INTRODUCTION TO

RESEARCH
METHODS
SYLLABUS
UNIT -1

Introduction to research methods, Types of research, Difference

between design studio, dissertation and design thesis, Selection of
topics for dissertation, architectural design thesis. Research topics
based on building typologies, preparation of synopsis, Methodology of
research.
SYLLABUS
UNIT - 2

RESEARCH IN ARCHITECTURE
Emerging concepts in architecture due changes in social, economic,
technological variables. Review of design projects related to real world
instances and relevant to community at large. Review of projects of
design complexity, involving themes, subthemes and architectural
expression.
SYLLABUS
UNIT -3

TOOLS AND METHODS

Scientific methods of research with special emphasis on architectural
research methods. Architectural enquiry visual, observations,
questionnaire formats of enquiry, Literature Review and case studies.
Data analysis techniques interpretation of data.
SYLLABUS
UNIT - 4

PRESENTATION
Formats for presentation of data, case studies and analysis.
Formats for presentation of thesis design- media appropriate
in the architectural profession such as two dimensional
drawing, physical models and three dimensional computer
models.
SYLLABUS
UNIT - 5

REPORT WRITING
Techniques in report writing, presentation of contextual
information relevant to interpretation of the data collected
and design; reporting the design development from concept to
design solution, explain the relation of the design to existing
knowledge on the topic in the form of coherently written
report.
Unit 1
WHAT IS RESEARCH?

Research is "creative and systematic work undertaken

to increase the stock of knowledge".
It involves the collection, organization
and analysis of evidence to increase understanding of a
topic, characterized by a particular attentiveness to
controlling sources of bias and error.
A research project may be an expansion of past work in
the field.
TYPES OF RESEARCH
Basic Research: Focused on theoretical understanding without
immediate application.
Applied Research: Aimed at solving specific design problems or
addressing practical issues.
Quantitative Research: Involves numerical data and statistical
analysis.
Qualitative Research: Emphasizes subjective experiences and
non-numeric data.
Experimental Research: Conducts controlled experiments to test
hypotheses.
Case Study Research: In-depth analysis of specific architectural
projects or phenomena.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DESIGN STUDIO,
DISSERTATION, AND DESIGN THESIS:

Difference between Design Studio, Dissertation, and Design

Thesis:
Design Studio: Involves practical, hands-on design projects where
students explore and implement architectural concepts. Often part
of academic coursework.
Dissertation: A scholarly document presenting research on a
particular topic, typically required for advanced degrees. Focuses
on literature review, theoretical framework, and data analysis.
Design Thesis: Similar to a dissertation but emphasizes the
design process. It combines theoretical exploration with a practical
design project, showcasing creative and analytical skills.
RESEARCH TOPICS BASED ON
BUILDING TYPOLOGIES:

Sustainable Design Practices in High-Rise Residential Buildings

Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Structures for Cultural Purposes
Accessibility and Inclusivity in Healthcare Facilities
Smart Technologies in Office Building Design
Historical Preservation Techniques in Heritage Structures
SELECTION OF TOPICS FOR
DISSERTATION AND
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN THESIS:
Interest and Passion: Choose a topic you are genuinely
interested in and passionate about.
Relevance: Select a topic that aligns with current trends, issues, or
gaps in architectural knowledge.
Feasibility: Ensure the availability of resources, data, and access
to relevant information.
Originality: Aim for a unique and innovative topic that contributes
to the field.
PREPARATION OF SYNOPSIS:
Title: Clearly state the main focus of the research.
Introduction: Provide background, context, and rationale for the
study.
Objectives: Clearly outline the goals of the research.
Literature Review: Summarize relevant existing research and
identify gaps.
Methodology: Describe the research design, data collection, and
analysis methods.
Significance: Explain the potential contributions and implications
of the study.
Timeline: Outline the proposed schedule for completing the
research.
METHODOLOGY OF
RESEARCH:
Define Research Approach: Choose between qualitative, quantitative,
or mixed methods.
Data Collection: Specify methods such as surveys, interviews,
observations, or archival research.
Data Analysis: Describe how collected data will be processed and
interpreted.
Sampling: Define the target population and the sample size if applicable.
Ethical Considerations: Address any ethical concerns and ensure
participant consent.
Validity and Reliability: Discuss how you will ensure the quality and
consistency of your findings.
Unit -2
EMERGING TRENDS IN
ARCHITECTURE FOR STUDENTS TO
CONSIDER
-Using recycled materials, creating buildings that are energy-
efficient, and utilizing renewable energy sources like solar panels
and wind turbines are just a few of the sustainable practices that
architects are implementing.
EMERGING ARCHITECTURE
TECHNOLOGIES
Artificial intelligence, generative design, and digital twins enable
rapid prototyping and iteration, creating myriad design ideas and
possibilities. BIM, digital twins, and the Internet of Things capture
and display extensive information about building performance,
leading to more informed design decisions.
ARCHITECTURE OF SOCIAL CHANGE

