GANADEN, MERA D.

UNIVERSITY OF CORDILLERAS
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

AR-RES METH
RESEARCH METHODS FOR ARCHITECTURE
07:30– 07:30| WTH

“Research Process”

DATE GIVEN: 02 MARCH 2022

DATE DUE: 02 MARCH 2022
DATE SUBMITTED: 02 MARCH 2022

REFERENCES:
• Richardson, M., & Butler, C. W. (2021). Nature Connectedness and Biophilic Design. Retrieved
on February 26, 2022 from https://findingnatureblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/11/nature-
connectedness-and-biophilic-design_bri_accepted-version-web.pdf

• Yingting C. (2012). The Impact of Biophilic Design on Health and Wellbeing of Residents through
Raising Environmental Awareness and Nature Connectedness. Retrieved on February 26, 2022
from
https://getd.libs.uga.edu/pdfs/chen_yingting_201708_mla.pdf?fbclid=IwAR362NHOxUTD21QnxF
V6WHFLau46DIcJlPR1unm4_DDpQVp2C0xkVm8awDs

• Elsivier, B. V. (2021). Biophilic Design in Architecture and its Contributions to Health, Well-being,
and Sustainability: A Critical Review. Retrieved on February 26, 2022 from
https://getd.libs.uga.edu/pdfs/chen_yingting_201708_mla.pdf?fbclid=IwAR362NHOxUTD21QnxF
V6WHFLau46DIcJlPR1unm4_DDpQVp2C0xkVm8awDs

• Bennet, B. (2020). Natural Materials in Biophilic Design. Retrieved on February 26, 2022 from
https://continuingeducation.bnpmedia.com/courses/certainteed-architectural/natural-
materials-in-biophilic-design/?fbclid=IwAR2REzX-IoDgiG5O020irRORTN5jLek1apCLqz4X8MpOnt-
lYdJQ3n60-P8

Ganaden, Mera D. Ar. Irene G. Florendo, MS Ar.

Student Instructor
GANADEN, MERA D.

Narrow Your Topic

Have you ever picked a topic, did some research, and realized …

□ The information you found had a vague, general quality

□ You were overwhelmed by the amount of information you found
□ You got frustrated – you didn’t know which direction to go!
… It was probably because the topic was TOO BROAD.

Use the following questions to narrow your topic and guide your research. For example, here
are some ways you could narrow the broad topic EDUCATION:

WHO are the people/groups you want to focus on?

college students, minorities, Kindergarten - 12th grade (K-12), teachers…

WHAT aspect of the topic interests you?

study habits, bullying, education reform, desegregation…

WHICH point-of-view/approach will you take?

legal, ethical, psychological, scientific, historical, political…

WHEN did important events occur?

today, 1950’s, next ten years, President Reagan years…

WHERE do you want to focus, geographically?

Alabama, New York, China…

It is possible to create several distinct research tracks from a single topic:

Track #1: college-students study habits psychological today China

Track #2: K-12 education reform historical President Reagan years New York

Track #3: minorities desegregation legal 1950’s Alabama

GANADEN, MERA D.

Narrow Your Topic Worksheet

WHO are the people/groups you want to focus on?

As the researcher, I am going to focus more on the people who are going to benefit in my design, specifically,

the local citizens of Santa Maria but I will also consider the possible tourists.

WHAT aspect of the topic interests you?

The fusion of biophilic design and landscape architecture in developing and designing communal spaces here

In Santa Maria, Pangasinan. It interests me since I want to create an improvement on our town.

WHICH point-of-view/approach will you take?

The point-of-view of the residents of Santa Maria, including the political, historical, and psychological factors.

WHEN did important events occur?

The Eco Park was introduced to public on the year 2013.

WHERE do you want to focus, geographically?

The Ecological Park in Santa Rosa, Santa Maria, Pangasinan.
GANADEN, MERA D.

Refine Your Topic

A common mistake beginning researchers make is to pick a topic - no matter how broad -
and then to immediately try and find all the information they can about it.

