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Guidelines On Research Proposal in Architecture
Guidelines On Research Proposal in Architecture
ARCHITECTURE
BY
INTRODUCTION
One of the Principal pre- occupations of an academic in higher institution of learning is research
along with teaching and community services. The accepted method of investigation causes and
effects on the subject of investigation are therefore procedures considered common to all disciplines.
Researches therefore are means to an end, forming the proof of knowledge about what is being
studied.
Science and Research
As Amund (2001) puts it, “Science is characterized by the possibility of making precise statement,
which are susceptible to some sort of checks or proof.” “Science”, according to Youngson (1994) “is
from a Latin word ‘Scientia’ which means knowledge. Science is thus defined as a systematic study
of nature by observation and experiment leading to the formulation of descriptive generalization
about it”.
Science is applied to a variety of disciplines or intellectual activities, for example, Basic Sciences,
Applied Sciences and Social Sciences all of which have certain features in common. Science is thus
classified basically into “exact Science” or “descriptive Sciences”. Applied Sciences include
Engineering, Medicine and Environmental studies, the study of which involves gathering and use of
information. Such information gathering is achieved by Scientific method. This includes:
1. Identification of problems,
2. Problem definition and delimitation,
3. Conducting the study,
4. Analysis of the problem and interpretation of results,
5. Deductions based on the analysis including recommendation of solution to the problem,
6. Implementation of recommended solution.
The above steps of a scientific inquiry are known as research. Research is therefore defined as an
organized enquiry that aims at providing information for solving identified problem. The most
important contribution of research to the national economy is the education of men and women with
an understanding of emerging new knowledge and the creativity of the mindset and skills to apply
them wisely. “ The outcome of researchers need to be known to those who wish to know about what
goes on in a particular discipline and to others for the sake of knowledge”. (Oyesiku, 2003). It is for
these reasons that scholarly publications form the cornerstone of academic life. It is also in
recognition of this importance that the assessment of lectures in academia depends. What he or she
has contributed to knowledge through publications thus form basis of his or her staying afloat or
sinking (you either publish or perish). Research provides an opportunity for researcher to keep fresh
abreast of advances in his or her area of specialization. It is directed at discovering, creating and
adding to a pool of scientific knowledge.
In this paper, strategies and guidelines for executing research and publishing academic research
works are discussed.
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Three basic steps are involved in the bid to successfully complete a research work. These are briefly
defined and outlined in sequential order:
1. Decision to Seek Research Experience
The initial step is deciding to embark upon a research. Once a researcher has decided to engage
in a research work, and meet the necessary requirements, it becomes imperative that a title is selected
and a realistic evaluation be made of competence for successful completion of research. In other
words, for the researcher to be able to successfully complete his research work with excellence, he
should not only have interest in the topic but also have that ability to bear the burdens of the exercise.
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CATEGORIES OF RESEARCH WORK IN ARCHITECTURE
A research work in Architecture may fall under any of the following categories:
Planning & Design, Architectural System Research, Man-Environment Systems, Comparative
Studies and Special Topics. These categories are briefly defined below.
1. Planning and/or Design.
Three types of design, in terms of scale, may be identified; each type with two levels of
complexity.
The first is small scale planning or design:- The first level of complexity is definitive manner which
is a tightly defined problem treated in a comprehensive way. A thorough consideration of all related
factors and implications is necessary. The second level of complexity is the level of classical,
professional design considerations, which involves programming, site planning, structural &
mechanical systems, and e.t.c.
The second medium scale planning or design- while a larger scaled planning or design is involved in
this type of project, comprehensiveness is only required, albeit with less detail and more generality.
The third is the macro-project- at this level, the scale is considerably larger and the basis concern is
with the inter-action of larger scale systems.
2. Architectural Systems Research
This research problem under this category will deal with more technical aspects of architectural
studies such as building systems technology, engineering aspects, structure and structural design, as
well environmental controls. Problems of this type might deal with innovations in systems, the testing
and evaluation of structural system, and efficiency comparisons between types and structural systems.
3. Man- Environment System
Research- work in this category will deal with the transactions between man and his built or
designed environment. Concern can be focused on any of a number of different levels of complexity
ranging from the micro-environmental and its effect on behavior on ecological systems to macro-
environmental and its effect such as pollution of all sorts: traffic chaos, etc.
4. Comparative Studies
Research topics appropriate for this category would include architectural studies, theory and history,
architectural journalism and literary criticism, environmental forensics (debates), the abandonment or
research works concerned with historic preservation, environmental-energy, environmental-
ecological studies, e.t.c. Comparative studies typically evaluate and compare a variety of phenomena
according to the same set of criteria.
5. Special topics
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The special topics category permits a range of research topics that are atypical: in nature. Under this
category, titles such as films, media presentations and the packaging of information and concepts for
a more general, public audience are appropriate. Research work that falls under this rubic however,
still requires an exhaustive and carefully outlined proposal even through the final work forms, will
differ from the other categories.
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Significance of the Study
The purpose of the introduction is to supply the reader with the history pertinent to the problem being
studied; to inform the reader of the nature of the problem being studied; to inform the reader the
extent literature dealing with the problem; and to inform the reader of the architectural significance of
the problem. The introduction should communicate the author’s comprehensive grasp of the field(s)
pertinent to the problem being investigated.
Literature Review and / or Case Studies.
(Case Studies - Research familiarization and graphic documentation of selected design or work
already executed related to the proposed project. Analysis, evaluation and summation of
findings.)
Scope of the study
The focus of the study should be stated here in the form of Goal(s) or Aim(s) and the objectives of
how to achieve the goal(s) must be stated.