American communitarians of the nineteenth century described

them- selves as "Social Architects" committed to the redesign of
society. Their "architecture of social change" represents a conscious
effort to reshape the life space of alternative societies.
FIVE 5 CHARACTERISTICS OF
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY
The resulting definition identifies five attributes that feature in the
emergence of novel technologies. These are:
(i) radical novelty,
(ii) relatively fast growth,
(iii) coherence,
(iv) prominent impact, and
(v) uncertainty and ambiguity.
SOCIAL FACTORS AFFECT
ARCHITECTURE
Architecture depends upon the
geography,
cultures,
traditions,
manners and
knowledge of the community as well as its history.
EMERGING TRENDS IN ARCHITECTURE

Adaptive reuse
Modular and prefabricated construction
Building information modelling (BIM)
Biophilic design
Sustainable architecture
Big data
ADAPTIVE REUSE

Utilizing existing structures in a sustainable manner is also

important. Rather than taking down older buildings and starting
from scratch, adaptive reuse advocates for renovating and finding
new purposes for them.
Not only is adaptive reuse on-trend, but it also reduces energy
consumption and wastes. Furthermore, it aids in connecting the
past with the present and future by ensuring places of cultural
significance and unique buildings are maintained and receive the
attention they deserve.
Architects are getting inventive by transforming abandoned
warehouses, factories, and other historic structures into
recreational facilities, live/work places. This movement represents
the idea that an existing structure is inherently more eco-friendly
than a new one.
MODULAR AND PREFABRICATED
CONSTRUCTION

As more people learn about the benefits of modular and

prefabricated construction over conventional methods, their use
is on the rise.
Modular construction entails producing building parts in a factory
and then putting them together at the construction site. By using
this technique, builders can save money, time, and material. It
works wonderfully for homes, hotels, and even businesses.
Modular building allows for a wide range of architectural styles,
from conventional cubes to futuristic glass towers. Due to increased
material and waste management efficiency, prefabrication is also in
line with the environmental trend.
BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING (BIM)

BIM, or Building Information Modeling, is changing the face of

architecture. It allows the Architect to produce a complete 3D
model that takes into account all parts of the design and
construction process by digitally representing the physical and
functional attributes of a structure.
BIM improves communication amongst all parties involved in a
project, including clients, architects, and engineers. It improves the
quality of decisions made throughout a project’s lifecycle,
streamlines design and construction, and decreases the number of
mistakes made.
By simulating various conditions, BIM allows architects to fine-tune
their designs for maximum efficiency, sustainability, and economy.
BIOPHILIC DESIGN

The goal of the biophilic design movement is to help people feel more at one
with their surroundings by incorporating natural features into buildings.
Biophilic design which prioritizes bringing nature indoors through the
incorporation of plants and other natural materials/elements, is an approach to
interior design that has maintained its popularity in recent years.
This movement acknowledges the critical role that natural environments play in
human health and well-being. For this reason, biophilic design is expanding
our understanding of how natural systems can be embedded in the built
environment of our cities to serve multiple social, economic, and environmental
purposes.
These days, architects are taking health and well-being into account when
designing buildings and public spaces by including elements like indoor
gardens, ample windows, and eco-friendly materials. With this approach,
architects are able to create a layout that brings people closer to nature and
promotes relaxation.
SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE

