DIFFERENT METHODS OF RESEARCH AS APPLIED TO ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES

The acquisition of knowledge is not limited to the bounds of scientific studies alone. Alongside with the other fields of expertise,
the practice and the profession of Architecture is one of the beneficiary that seeks for the aid of researches for a better understanding
of prevailing concepts, and outstanding resolute to architectural endeavors. Studies provide an unmatched discoveries that will
answer the weary of typical knowledge presented. And in architecture, these researches should not be overlooked because it makes
our perception wider and have a clearer vision of whats within.
And since architecture by definition is also a science, it is not far from the heart that it would utilize some generalizations taken
under the roof of scientifically inclined field of profession. One of these is the fundamental ideology of studies and researches which
lends its systematic processes to the program. It is inherent for each aspect of life and matter that the chase for greater apprehensions
is dealt.
The study of architecture does not only comprise of endless drawing schemes, go after the aesthetic impression of a structure,
and pursuit of glory through a legacy, it also needs the updated and latest explorations to identify certain points of the present trends
to be developed. This encompassing field of study offers a diverse scope of obligation which consequently time to time be refurbished
to eliminate obsolete ideas and bring up-to-date innovations. It is not enough to be contented of what is existent and what is prevailing.
Sometimes, those that you thought to be enough does not match the demand of the other. There are certain circumstances that one
must seek for a higher elucidation to appropriately respond particular complexity.

Before the designing process begins, a thorough research must always

come beforehand. These researches could be done through the use of abundant
material that might clarify some certain points about the project that is not yet
very clear to the planner. As acknowledge from the writing of Christopher hart
on Doing a Literature Review, there are certain questions that must be addressed
to fully understand the importance of a research to each proposal. Each research
be purposively answer if whats the focus of the study, how can the study be
executed, are there any readily available materials to be used as tool on
evidence claiming, could the findings be an additional to the existing known
facts, and whats next after conducting this research, are some of the significant
points to ponder when conducting researches.
There are also these architectural researches that could be identified
good and bad as to how it was written, taken the measures and steps. As Leonard
Bachman said, a good research could also be like the best design due to the
chosen characteristics.

ISSUES TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE START OF RESEARCH

As summarized in the book of Calderon and Gonzales, each research is characterized by a systematic procedure that leads to
a discovery; empirical perception that is perceived by most; analytical criticism for better interpretation; unbiased, objective and
logical collection of presented data; employs hypothesis to draw temporary conclusions; controlled to keep consistency to the
variables; an original work drafted and collated by an expert researcher to ensure its validity; requires accurate investigation,

observation and description so that generalizations wont corrupt the conclusions; patient and unhurried activity to facilitate the
accuracy of results; and lastly demand for courage to undergo difficulties and hazards.
Architectural research process is very essential to successfully administer the study. Initial hypothesis guides the research
process to the forethought destination of analysis. Some of the approaches require specific element.
Theres a multitude of methods that could be taken to broaden and expand the cognition of each and every aspect of
architecture. From this set of methodologies, each has a specific objective as to how a principle could be further subjected to analysis,
study, inquiry and evaluation. Such strategies may unfold the mysteries hidden behind usual facts that could be used to a more
ingenious and deviceful setting.
The procedural part of the method, its appropriateness to the study, and some advantages should be given attention and should
well be discussed before a research would commence. Whether the research is more of the historical side of the subject to further
inquire and criticize it, interpretive method to examine the differently angled perspectives, experimental method to dig deeper into
the least noticeable variation of commodities, descriptive method to provide a much clearer qualities of the topic and many other
goal-oriented discussions of mechanisms.
Loads of fact-finding and groundwork inquisitions are launched even in the discipline of architecture to provide the public a
better place to live in. These explorations are dependent to the purpose and bounds of its limits. Either it is a quantitative or qualitative
research it is essential for each study to be concise, coherent and consistent.
Think outside of the box as coined by many who believes that one should not just stick to whats typical. Explore if
you must so you could have a better vision of the world outside. Architectural research allows us to understand that successful built

environments are successful not because of their physical attributes, but also because of many human considerations, including
subjective preferences, memory, physical comfort and a sense of ones social roles.
RESEARCH METHODS IN ARCHITECTURE
There are roughly seven strategies of research primarily used in the study of architecture. Stated in the book of Architectural
Research Methods, Interpretive-Historical Research, Qualitative Research, Correlational Research, Experimental and QuasiExperimental Research, Simulation and Modeling Research, Logical Argumentation, and Case Studies and Combined Strategies are
categorically determined and discussed by Groat and Wang as the components of the book. These methods have individual
characteristics that could separately and independently dissert the underlying issue within the topics to be reviewed.

a. Interpretive-Historical Research
This method of research constitute the collection of organized evidences that would undergo the process of evaluation and
assessment to validate the collated data. After the long process of looking for the readings and in-hand documentation, the
analysis and narration of whats being found shall inhibit. A well-sewn explanation of consecutive or consequent details of
what might have been recorded shall be documented using the interpretation derived from the series of tabulated
testimonies. The chronological chain of events may produce a well-thought article and could also be used as future
reference.