Methodology
Samples & Techniques
Pilot Study
Instrumentation
Study Variables
Scoring
Data analysis
The methods and procedure can be entitled descriptively according to the specific research and
publication project. This section must outline in detail the methods and procedure by which the
design decisions were accomplished. An adequate methods and procedures section should indicate
what criteria were employed in data collection, how the data were analyzed and reduced, e.t.c.
The purpose of the methods and procedures section is to place the entire research and publication
process in public domain so that others can attempt to replicate the process if they so choose, or so
that others can systematically vary from his procedure to test the effects of alternative approaches to
the same problem.
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The research project should contain a carefully thought out plan to complete the research in a
specified amount of time. Include a bar chart (where applicable).
Research Budget.
Provision of a budget, which should include a detailed estimate of the expected cost of the
proposed research work. This, however, should exclude details of the manpower involved, the
cost of equipment to be used, allowances, research assistants and secretarial supporting staff, as
funds available are limited. It is assumed that researchers will take advantage of the human
resources and equipment on the ground for the purpose. Details of the cost of consumables could
however be included.
Biography of the Researcher(s).
The proposal should include a short biography of each project person. (Includes researcher’s
publications most relevant to the research proposed).
References / Bibliography.
The reference section must include all primary reference and source material employed during the
research work. References must be typed according to specific format employing standard
conventions and be alphabetized according to the principal author.
Appendix (where applicable).
-Review These-
1. Is the background of project established? Yes ( ) No.( )
2. Are problems identified? Yes ( ) No ( )
3. Are Aim and Objectives well stated? Yes ( ) No ( )
4. Are the Hypotheses clearly stated (where applicable)? Yes ( ) No ( )
5. Is the conceptual/theoretical framework well stated? Yes( ) No ( )
6. Is the methodology appropriated? Yes( ) No ( )
7. Are the findings appropriately / adequately analysed? Yes( ) No ( )
8. Is the work properly arranged according to S.P.G.S. format(s)? Yes( ) No ( )
9. Is the work yet to be done stated? Yes ( ) No ( )
10. Is the referencing and Bibliography properly done? Yes ( ) No ( )
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11. Can we give unequivocal statement of the quality
of presentation and the work? Yes ( ) No ( )
12. Any other comments: …………………………………………………………….
(APC, 2004).
CONCLUSION
The pride in being an academic is seeing in our scholarly papers published: a symbol of the
accomplishment of sound contributes to knowledge. Writing scholarly papers (i.e. journals,
articles, and high rooted books.) are very difficult and tedious exercise, especially to the
practicing professionals in architecture. We have to publish as group scholars with knowledge in
the profession, discipline and field of architecture. It is necessary to disseminate research
findings to students, professional colleagues and the general reading public who are all the
consumers of our academic products. This is only possible through articles in learned journals,
conferences, and workshops both nationally as well as internationally.
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REFERENCES
1. Alo, B.I., 2003, “Guidelines for Research Proposal,” The Central Research Committee,
UNILAG. Information flash.
2. Amund, Dan- Israel, 2001, “Proposal Writing in the Sciences” Development Committee
Proceedings on Research Proposal Writing, UNILAG, pp.77-182.
3. Academic Programmes Committee (A.P.C.) 2004,” Evaluation criteria for theses &
Dissertation’ School of Post-Graduate studies, Unilag.
4. Berry R. (1986). How to write a research paper. 2nd Ed, Oxford: Pergamon press p.105.
5. Center Research Committee (C.R.C). 2001, “Annual Report on C.R.C” Development
Committee, UNILAG
6. National University Commission (N.U.C), 1999, Format for Presentation of Research
Proposals for Funding,” Centrally Coordinated research Fund Scheme. Booklet.
7. Ogunsanmi, O.E. (2003) ‘Research as a Tool of National Development” Yaba College Of
Technology p.15.
8. Okedele, Niyi. 1988, “Dissertation Experience in Architectural Professional Programmes”
The Journal of Association of Architectural Educators in Nigeria (AARCHES) Vol. 1. No 1
pp. 36-40.
9. Okedele, Niyi, 2003, “Sensitization Workshop on Research and Publication” Yaba college of
Technology, Lagos, p.2
10. Oloyo R. A. (2001), Fundamentals of Research Methodology For Social And Applied
Sciences Ilaro: Kingbond Investment Ltd.
11. Oyesiku, O.O. (2003), ‘Guide Towards Research and Publication.” Yaba College of
Technology Lagos, p. 5,6,12.
12. Youngson, R.M. (1994) “The Guinness Encyclopedia of Science”, London: Guinness
Publications Ltd. p.12. .
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APPENDICES
The following are research proposal formats as specified by the various organs of educational
systems in Nigeria:
APPENDIX - A
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7. Conclusion
Provide a paragraph or two to reiterate the research goals and objective and to underscore the
importance and relevance of the expected outcomes to society (NUC, 1999).
APPENDIX - B
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How the results if the research will be disseminated broadly to enhance scientific and
technological understanding.
Potential benefits of the proposed research to society at large.
4. Research Project Duration
The research project should contain a carefully thought out plan to complete the research in a
specified amount of time. Include a bar chart.
5. Distribution of Data and /or Samples and Publication of Results.
Where data or samples are collected, is there a management plan to securely preserve,
document and share data, samples, physical collections, curriculum materials and other
related research and education products.
Is there any provision for rapid publication of research results?
6. Biographic Sketches of Research
The proposal should include a short biographical sketch for each project person. (Includes
researcher’s publication most relevant to the research proposed).
7. Budget
It should contain a cumulative budget for the full term, presented on yearly basis.
8. Conclusion
The research project should contain a careful thought-out conclusion. (Alo, 2003)
APPENDIX C
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