A better method is to first refine a topic into a question worth answering or a problem worth
solving (this may involve preliminary research). Then you will be in a position to find the specific
information you need, rather than be overwhelmed with irrelevant information. Use the template
below to help refine your topic.

1. Topic: what you are writing about - I am working on the topic of

2. Indirect Question: what you want to know about it - because I want to know
who / what / when / where / why / if

3. Significance: why you want your reader to know and care about it - in order to
help my reader understand better

HINT: If you are having trouble moving from one stage to the next, keep asking yourself Why?
until you find your answer.

You may not be able to answer the third question until you have done some significant
research, and/or have completed a first draft.

EXAMPLES:

1. Topic: I am studying climate change Why?

2. Indirect Question: because I want to know how global warming could impact NYC Why?

3. Significance: in order to know how to prepare for another Hurricane Sandy.

1. Topic: I am researching social media Why?

2. Indirect Question: because I want to know what Twitter does with users’ data Why?

3. Significance: in order to find the best ways to safeguard privacy when online.

Adapted, with changes, from: Booth, Wayne C, Gregory G and Williams, Joseph M. Craft of Research. University of
Chicago Press: Chicago. 2009.
GANADEN, MERA D.

Refine Your Topic Worksheet

If you are having trouble moving from one stage to the next, keep asking yourself Why?
until you find your answer.

You may not be able to answer the third question until you have done some significant
research, and/or have completed a first draft.

I am working on the topic of

I am studying Bioscape design approach in designing communal spaces such as parks and gardens.

because I want to know who/ what/ when/ where/ why/ if

because I want to know if it is possible to apply this type of approach considering the site conditions and

ecological factors and what would be the impact of Bioscape Design

in order to help my reader understand

in order to come up with better design solutions that can help in improving the economy and eco-tourism of

our town.
GANADEN, MERA D.

Develop Keywords and Related Terms

Keywords

If you read an article about racial profiling and the police and would like to write a
paper on this topic, keep in mind:

• The keywords you use may not be the words that others use to describe the same
concept
• It is a good idea to have a few similar words (synonyms) for each keyword
• Write down any synonyms you find as you research
• Try different combinations of keywords to get different results

officers
ethnic profiling law enforcement
racial police
profiling detectives
stop and frisk
authorities

Related Terms
• Related terms are associated with your topic, without being synonyms for them
• For example, poverty and food stamps are related terms, but they mean different
things
• Write down any related terms you find as you research
• Finding related terms for your topic will help direct your research

Los Angeles Police

Department
crime rates
African Americans

Hispanics racial profiling

New York City

law
privacy

police commissioner
GANADEN, MERA D.

Keywords and Related Terms Worksheet

Keywords for your topic –similar words (synonyms)

Environmental
Eco-friendly
Ecological
Green Sustainability

Public Spaces Joint Space

Communal
Space
Community Shared

Related Terms for your Keywords

Human-Nature Connectivity

Biophilic Human Wellness

Design

Natural

Space Planning

Landscape
Functional Design
Architecture

Gardening
GANADEN, MERA D.

Write a Thesis Statement

The best thesis statement is written after you have done some research on your topic. It
usually consists of three parts:

1. Your topic
2. Your position on the topic
3. Evidence-based reasons for your position
Thesis Template: my topic is/contributes to/ my position on topic because of reason
1, reason 2 and reason 3

Example 1:

Facebook leads to a decline in student grades because it takes up time a student

could spend studying. It leads to attention deficit disorder and causes
depression.

Example 2:

In terms of rhythm, the tendency to sample the melodies of the day, and musical
structure, there are undeniable similarities between hip-hop and classical music.

Example 3:

It should be illegal to own pet giraffes in the city because they eat all the shrubs, it
is hard to clean up after them, and they damage property.

