research. Grasping Human behavior, by analyzing how architecture impact lives and how the user response to design can
improve human performance. Occupants’ safety in the premises, the need to protect the physical and mental health status.
2. Building scale: building consumes large sums of resources and energies, researching on building performance and how it
impacts surrounding environment. Conducting a fair study on technology trends used in the design and also the impact of
materials on the occupants.
3. Community-scale: Architecture shapes the society we live in. The role of architects and their interventions can help address
societal issues. Research on the culture and background of the places can help in building a better environment. Study at these
levels enhances the performance
of the built structure as well as
the user.

Architectural research is functional,

which helps designers understand clients
better. It simply doesn’t revolve around
discovering and documenting materials
and technology but also aims makes it
relevant. Research conducted at every
individual level helps in understanding the
requirements in the individualistic nature
of the project.

From the moment the brief has been received a series of research should be initiated, covering diverse areas like environmental
sustainability, energy efficiency, etc, other than functional and technical architectural researches. In practice, the study is technical,
functional, or anthropological.

1. Technical research: helps the designer to gain knowledge and awareness on building materials, construction technology, etc,
that would be feasible in context most appropriately.
2. Functional research: it involves coming up with the best possible design solution to the problems in consideration by studying,
analyzing numerous projects. Researching on applicable various layouts, facade systems, or design elements.
3. Anthropological research: this aspect covers the human dimensions, reading up on human anthropology, their cultural/social
needs respecting their comfort levels as well.

The process of architectural research is intervened and runs parallel as and when required. Research makes Architecture speak when
the study addresses all the features of the project on both macro and micro scales. In the Indian context, the architectural practice fails to
recognize research as a separate entity in the design process despite being conducted at various levels. Designers conduct numerous case
studies to get a good knowledge of the project and clients’ needs. Proper market-material Survey is also undertaken, to discover the best
with also keeping in mind the preferences the need of the user while designing, which will contribute to the post-occupancy analysis. The
only factor being failed to be recognized is a systematic approach to do all these functions. Only if an appropriate process is outlined,
practitioners would recognize research is an integral part of the design process.
 For the architecture to be unique and speak of the age and the cultural context that produced it, significant research is required.
The relationship between Architecture research and architectural design is that it is a tool to examine problem components and their
interrelatedness, which examining company and solution into a functional resolution. This already conducted study provides ways to
make the design comparatively more relevant and functional along with providing insights for solving future problems. Though the scope
of practice-oriented research is guided by the set needs and preferences of the clients. The process has trial and error which should be
considered. Architectural research backs up the design that is why the practice of research should be encouraged and should also be
inculcated at every stage as an intrinsic component of design.

Students of architecture can have better learning

experiences, if there is an exposure blend of industry and
academics. In architecture there is an urgent need to focus on
research-based education for better learning and development
of dedicated professionals. In addition to theory and practice,
there is a need to incorporate research element, which can be
helpful to inculcate the research orientation in today’s
architects. This review has been presented here with the
advantages and implications of research in architectural
education.

architectural education has been invariably linked to

the process of cognitive research. To impart knowledge a
person needs to acquire one. The process of acquiring is continuous and provocative. The more the individual critically analyses the
subject the more value it adds to architecture as a profession. Architecture as a realm is very subjective as there are no wrong answers and
it is all based on individuals perception to judge the conscience. To rationalize the opinion, a mind that enquires and investigates is of
utmost requirement.

the current state of architecture and design requires extensive collaboration and an investigate attitude and we continue to
develop new research and technologies zaha hadid

the mythical gap between research and practice is felt by many legendary architects and the notion is still the same. The two
hypothetically bridged realms need to be implemented in a single process and worked for the betterment of fraternity as the involvement
of research in design will help to rationalize the need of the architecture and justify its purpose rather than succumbing to modern real
estate needs.

architectural theoreticians are largely criticized in our country and perhaps taken as negative criticizers and their analysis is not
constructively utilized as the group performing research and design are two separate entities. The process is never intertwined and
parallel. The missing link to merge the two entities together is the dire need for the contemporary architecture where you look upon the
precedent and infer and analyse the by and future product.

The qualities that should be implemented and the ones which should be diluted in the process is not justified because of the lack
of inquiring minds and deep research on the specializations. Here, the review presents authors own and experts views on the implications
and applications of research in architecture education

Current status the fraternity considers research and practice as nearly two sides of the coin but always considers one side when
any project is executed. The pre- and post-analysis is the almost missing concept in indian scenario. The thorough understanding of the
spatial narratives that the space design involves and the manner in which their research can be productively applied to the building
industry is still not considered as a possible task.