Interpretive-Historical method is widely used in the study of architecture most especially in the account of History subjects.
Complete documentation of past architectural movements, prominent architects of each period and outstanding structures
are gathered and assembled to speculate the probable situations and events then. Broad imagination and the ability to

comprehend the revelations makes the

process more interesting. But of course, its
always basic that before believing into
whatevers indicated keep in mind to
question and verify the validity of each and
every

presented

argument.

Keen

observation and attention is always an asset.

For instance, there are varying speculations
about the construction of the Great Pyramid of
Giza. Many articles are to have their own
belief on how such a colossal structure is built.
Some might say that it is an effort dedicated
by the ancient Egyptians through their blood
and sweat that made it possible to be
assembled, but for the others, they believe
that once in our history extraterrestrial beings
visited our planet and one of their doings is
these structure. Its hard to believe and
acknowledge any of these theories without
really finding an actual indication and proof
that would concretize the conjecture.

b. Qualitative Research
With this method, the involvement of the
researcher is close enough to the subject
of the study. Qualitative research enables
contact to the ones being observed
because it is an in-depth style of acquiring
data and information gathering. The
researcher has a direct access to the
subject where she could carefully and
minutely watch and catch the actual
feedback

of

the

respondents.

The

proponent has a first-hand data which is

accurate enough as compared to those
documented resources. The natural setting
which could contribute to probable results
of action can also be noted and is
considered for what the product may be.

Since qualitative research encourages face-to-face encounter with the interviewee or subject of study, immediate
interpretation of the data could be analyzed right-away without the worry of manipulation. The different strategies and
tactics of collecting data in qualitative data helps the researcher in gathering substantial data and afterwards may neglect
some of the unnecessary notes but could still keep them for future use.
As an example, some of the planners and designers prefer to live and experience the setting of the proposal theyre going to
work on. Immersion is a good tactic to gather first hand data. It is advisable to have an actual contact and experience to the
project youre supposed to design, in this manner you need not to speculate, guess and have presumptions of the possible
outcome. In some schools, immersion is part of the curriculum where the students are sent to live within a society or setting
theyre about to plan and design. After sometime, they would use these collected data as basis for their proposals.

c. Correlational Research
The strategy focuses more on the statistical treatment of data where every number is a significant figure which could
represent some important and notable difference that could identify variation for the study. Patterns and numerical

difference constitute the elemental discourse of this study. A compilation of tabulations and consolidated inventory of
documents are closely compared to identify the factors that draw asymmetry to the variables.
Clustering the data are done for a more conventional way of distinguishing the contrasting determinants and common
factors for both gist. Surveys are one of the qualitative way to accumulate materials which could be done through the use
of questionnaires. A varying observation is also employed to collect information from the rare setup of the study. The use
of recording devices is an aid to a time consuming studies. Respondents could also be subjected to controlled environments
to determine varying effects.

As representation, an observation could be done to the behavior of the people who have access to certain spaces. The patterns
could be determined are the basis for the formation of amendments.

d. Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Research

The experimental method of research is defined by Good as a method or procedure involving the control or manipulation
of conditions for the purpose of studying the relative effects of various treatments applied to members of a sampl, or of the
same treatment applied to members of different samples.

The basic purpose of experimental research is to discover the influence of one or more factors upon a condition, group, or
situation, purpose of which is to discover what will be.
To illustrate further, certain individuals are asked to enter these rooms which are set up differently. Room A is a well-lit, ideally
assembled space where the aesthetic and comfort factors are highly considered. The presence of elegantly design furniture,
lively ambience because of some ornamental details. On the other hand, room B is an enclosed room which is windowless and
is painted with dark color while lighted in red. Responses of the subjects would be recorded and are compared to discern the
possible difference that could improve the others impression.

e. Logical Argumentation
Concepts and principles vary from what are their missions and visions. Logical argumentation seeks for the
justification of established dogmas. Perceptions of the scholars are consulted as to what the results of certain would
be. It is a systematic method which observes the logical and practical practices.

Architecture is not only about the physical environment, it is also the provision of ample and required needs of its users. Its about
guaranteeing the interest of its stakeholder. And to further have an excellent view of these overlooked aspects is to start studying more of
the enigmas and try to give appropriate measures.
Most innovative research in architecture will be interdisciplinary, requiring atypical unexpected combinations of methods.
Triangulation is not disregarded in this case.
If architecture as a field can be strengthened and enriched through research, then the power of architecture to enhance peoples
lives will be strengthened as well.

WORKS CITED
file:///C:/Users/Zianne/Desktop/RMA/ArchGraphStand15.pdf
ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH METHODS BY LINDA GROAT AND DAVID WANG
METHODS OF RESEARCH AND THESIS WRITING BY JOSE CALDERON AND EXPECTACION GONZALES
http://www.powershow.com/view/117dbcM2YyY/Architecture_Research_Methods_ARCH_5365_powerpoint_ppt_presentation
http://www.socscidiss.bham.ac.uk/methodologies.html
https://explorable.com/different-research-methods
http://www.palgrave.com/studentstudyskills/page/choosing-appropriate-research-methodologies/
http://www.alzheimer-europe.org/Research/Understanding-dementia-research/Types-of-research/Researchmethods