ARCH 541 – ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 9

Module No. 2

MODERN CONCEPTS ON BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN

ARCHITECTURE THESIS AND D ISSERTATION WRITING

By

AR. VENECIO P. CODIA, UAP, PIEP, NAMPAP, MBA

AR. JOE MARK BANAAG, UAP
AR. NOMER H. MAYO, UAP
Batangas State University

Writing a Research Proposal

As BS Architecture student gets enrolled in Research Methods for Architecture,
he submits the topic for research project which once approved by the Professor can be
his terminal or senior thesis project in the courses ARCH 541 – Architectural Design 9
(Thesis Research Writing). When the thesis research project/topic is defended and
approved, the student starts writing the proposal, which is actually the introductory part
of a thesis.

Thesis - The Basics

What is Thesis?
The Undergraduate Course ARCH 541 – Architectural Design 9 (Thesis Research
Writing) offers a unique opportunity to continue your design education now as
“Architect”. You will research, plan, develop, and execute a self-generated self-
directed architectural research project. You will identify a problem based on your
personal interests, needs of the people and propose an architectural solution by
navigating and expanding on a given methodology comprised of research and design
tasks. You will self-evaluate and clearly convey a critical position grounded in the
learning outcomes of the architectural program learned from first year up to fourth year
of schooling.
"An architectural thesis should be seen as a desire to map, create, draw, or plan a
certain kind of spatiality through a critical/ radical critique of a specific aspect within the
process of architectural production that is representative of everyday life within our
current urbanized process of spatial production." Zegarski/ Enos (2016)

Elements of Thesis

The Standard Outline of Thesis is:

 Front Matter
o Title Page
o Copyright Page/Certificate of Originality
o Thesis Abstract (maximum of 250 words & in 10 pages)
o Approval Sheet Page
o Acknowledgments (optional)
o Dedication (optional)
o Table of Contents
 The Body
The thesis adviser teaches the eight chapters of the research proposal.

o Chapter I – The Problem and Its Setting

- Introduction
- Background of the Study
- Theoretical Framework or Conceptual Framework
- Statement of the Problem
- Significance of the Study
- Objectives of the Study
o Project Objectives
o Design Objectives
- Scope and Limitation of the Study
- Definition of Terms
o Contextual Definition
o Operational Definition
o Abbreviations
o Chapter II – Related Literature

- Review of Related Literature

o Foreign
o Local
- Synthesis of the Reviewed Literature

o Chapter III - Research Methodology

- Research Design (Data Gathering and/or Procedure)

- Data Analysis and Presentation
o Site Selection
 Site Criteria
 System of Evaluation and Rating
 Site Justification
o Site Data
 Micro Site
 Macro Site
o Site Analysis
 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and
Threats (SWOT) Analysis
 Summary of Site Analysis
o User’s Analysis
 User’s Demography
 Organizational Structure (if any)
 Behavioral Pattern/Analysis

o Chapter IV – Architectural Programming

- Spatial Organization
 o Spatial Identification
 Staffing Requirements
 Space Identification
o Definition of Spatial Elements
 Qualitative Elements
 Quantitative Elements
- Graphical and Spatial Programming
o General Spatial Elements
 General Matrix Diagram
 General Bubble Diagram
o Specific Spatial Elements
 Specific Matrix Diagram
 Specific Bubble Diagram

o Chapter V – Building and Site Concept

- Structural System
- Electrical System
- Plumbing System
- Sanitary System
- Mechanical System
- Fire Protection System
- Security System
- Communication and Electronic System
- Environmental System
- Waste Management System
- Landscaping System

o Chapter VI – Design Framework

- Design Philosophy
- Design Concept
o Major Design Concept
 o Minor Design Concept
 Form
 Function
 Time
 Economy
 Etc. (e.g. Sustainability, Security, Environment)
- Architectural Style Guide

o Chapter VII – Funding and Manner of Financing

- Source of Funding
- Probable Construction Cost
- Return of Investment
- Maintenance and Sustainability

o Chapter VIII – Findings, Conclusions and

Recommendations
 End Matter
o References
o List of Figures
o Appendices
o Vitae
 ARCH 541 – ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 9
Module No. 3

THESIS BOOK FORMAT

APA FORMAT

By

AR. VENECIO P. CODIA, UAP, PIEP, NAMPAP, MBA

AR. JOE MARK BANAAG, UAP
AR. NOMER H. MAYO, UAP
Batangas State University

APA Format
1. Paper Size : 8.50” x 11”
2. Margin:
Top = 1.25”
Bottom = 1”
Right = 1”
Left = 1.25”
Note: To insure that margins are correct, in microsoft word (in page set-up) use
the following settings:
Top = 1.4”
Bottom = 1.1”
Right = 1.1”
Left = 1.3”
Header = 1.3”
Footer = 1.1”
3. Spacing:
- Thesis contents = double spaced
- Footnotes, bibliography, lists, tables and appendices = single spaced
4. Font Size: Chapter Title – 16
Chapter Subtitles – 14
Chapter Body/Contents - 12
5. Font Type: Arial
6. Book Cover Color: Maroon