The project reports are never referred once the project starts and the research becomes a background once the physical
architecture takes shape. Not to forget that one can appreciate foreground because the background takes a back. The absence makes the
presence felt. The brainstorming process that every designer goes prior to evolution of any seed of the design is the part of the research
that our scheme performs based on our instincts and investigatory observation. The manner of research is different but the same when put
forward as a premise helps to hold on the idea till the execution and not negating the philosophical research.

The premise set up for research is more mythological in all the architecture schools and not taken as a clear analysis for the
evolution of a new thought and new technology. Relating to the process of the past and creating a new future is only possible if the past is
analysed and suitable imprints are carried out. Architecture is not just the building industry but a continuous process of evolution of better
and better hierarchy of spaces that serves for the betterment of mankind.
 Architecture is more or less considered as an autonomous discipline that is considered subjective and can be only argued to the
level of perception and does not score on the spectrum of rationalization and relation with the context and past. The notion of architecture
being just architecture leads to marginalization of it. The potential of recognizing practice, as a research is one of requirement and the
position paper argues on the same topic.

the fact that we need to seek before we see. The intention of asking what we want to see is very important as in contemporary
context and information technology where knowledge is easily exchangeable and it is one form of economy, the act of seeing and
observing has to be pre thought.

SIGNIFICANCE OF INTERDISCIPLINARY LEARNING IN ARCHITECTURE

vitruvius in his first book of architecture mentions the interdisciplinary understanding

of various other allied fields for the successful execution and understanding of architecture. The
fact that architecture dwells both in art and science and it cannot be bifurcated. It becomes
important to find precedents and references in both.

The creativity when merged with technology gives rise to competent architecture,
which is sound in both research and practice. The Vitruvius opinion is not only true for
architectural education but also an imperative in architectural research education too. the
architect should be equipped with knowledge of many branches of study and various kinds of
learning, for it is by his judgement that all work done by the other arts is put to test. This
knowledge is the child of practice and theory- Vitruvius historically, the epistemological
diversity of architectural research, ranging freely between "hard" and "soft", between
fundamental and applied research, has perhaps been a disadvantage or a source of perceived
weakness. It should on the contrary be emphasized as a strong point, and supported as such by
funding agencies.

The intertwining of the practice concerned and reflective and rationale reasoning need
to be core for the architectural education. The architectural research communty may have

been very well blind to this relation, due to the inherited strict distinction between science and art in modern thought. If
architectural research is understood as the knowledge creation, rather than in terms of science or art, it is possible to bridge the
unproductive separation between science and art in research and accept that it navigates multiple paradigms or systems of inquiry.

Understanding the legendary author francis d k ching, and his popular book. having detailed and well-crafted architectural
documentation and the fact that the templates were made by him as a course material for teaching the subject allotted to him at the ohio
university when he was stationed there as a part time faculty. The grass root understanding of the matter and its deliverance made him the
subject matter of discussion till date. Every architecture schools considers the book as a bible and must read for all their architecture
students.

Similar practice of hand drawing the same templates again and relating with the research of ching rationally deepens the
knowledge and adds to its richness. Being an architect, i have been doing the same practice as a part of my daily riyaaz and making new
inferences every time the same line is drawn. The line speaks for itself and celebrates its presence. This experience once forceful, now
practice has been a prominent trigger for the desire to enquire and analyse and formulate in the manner of research for my case. Being
rooted to a vernacular background, self-learning and experience have always been the best teachers. The inquiring mind of an architect is
being practiced by the subconscious activity as nurtured from childhood. The new movements and facets of architecture brings about new
challenges every day and the capability and ability to read the answer in the problem is the outcome of a well-researched mind. The
ability to relate and join the dots of the precedents and weave it in ne thread has been the best outcome of any research inquiry.

Some qualities that make a good researcher are,

1. to observe consciously,
2. to be analytical in all events-situations,
3. to think logically & critically,
4. to face the problem individually,
5. to use past experience (may be of yours or others),
6. have to get solution, anyhow and,
7. to share the experience without anticipating appreciation or criticism.
 The research helps to position the rational mind to positive criticism and give opinion, which is not biased. Constructive
criticism is always accepted as a seed to a new germination and towards a more anticipated growth as the outcome is backed with various
logical reasons and its supplementary answers justifying the process. designing is a matter of concentration. You go deep into what you
want to do. It’s about intensive research, really The concentration is warm and intimate like the fire inside the earth- intense but not
distorted. You can go to a place really feels it in your heart.

