Research Methodology

Department of Architecture
Course Code: ARCH-4205
Venue: LT-1, First Floor, Department of Architecture
Timing: Tuesdays, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Course Instructors:
Zunaira Batool (zunaira.batool@nca.edu.pk)
Yusra Alvi (yusra.alvi@nca.edu.pk).
Contact hours: Email only

Introduction
This course aims to inform students about appropriate methods for conducting research
as a systematic inquiry toward design, and the study of materials and sources in order to establish
facts and reach new conclusions.

Goals

The students will develop:

• An understanding of the methods and techniques required in the gathering of information
of a variety of data and how best to analyse it.
• Skills to recognise key issues in advanced methods.
• The ability to select appropriate methods to address a particular research issue/problem.
• The confidence to employ the right research methods with ease.

Semester Breakdown

This semester will consist of students being divided into groups of 4 members, to conduct a
comprehensive Research Project broken down into 4 Chapters. The project will culminate in a
comprehensive Final Report which will act as the examination mark.

Class participation + attendance will count as 10% of the final grade.

Week 1 Introduction to the Semester

Module 1

Week 2 What is Design Research?

Week 3 Establishing the Research Question
Week 4 First Assignment Submission: Chapter 1 20%

Week 5 Lit Review & Theoretical Underpinning

Module 2

Week 6 Ethnographic study

Week 7 Synthesis
Week 8 Mid-Term Submission: Chapter 2 20%

Week 9 Research Aspects

Week 10 Precedent Studies
Module 3

Week 1 1 Research summary and analysis

Week 1 2 Third Assignment Submission: Chapter 3 20%

Week 1 3 Synthesis and Key Analysis

Module 4

Week 14 Design Considerations

Week 1 5 Chapter 4 Compilation
Week 1 6 Exam Submission: Final Report (all prev chapters + Chapter 4) 30%