A common obstacle to creating a good thesis statement occurs when you choose
a topic that is either too broad or too narrow. If a topic is too broad your thesis will be
vague; if it is too narrow it will be difficult to find evidence to back up your claim.
GANADEN, MERA D.

Thesis Statement Worksheet

1. Your topic: Bioscape Design

2. Your position on the topic:

Helps in conserving the environment and improves human wellness

3. Evidence-based reasons for your position:

a. Promotes human and nature interaction

b. Allows the therapeutic role of green environment

c. Utilizes sustainable and natural materials

Working Thesis Statement:

Bioscape Design helps in conserving the environment and improves human wellness because it promotes

human and nature interaction, allows the therapeutic role of green environment, and utilizes sustainable

and natural materials.

Expect to modify this Working Thesis Statement as you do more research,

think more about your topic, and consult your professor.

Final Thesis Statement:

Bioscape Design helps in conserving the environment and improves human wellness by promoting human

and nature interaction, allowing the therapeutic role of green environment, and utilizing sustainable and

natural materials.
GANADEN, MERA D.

Simple Paper Outline

I. Introduction
1. Introduce your topic with an attention grabbing sentence, quote, or statistic
2. Provide some background information about your topic (cite your sources!)
3. State your position on the topic, and briefly outline the evidence-based reasons which
will prove your position (your thesis statement)

II. Body
1. Point 1
a. Present your evidence (cite your sources!)
b. Consider alternate viewpoints
c. Explain how the evidence relates to your thesis

2. Point 2
a. Give evidence (cite your sources!)
b. Consider alternate viewpoints
c. Explain how the evidence relates to your thesis

3. Point 3
a. Give evidence (cite your sources!)
b. Consider alternate viewpoints
c. Explain how the evidence relates to your thesis

III. Conclusion
1. Summarize the topic and your position
2. Explore the implications of the points you raised
3. Consider any practical applications to your findings
GANADEN, MERA D.

Simple Paper Outline Worksheet

I. Introduction
1. Attention Grabber

Developing an Ecological Park in Santa Maria, Pangasinan which helps in

conserving the environment while promoting eco-tourism and improving human-
nature connectivity.

2. Background
This study expands the current understanding of humans regarding the
possible impacts of Bioscape Design in terms of human wellness and environmental
conservation. The main goal is to identify if it is effective to design an ecological park
considering the site condition and ecological factors such as hydrology, topography,
microclimate, and the cultural and psychological factors of the town.
According to the study put forward in 2012 by Yingting Chen, the humans are
inexorably tied to the larger natural world, and the human-nature relationship is
fundamental and instinctive. This is the basis for the biophilia hypothesis, and by
extension, a fundamental principle of biophilic design. If the environment constructed
with healthy and rich natural spaces benefits our basic needs and wellbeing, as the
biophilia hypothesis claims, the nowhere is the need for ensuring a good and healthy
connection to nature more important than in the places where people live and spend
almost half of their daily lives.
This study is driven by a belief that non-human nature and well-designed
human-nature connection should play an important role and improving resident’s
health and be willing by raising their environment awareness and nature
connectedness. By testing by hypothesis, the study’s goal is to enrich existing
knowledge of the role of the biophilic design in the human health and well-being
The primary aim of this study is to measure the impact of the biophilic design
on residents’ environmental awareness and nature connectedness, to examine
whether this impact enhanced human health and well being or not; by doing so, to
provide and assessment template and baseline, and a solid foundation for further
research on the topic.
The broader aim of this study is to contribute to the understanding of the
interrelation between residents and nature and their living environment, and to enrich
the conceptual and methodological approach to measure the impact of biophilic
design. This expanded understanding is needed to give appropriate consideration to
nature in community environmental design, and thus improve the application of
biophilic design as an innovative and effective way of designing the places that helps
enhance the residence health and well-being throughout their daily lives.
GANADEN, MERA D.