It’s actually a beautiful feeling peter zumthor the fragments of collective inferences when tied together makes the complete
process of design and the same when executed makes the user feel the same journey which the architect has weaved for them. The notion
that architecture speaks for itself and there is no need of the written documentation and research is a debatable because to be able to make
architecture speak architect has to first understand what they want their building to speak. For the same, they need qualitative and
quantitative process to arrive at the scientific conclusion, which convey the response of architect to the place and problem.

Architectural education being digitalized and the fact that the hand drawn information is minimized; it is very difficult to
transfer your thoughts in the programs that one feeds information in. The same logic is applied in that case as the program works on what
a person feeds it to but for the fact, that designer needs to know what is to be fed is an outcome of logical reasoning encountered by
research.

similar changes need to be made to architecture curriculum where research need to be made a mandatory requirement for the evolution of
the architecture that the student practices and for the involvement of the student in the various architectural movements and its impacts in
architecture. Architecture being a multidisciplinary realm dwells in many facets with its varied roots pulled to humanities and its
evolution.

Every qualitative research gives a new dimension to the fraternity as it affects the movement of architecture of that era being
influenced by the past and further influencing future architecture. It has become more important that research is considered as practice and
practice backed up with research. The provocative brain storming session in architectural education is an important facet of education
now as the same is more perceptive and digitalized and need to be transferred to the classroom activities. The traditional curriculum needs
to be impinged with the critical questionnaire of the incentives and technological innovations and interventions and the need to rationalize
the need of research in architecture.

RESEARCH AND EDUCATION IN ARCHITECTURE

A highly motivated environment that supports research- based learning is the need of architectural curriculum. The traditional
classrooms have been questioned for the need of out of the box learning and not being influenced by any impossibility or restrain of
thought. Creation of learner centric environment that actively promotes students to higher education and qualitative and quantitative
research. The academicians have a high role in making student to explore the non-traditional and sensitive realms that is the need for
architecture.

The understanding of how to transfer the gathered information of research to productive design techniques needs to be filtered
by the academicians to the students. Out of box teaching needs to be backed up with long-term goals of improving learning skills of
students by academicians who can themselves bridge the gap between research and education and transfer it in novel way.

Education system in architecture is often overlooked to be similar as other disciplines, though it is evolved from science and art
but it needs to be manicured for its dominating presence. The research/case study that the students perform before evolving the
programmatic requirements which eventually helps them to understand precedents are majorly lost in the process when it comes to
execution of it as their design. This is a major claim by all academicians that the students do not do justice to the references as the
outcome is nowhere like the precedent or seem to be inferred or studied upon.

Architectural education focuses more on quantitative grades and merit-based scholarship, which needs to be modified to
qualitative research, based creative design. Majority of the times students bring innovative ideas but they are lost in process of execution
as there is no backing of research-oriented understanding of the idea and the manner in which it needs to be executed to suit their idea.
The result of which is the idea remains as idea and is not transferred to the design. Academics believe that research and theory is one of
symbiosis, mutuality and synergy, especially when researchers activity is increased in quantity and quality.

they reveal that lecturers research activity enhances knowledge currency; credibility; competence in supervision; motivation;
and, salience. The very prominent studio culture in architectural education values project appearance instead of the actual design process.
The creditability of project appearance is also to the fact that the designs are now referred as exhibits and less for the matter of
understanding. The spectacular moment is not only related to the urban design but in design and architecture as a matter of outcomE also.
The rule of aesthetics is being applied in the product rather than the sensibility of the spatial qualities and making the product

Overall beautiful both functionally and aesthetically. The advancement in architecture understood with research and
implementation also has many advantages to both the sides of the coin (management and the academician) as the two- way link as
described by Rowland (1996). Research improves quality of university teaching while students understanding and work can contribute to
lecturers research.

Criticisms are mostly cantered on the observation that students show no interest in the design process and tend to focus on form
making. As a result, efforts to teach design methods and to restore the balance between creativity and rationality in the design process
have failed. The reason is related to the difficulties associated with the implicit nature of conventional design methods. These difficulties,
which are common in architecture schools, include the lack of a clearly defined design methodology and the misunderstood role of the
systematic approach to design in the studio.

