HKE Society’s

PDA College of Engineering, Kalaburagi,

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
Date: 25/06/2021
ADMINISTRATIVE INCHARGE IN DEPT. OF ARCHITECTURE

INTRODUCTION:
The term ‘Desktop study’ refers to a study that is carried out purely through research,
rather than physical investigations and it can be done sitting at a desk.
This may be a preliminary study carried out before more detailed physical investigations
are carried out.
A Desktop study is likely to be less time consuming and less expensive than a physical
investigation.
Desktop studies can provide an initial understanding of a subject or situation, identify
potential risks and inform the detail, scope and methodology of subsequent investigations.

The difference between Field and Desktop study:

• Field Study or Primary research involves the collection of original data for a specific
purpose and is normally collected directly from the source.
• Desktop Study or Secondary research involves the processing of data that has already been
collected by some other person or organization.

A Desktop case study is a process of researching into an existing project and documenting
through writings, sketches, diagrams, and photos.
To understand the various aspects of designing and constructing a building one must
consider learning from other people’s mistakes.

As Albert Einstein quoted, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, and hope for tomorrow.
The important thing is not to stop questioning.”

The main purpose of doing Desktop case study is to research and understand the concepts
that an architect has used while designing that project and how it worked.
Our aim should be to learn from its perfections as well as from its mistakes too while adding
our creativity.

CONTENTS OF DESKTOP CASE STUDY:

Desktop Case Studies includes:
• Introduction of the Project
• Environment & Micro Climate
• Site Details
• Site Plan
• Individual Blocks
• Construction Technologies & Materials
• Barrier free environment
• Conclusion
CONTENTS OF DESKTOP CASE STUDY:

Introduction of the Project:

• Name of the Building/Project
• Category of Building
• Architect/Firm name
• Location & Place
• Total Site area
• Total Built up area
• Linkages
• Landmark
Observation – Prevalence of regional context in the design

Environment & Micro Climate:

• Type of Climate
• Important climatic factors –
o Sun path,
o Rainfall and
o Wind direction.
Observation - Response of Building to Climate

Site Details:
• Site orientation
• Site & Building ratio
• Entry and exit locations
• Bye Laws
• Topography
• Geology, soil typology, vegetation, hydrography
• Services in site
• Zoning
• Circulation – vehicular & Public
Observation – Purpose meet for which it is to be used.

Site Plan:
• Design Concept
• Structural System
• Circulation – Vertical/Horizontal
• Services
Observation - Impact of Building on surrounding
Individual Blocks:
• Design Concept
• Structural System
• Circulation – Horizontal/Vertical (Size and area of corridor and lobbies. Placement of
staircases, ramps, elevators, etc.)
• Supporting Services in building
o HVAC,
o Fire alarm system,
o Water supply system etc.
• Safety measures
Observation – Areas suffice & efficiency of work.

Construction Technologies & Materials:

• Use of Construction Materials
• Technologies used in the Building.
Observation - Use of local materials & technologies

Barrier-free environment in design:

• Design keeping in mind the requirements of
o Disabled people,
o Children,
o Pregnant women, etc.
Observation – Existence of Barrier-free environment

Conclusion:
• Project Inferences

Ultimately …….. Desktop case study and documenting information gives us various ideas
generated in the minds of various architects who used their years of experience and dedicated their
time to creating such fine structures.

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