3. Thesis Statement
Bioscape Design is a fusion of biophilic design and landscape architecture, it
is a concept which links people and the nature. The main goal of this study is to
identify if it is possible to develop an ecological park in Santa Maria, Pangasinan
considering its site condition and ecological factors such as geology, topography,
and hydrology, including the cultural factors of the town. One of the objectives of the
study is to recognize the possible impacts of bioscape design in designing an
ecological park.
This study will discuss the impact of biophilic design on community health and
wellbeing from the perspective of environmental awareness and nature
connectedness. It also aims to identify the advantages and possible disadvantages
of using bioscape design, the main goal is to come up with a design solution which
caters the needs of the human and the environment which is being able to conserve
and protect it. It is to design and ecological park, which is going to promote human
and nature connectedness, a design which allows the therapeutic role of green
environment and to utilize sustainable and natural materials.
The study must allow the readers to understand the political, psychological, and
historical factors of the town. Functional design and proper space planning must be
applied. Bioscape Design is beneficial for both human beings and the environment,
this approach includes health, environment, and economic benefits. The aim of the
design is to use the given space to its full potential, to the extent that it will also help
to improve the well-being of the environment and human beings by promoting both
creativity and serenity.

II. Body
1. Point 1 - Promotes human and nature interaction
a. Evidence
According to Simona Tofaforti on her studies entitled Emerging Biophilic
Urbanism: The Value of the Human-Nature Relationship in the Urban Space. The
research hypothesized that biophilic design and planning promote connectedness
with nature and are positively related to pro-environmental and more sustainable
values and behaviors. In order to understand whether biophilic design, planning, and
policies can meet the global challenges regarding the future existence on earth of
humans, focus groups were conducted to investigate people’s relationship with the
built-up space and the natural landscape is perceived, and to what extent the
inclusion of nature and its patterns at various levels of urban planning meets
people’s expectations. The results suggest that biophilic design and planning can be
considered a useful paradigm to deal with the challenges that are posed by the city
of the future, also in terms of sustainability, by interpreting and enhancing the
human-nature relation.
GANADEN, MERA D.

b. Alternate Views
Bioscape Design involves creation of built environments that promotes
connection between human and nature. Literature review shows support for the
psychological and health benefits of biophilic design, evidence base is heavily
focused on the restorative efficacy of various natural elements such as light, water,
woods and other materials, it also includes the experiences of users about their work
proficiency as they conduct different activities considering the green environment.

c. Relation to Thesis
The effectiveness of human and nature connectivity through Bioscape Design
is needed on this study since one of the objective of this research paper is being
able to identify the impact of human-nature relationship in developing ecological
park.

2. Point 2 - Allows the therapeutic role of green environment

a. Evidence
According to Weijie Zhong on his studies in Biophilic Design in architecture
and its contributions to health, well-being, and sustainability, ‘nature’ and biophilic
design have received widespread attention in architecture, especially in response to
growing environmental challenges. The study aims to analyze the benefits such as
enhancing health, well-being, productivity, biodiversity and circularity of biophilic
designing achieving sustainability. The results indicate that biophilic design is more
complex and richer than the mere application of vegetation in building; it broadens
the variety through encompassing different types of nature from physical, sensory,
metaphorical, morphological, material to spiritual.

b. Alternate Views
The importance of connecting nature with bioscape design within a built
environment, the beauty of nature engulfs tranquility and serenity which helps to
reflect and pause away from busy lives. Bioscape Design is a concept in the design
and architecture, being in nature has therapeutic properties to help reboot or make
sense chaotic reality. Huma centered design should always represent and promote
the end users safety, health, and well-being within the built environment.

c. Relation to Thesis
This study aims to identify the effectiveness of applying Bioscape Design in
designing, there are several studies which proves that biophilic design plays a
therapeutic role on every individual or users. This study will also help prove the
advantages of bioscape design in playing an important role to the mental health of
an individual. According on some study, bioscape design or natural environment
helps in reducing stress and anxiety that helps in improving tranquility and serenity.
GANADEN, MERA D.

