Introduction
Research Methods for Architecture
What is architectural research?
Architectural research is the organized investigation done in
the architectural field by studying materials and sources to
generate insights, knowledge, and understanding.
Architectural research may well focus on the physical
outcomes of design—from the scale of building components
to neighborhood and urban design—research on the
processes of design
Architectural Research_©Abbott Andrew
3 types of research approaches
in architecture
1. Practiced-based
2. Architectural design-based
3. Action Research
Architectural design-based
Architectural Research Generation_©Yasser Mahgoub
Architectural design-based
• Create your research paper topic
• Resources Gathering
• Structure of the research paper
• Review the research paper
• Getting Funding | Architectural Research
Architectural design-based
First line of action
• Create your research paper topic
in starting
• Resources Gathering research
• Structure of the research paper
• Review the research paper
• Getting Funding | Architectural Research
Architectural design-based
• Create your research paper topic Obtaining relevant data
• Resources Gathering to carry out the
• Structure of the research paper research
• Review the research paper
• Getting Funding | Architectural Research
Architectural design-based
• Create your research paper topic arranging the points in
• Resources Gathering an orderly way for the
• Structure of the research paper smooth flow of the
• Review the research paper article
• Getting Funding | Architectural Research
Architectural design-based
• Create your research paper topic A proper citation of the
article should be
• Resources Gathering
carried out to
• Structure of the research paper acknowledge the use of
• Review the research paper individuals’ ideas
• Getting Funding | Architectural Research
Architectural design-based
• Create your research paper topic
• Resources Gathering funding is based on
• Structure of the research paper how feasible the
• Review the research paper projects are
• Getting Funding | Architectural Research
Action research approach
©Christopher L. Cosper
Action research approach
• Research Strategy
• Daring during research
• Networking in research
• Teamwork in Research
• Involving the academics
Action research approach
• Research Strategy knowledge is developed and
• Daring during research integrated into a particular area
in the architectural field
• Networking in research
• Teamwork in Research
• Involving the academics
Action research approach
• Research Strategy
• Daring during research Research is made to test new
methods and ideas
• Networking in research
• Teamwork in Research
• Involving the academics
Action research approach
• Research Strategy
• Daring during research
• Networking in research used to gather knowledge
about new research
• Teamwork in Research
development and new ideas
• Involving the academics across the research areas
Action research approach
• Research Strategy
• Daring during research
• Networking in research
• Teamwork in Research produces new design
• Involving the academics processes and conceptual
ideas through an iterative
process
Action research approach
• Research Strategy
• Daring during research
• Networking in research
• Teamwork in Research
• Involving the academics better understanding of
happenings both in
academics and in
architectural practice
References:
• Plans, M. H. (2021) How to Write a Research Paper on Architecture: Step-by-Step Guide,
maramani.com. Available at: https://www.maramani.com/blogs/home-design-ideas/research-
paper-architecture
• efront (2016) Research in Architectural Practice – 6 ways for architects to create upstream
knowledge, ACA – Association of Consulting Architects Australia. Available at:
https://aca.org.au/research-in-architectural-practice-6-ways-for-architects-to-create-upstream-
knowledge/
• How to Write a Research Paper on Architecture (no date) Fiu.edu. Available at:
https://faculty.fiu.edu/~readg/TipsLinks/HowtoWriteaResearchPaper.htm
• Lock, H. (2015) “How to apply for research funding: 10 tips for academics,” 10 May. Available at:
https://amp-theguardian-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/amp.theguardian.com/higher-education-
network/2015/may/10/how-to-apply-for-research-funding-10-tips-for-academics
• View of How to Start a Research Program as an Architect in Academia (AIA) (no date) Iit.edu.
Available at: https://prometheus.library.iit.edu/index.php/journal/article/view/45/31
References:
• Faculty of Architecture (no date) Research centres and areas of interest – Architecture –
Architecture – The University of Sydney, Faculty of Architecture. Available at:
https://www.sydney.edu.au/handbooks/archive/2016/architecture/postgraduate/research/resea
rch_areas_architecture.shtml.html
• Candid Learning (no date) Candid Learning. Available at:
https://learning.candid.org/resources/knowledge-base/researchers;
• Dr Prem Community Writer (2019) How architecture students can benefit from research papers
on architecture, Designbuzz. Available at: https://designbuzz.com/how-architecture-students-
can-benefit-from-research-papers-on-architecture
• Rawat, Karmakar and Sharma (2021) “Importance of Research in Architecture,” International
journal of engineering research & technology (Ahmedabad), 10(1).
• CfP: The Practice of Architectural Research. Ghent, 8-10 October 2020 (no date) Eahn.org.
Available at: https://eahn.org/2020/05/cfp-the-practice-of-architectural-research-ghent-8-10-
october-2020/
• https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/architectural-community/a7588-the-practice-of-
architectural-research-how-to-start/#google_vignette