The implementation of research and theory is long term effort as continuous motivation, correct approach, inquiring and
rationale mind, ability to ask correct questions leads to a qualitative research. The implication and applications of the same have to be
well programmed and framed by the academician to transfer the knowledge. The basic qualities of enquiring mind as listed before in the
position paper can be related to the many facets of research development as follows:

The basic steps of research resemble with practiced qualities:

1. do observe consciously: identifying research question(s)

2. be analyst in all events-situations: compilation & analysis of data
3. think logically & critically: methods of research
4. face the problem individually: personal involvement
5. use past experience (may be of yours or others): literature survey

1. have to get solution, anyhow: should reach to societal use

2. to share the experience without anticipating appreciation or criticism: publish the above mentioned could be understood as the
principles of architectural research derivatives.

The practice of architectural research involves a continuous process of intertwining systems of working which involves the above
mentioned stages. Identifying the research area and asking correct questions for the same is very important to get relatable answers. Else,
the information collected will only be a data collection and further it becomes difficult to channelize information and infer from the data
and make it to usable knowledge. Compilation and collection needs sorting and briefing of data, further to be understood as a catalyst to
new derivatives and further involve the person to evolve with their own research philosophies and methods of execution of the research
process.

a back-and-forth process is required which helps to focus on the content of the research area and do justice to the project. The
literature survey helps to identify the similar problems and solutions adopted by other researchers and methods used by them to be
procured as tools for research methodology. The final outcome of the research as mentioned above is the relation between practice and
research and the fact that the research could be put to use.

What do architects understand research to be? How do architects use research? When and how do architects undertake research
in their practices? What research knowledge do practising architects need? How does research bring value to architects ’
practices and their clients? How do architects connect with research from academic and other research organisations?

For practising architects research can be a diFFIcult concept to pin down and de fine. It is a term which can mean diFFerent
things to diFFerent people, but what is clear is that research can be the intellectual fuel for the engine of innovation and growth for many
businesses, including architects’ practices.
 Architect’s consider research to be an intrinsic part of the project work they undertake. This encompasses a range of aspects
from understanding client needs, and evaluating project contexts, to assessing the performance characteristics of materials and building
components. In fact most research in practices seems, perhaps not surprisingly, to be project focused. This project focused research
includes investigation of environmental sustainability and energy eFFIciency, analysis of precedents, and research into materials, products
and construction techniques. Post-occupancy evaluation (POE) is clearly emerging as an area of increasing interest and importance
although, as we know from other studies, there remain a number of barriers to routine POE.

How architects understand research

Practising architects can engage with research in a number of ways – with knowledge, process or resources – but the case study
interviewees did not draw a clear distinction between these forms of research:

 Research knowledge – the subject of the research

e.g. Knowledge about sustainability principles and how they can be integrated, knowledge of which materials to use in a
specific context.

 Research processes – ways of researching and Finding knowledge e.g. a site review, a visit to an archive, an experiment in
materials.

 Research resources – ways of accessing knowledge e.g. a journal article, the archive itself, blogs or websites.

Although this study was focused on the first two of these types, some overlap with the third – research resources – was unavoidable.

Why do we need Research in the profession of Architecture?

Students of architecture can have better learning experiences, if

there is an exposure blend of industry and academics. In architecture there is
an urgent need to focus on research based education for better learning and
development of dedicated professionals.

Functional architectural research helps designers better understand

their clients. Simply said, it focuses on making it meaningful rather than just
discovering and documenting materials and technologies. Understanding the
requirements in the project's individualistic nature is aided by research done at
every stage.

As soon as the brief is received, a series of studies should be started

in addition to the functional and technical architectural studies. These studies
should include varied topics including environmental sustainability, energy
efficiency, etc.
In reality, the study is either anthropological, technical, or both.
 When necessary, the architectural research process is interrupted and continues in parallel. When a study takes into account all
of the project's elements on both the macro and micro levels, architecture speaks via research. Even though research is done at many
levels in the Indian setting, it is not acknowledged as a distinct entity in the design process. To have a thorough understanding of the
project and the needs of the clients, designers do a lot of case studies.

Significant study is needed if the building is to be distinctive and relate to the time period and cultural setting in which it was
created. Architecture research serves as a tool to analyze problem elements and how they relate to one another, combining analysis of the
problem and the answer into a workable conclusion. This previously completed study offers suggestions for improving the design's
functional and relevance, as well as insights for resolving any future issues. Even yet, the defined needs and preferences of the clients
serve as a guide for the breadth of practice-oriented research. It's important to take into account the process's use of trial and error.
Architectural research serves as a foundation for the design, thus it should be promoted and ingrained as a fundamental element of design
at every step.