3. Point 3 - Utilizes sustainable and natural materials

a. Evidence
According to Barbara Horwitz – Bennett, the integration of natural materials
into architectural designs is a growing phenomenon. And although biophilic design is
not a new concept, companies and institutions are recognizing its positive impact on
individuals comfort, attitude, and health in teir daily lives.While plants and greenery
are generally associated with biophilia, designs also extend to water, natural light,
stone, and wood. Countering concrete, smog, and noise, a well-designed biophilic
design environment can provide an oasis of calm and serenity, reconnecting
occupants to a healthier outdoor environment.

b. Alternate Views
Features such as the use of natural materials, plants, abundant daylight,
water features and external views wll be integral to all designs and bioscape design.
The sustainability aspect of bioscape design is crucial for living buildings and
environments. Providing green spaces, water features, abundant plants and natural
materials creates a host of benefits, including helping to reduce a building’s carbon
footprint and regulating the temperature of buildings.

c. Relation to Thesis
This study proves that the usage of sustainable and natural materials is very
crucial in today’s modern generation especially if we are going to promote an
environment-friendly project. Using greenery is essential, people have a
fundamental, primal need to be near nature and biophilic design allows people to
satisfy their needs. The use and application of natural materials such as stone and
wood, and extensive greenery are obvious ways in which to incorporate bioscape
elements into an architectural design, it also considers space planning and functional
design.

III. Conclusion
1. Summarize topic/position

This research study aims to identify the effectiveness of using Bioscape

Design approach in designing communal spaces, specifically, Ecological Parks while
considering the conservation of environments, applying functional space planning,
and promoting eco-tourism on the chosen town. The main objective of the study is to
identify if it is possible to apply Bioscape Design in designing ecological parks
considering the site condition and ecological factors such as topography, hydrology,
microclimate, social factors and cultural factors of Santa Maria, Pangasinan.
GANADEN, MERA D.

This study will discuss the effects of biophilic design on community health and
well-being from the perspective of environmental awareness and nature
connectedness. It also aims to identify the advantages and possible disadvantages
of using bioscape design, the main goal is to come up with a design solution which
caters the needs of the human and the environment which is being able to conserve
and protect it. It is to design and ecological park which is going to promote human
and nature connectedness, a design which allows the therapeutic role of green
environment and to utilize sustainable and natural materials.

2. Explore the implications of your findings/ideas

This study aims to acknowledge different implications that could possibly help
in the conclusions of the research such as giving different viewpoints and insights
coming from different respondent on different ages and wants regarding on what
their recommendations and comments about establishing ecological parks. Through
this, researchers can come up with a design solution that fits the taste of the users,
including their needs.
Allowing the users to experience what environment can offer can bring them
closer to the nature, providing recreational activities within the area can attract more
tourists which results to a boost of economy. Taking advantage on the health
benefits the environment can offer helps in enhancing work proficiency, reduces
stress and anxiety and helps improving mental health.
The use of natural materials and sustainable materials helps in creating eco-
friendly or green design solution which contributes in conserving the environment.
Usage of natural lighting makes structures consume less energy, usage of
greeneries and vegetations will create a positive and aesthetic impact, and usage of
locally available material helps in less carbon footprint.

3. Consider any practical implications of your findings/ideas

The effectiveness of human and nature connectivity through Bioscape Design
is needed on this study since one of the objective of this research paper is being
able to identify the impact of human-nature relationship in developing ecological
park. One of the thing that must be applied in order to improve the human-nature
relationship is to conduct different activities that could bring people closer to the
environment such as allowing the users to experience recreational activities where
they can enjoy what the environment can offer.
This study aims to identify the effectiveness of applying Bioscape Design in
designing, there are several studies which proves that biophilic design plays a
therapeutic role on every individual or users. This study will also help prove the
advantages of bioscape design in playing an important role to the mental health of
an individual. According on some study, bioscape design or natural environment
helps in reducing stress and anxiety that helps in improving tranquility and serenity.
One of the thing that must be implied is that taking advantage of the benefits which
environments offer, natural factors plays a huge role in improving the mental health
of the users.
GANADEN, MERA D.