The practice of building in a sustainable manner is no longer

optional. Sustainable design is gaining popularity in the
architectural world as a means to combat climate change and
lessen our impact on the planet.
Green materials, renewable energy, and energy-efficient design are
all things architects are starting to prioritize. Sustainable
architecture has mainstreamed ideas like green roofs, passive
design, and LEED certification.
The objective is to build structures that not only help save the
planet’s resources but also improve its overall condition.
BIG DATA

Big data’s arrival has changed the building industry

drastically. Data on user behavior, building performance, and
environmental variables are now readily available to architects.
Architects can improve their design decisions with this information.
By considering variables such as weather, occupancy, and energy
use, big data technology can improve a building’s energy
performance. It can also aid architects in gaining insight into how
users interact with places, resulting in more personalized layouts.
Moreover, data-driven design allows for the anticipation of
maintenance requirements, which further contributes to a
building’s long-term sustainability.
DESIGN REVIEW
• An architect is a role (engineer or not) that combines abstract elements—different angles, views, and
requirements—to develop a solution.

• Design is the practice of compacting the abstract to the specific. This practice includes the architecture
of the systems.

A design review evaluates a design to ensure that it meets the requirements and is feasible to implement.
It is an integral part of the product development process, as it can help identify and correct problems
early on before they become costly.

A design review is a product development milestone in which you assess a product design against specific
criteria. The design review phase may identify problems in the current design or prototype before
implementation

The goal of a design review is to ensure that the design meets the specified requirements and
constraints, and to identify and address any potential issues or challenges before the product is released.
DESIGN REVIEW
Design Review is an independent and impartial evaluation process in which a
panel of experts on the built environment assess the design of a proposal. The
projects that Design Review deals with are usually of public significance, and the
process is designed to improve the quality of buildings and places for the benefit
of the public.
ELEMENTS OF A DESIGN REVIEW

The things involved in a design review include:

•The designer is the person who wants to solve a problem.
•The documentation is the document at the center of attention. It contains
information regarding all aspects of the problem and the proposed solution.
•The reviewer is the person who will review the documentation.
•The process includes the agreed-upon rules and interactions that define the
designer's and reviewer's communications. It may stand alone or be part of a
bigger process. For example, in a software development life cycle, it could
precede development, or in an API specification, it could include evaluating
changes.
•The review scope is the area the reviewer tries to cover when reviewing the
documentation (technical or not).
DESIGN REVIEW PROCESS

A design review is a formal evaluation process in which a design,

typically of a product or system, is examined to assess its
effectiveness, feasibility, and adherence to requirements. It
involves analyzing the design’s functionality, aesthetics, safety,
manufacturability, and overall quality.
BENEFITS OF DESIGN
REVIEWS
• Quality: As with code review, having an (experienced) peer look and provide feedback will cover more
angles and avoid common mistakes.
• Communication: The thoughts and ideas exchanged during the review process create alignment and
fuel innovation.
• Documentation: Keeping a consistent, documented history of solution designs is challenging, mainly
if many small changes contribute to the current state. Design review will produce documentation that
another architect can easily understand and connect to the broader picture. This documentation will
also last the test of time after its writers leave the company.
• Standardization: Having a common language and set of tools increases productivity and saves
money and time. API standardization—designing APIs with common principles and adhering to a shared
information model—is an excellent example in our API-driven economy.
• Raising the bar: Digital transformation and agile are hungry for results, with many obstacles in their
way. Utilize the reviewer's experience and feedback to push for better architecture solutions.
• Tracking technical debt: Sometimes a workaround is required to achieve time to market. The design
review process acts as a tracker for technical debt and ensures any debt pays off.
• Reusability: Different teams and departments can share solutions and apply common guidelines and
best practices. The design review process is a common denominator for this sharing.
EFFECTIVE DESIGN REVIEW
REPORT

1.Define the purpose and scope. Be the first to add your personal
experience.
2.Summarize the results and findings. ...
3.Provide the recommendations and feedback.
4.Discuss the limitations and assumptions. ...
5.Highlight the best practices and lessons learned. ...
6.Here's what else to consider.