This study proves that the usage of sustainable and natural materials is very crucial
in today’s modern generation especially if we are going to promote an environment-
friendly project. Using greenery is essential, people have a fundamental, primal need
to be near nature and biophilic design allows people to satisfy their needs. The use
and application of natural materials such as stone and wood, and extensive greenery
are obvious ways in which to incorporate bioscape elements into an architectural
design, it also considers space planning and functional design. Utilizing sustainable
and natural materials is essential in applying bioscape design, there must be
abundant natural lighting, usage of plants or other greeneries, considering carbon
footprint must be applied in the project.
The main goal of this study is to come up with better design solution in
designing ecological parks by incorporating bioscape design and to identify whether
it is possible to establish an ecological park considering its ecological factors and site
conditions. Thorough research must be done such as testing the soil, observing the
sun path and wind path, the rules and regulations in building parks imposed by the
Local Government Unit (LGU) must be considered and conducting background
research.
GANADEN, MERA D.

Bibliography
• Richardson, M., & Butler, C. W. (2021). Nature Connectedness and Biophilic Design.
Retrieved on February 26, 2022 from
https://findingnatureblog.files.wordpress.com/2021/11/nature-connectedness-and-
biophilic-design_bri_accepted-version-web.pdf

• Yingting C. (2012). The Impact of Biophilic Design on Health and Wellbeing of

Residents through Raising Environmental Awareness and Nature Connectedness.
Retrieved on February 26, 2022 from
https://getd.libs.uga.edu/pdfs/chen_yingting_201708_mla.pdf?fbclid=IwAR362NHOxUT
D21QnxFV6WHFLau46DIcJlPR1unm4_DDpQVp2C0xkVm8awDs

• Elsivier, B. V. (2021). Biophilic Design in Architecture and its Contributions to Health,

Well-being, and Sustainability: A Critical Review. Retrieved on February 26, 2022 from
https://getd.libs.uga.edu/pdfs/chen_yingting_201708_mla.pdf?fbclid=IwAR362NHOxUT
D21QnxFV6WHFLau46DIcJlPR1unm4_DDpQVp2C0xkVm8awDs

• Bennet, B. (2020). Natural Materials in Biophilic Design. Retrieved on February 26,

2022 from https://continuingeducation.bnpmedia.com/courses/certainteed-
architectural/natural-materials-in-biophilic-design/?fbclid=IwAR2REzX-
IoDgiG5O020irRORTN5jLek1apCLqz4X8MpOnt-lYdJQ3n60-P8
GANADEN, MERA D.

Completed Paper Checklist

Please consult this checklist to ensure you have thoroughly researched and revised your
assignment.

/ I have addressed all parts of the assignment.

I consulted with a library faculty for help with:

topic selection and refinement
finding credible, authoritative sources of information
citing my sources

/ I use a variety of credible, authoritative evidence (for example, quotes, examples,

facts,illustrations) to reinforce my argument(s).

/ I consulted with a Writing Tutor at The Writing Center to improve my paper’s

organization,argument, sentence structure and style.

/ My paragraphs are organized logically and help advance my argument.

/ My conclusion summarizes my argument and explores its implications; it does not

simplyrestate the topic paragraph.

/ I have proofread my paper carefully, not relying on my computer to do it for me.

I consulted my professor if I had any questions or concerns about my paper.

/ My name is at the top of the paper.

The paper is stapled, double-spaced with 1” margins, and uses Times New Roman or a
similarly sized/styled font.

/ All my sources are cited throughout my paper (in-text citations) and also in my
bibliography,with the required citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago…).

/ I have read the plagiarism statement in the syllabus, understand it, and agree to abide by
thedefinitions and penalties described there.

Adapted, with changes, from How Learning Works: Seven Researched-Based Principles for Smart
Teaching. Jossey-Bass: San Francisco.