Research Methodology 4203

National College of Arts

COURSE OUTLINE

Program Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch) Instructor Zahid Usman

Semester Nine (9) e-mail zahid.usman@nca.edu.pk
Name of Course Research Methodology Category Theory
Credit Hours Two (2) Course Code ARCH:4203 Prerequisites None
Aim and Objective This course aims to develop students' ability to conduct an independent architectural research project relevant to
the discipline of architecture. The course exposes students to the research strategies in architecture and design
inquiry used for the analysing architecture and design approaches. The course will introduce the students to
analytical methods and processes integral to architectural research and design. The course will foster consideration
of precedent and design research for a stronger connection with the discipline of architecture. The course will lead
to development of thesis project and thesis report to be delivered in the final semester. Students are encouraged to
work closely with an academic or practitioner working with relevant topics grounded in real world engagement.
The course will help students to:
 Identify the key components of design inquiry and research; and
 Develop a research report on their selected architectural concern.
Learning outcomes After successful completion of the course; the students will be able to: -
1. Define research in architecture and the built environment.
(Based on Bloom’s 2. Identify research types commonly used in architecture such as qualitative, quantitative, and mixed
Taxonomy) methods.
3. Summarize and comprehend existing knowledge in the field.
4. Understand the components and stages of a research design, including research questions, objectives,
and data collection methods.
5. Compare and contrast different approaches used in built environment such as case studies, surveys,
interviews, and experimental design.
6. Formulate clear and specific research questions relevant to architectural concerns, demonstrating an
ability to apply research concepts.
7. Choose appropriate research methods and tools.
8. Analyse and interpret the collected data using suitable statistical or qualitative analysis technique.
9. Develop a research proposal for their architectural design projects with clear objectives, methodology,
and expected outcomes.
10. Communicate research findings effectively through written reports and oral presentations.
Detailed Course Class Schedule: Friday 0900 Hrs – 1100 Hrs
Plan
Week 1-2: Introduction to Architectural Research
- Introduction (Design vs. Research; Similarities and Differences)
- Understanding the role of research in architectural practice and design.
- Differentiating between practice-based and academic research.
- Systems of Inquiry (Frameworks in architectural research)
- Defining research questions and objectives.

Week 3-4: Research Types and Approaches

- Overview of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methodologies.
- Case studies, surveys, interviews, and experimental design in architectural research.
- Identifying the strengths and limitations of each approach.

Week 5-6: Literature Review and Critical Analysis

- Conducting literature reviews in architecture and the built environment.
- Summarizing and comprehending existing knowledge and seminal works.
- Critiquing research studies in architecture.

Week 7-8: Research Design

- Components of a research design in architecture.
- Formulating clear and specific research questions relevant to architectural concerns.
- Defining research objectives and hypotheses.
Week 9: Midterm
 Week 10-11: Data Collection and Methods
- Selecting appropriate research methods and tools for architectural research.
- Data collection techniques, including surveys, interviews, and observations.
- Ethical considerations in data collection.

Week 12-13: Data Analysis and Interpretation

- Analyzing and interpreting collected data using suitable statistical or qualitative analysis techniques.
- Drawing meaningful conclusions from research findings.
- Presenting data visually.

Week 14-15: Developing Research Proposal

- Designing a research proposal for architectural design projects.
- Setting clear objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
- Preparing a research proposal presentation.

Week 16: Research Communication and Final Presentations

- Communicating research findings effectively through written reports and oral presentations.
- Evaluation and feedback on research proposals.
- Reflections on the course and its application to future projects.
Textbook/ - Aydemir, A. Z., & Jacoby, S. (2022) Architectural design research: Drivers of practice. The Design Journal,
Reading list 25:4, 657-674
- Marc Schoonderbeek, M. (2017) A Theory of “Design by Research”; Mapping Experimentation in
Architecture and Architectural Design, Ardeth [Online]
- Lawson, B. (2016). What designers know. Routledge.
- Fraser, M. (2016). Design research in architecture: An overview. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.
- Wang, D., & Groat, L. N. (2013). Architectural research methods. John Wiley & Sons.
- Lawson, B. (2005). How designers think. Architectural Press.
- Hensel, Michael (2012) Design Innovation for the Built Environment: Research by Design and the Renovation
of Practice. Routledge.
Akšamija, Ajla (2021) Research Methods for the Architectural Profession. Taylor & Francis Group.
Brink, Adri van den; Bruns, Diedrich; Tobi, Hilde; Bell, Simon (2016) Research in Landscape Architecture:
Methods and Methodology. Taylor & Francis Routledge.
Garip, Erwin (2021) Handbook of Research on Methodologies for Design and Production Practices in Interior
Architecture. IGI Global.
Instructional Aids Lecture theatre, LED Screen/ Projector, Sound System, White Boards, SPSS software
Materials & equip. Notebook, post it Pads. Teaching Method Delivery Face-to-face
Teaching Methods The course is structured around lecture method during lesson development, the collaboration method in the form
of presentations, and discussions during the class exercises. There will be several guest speakers discussing
various aspects of architectural research.
Assessment Evaluation Tool Quantity Weight Alignment with LOs
Methods and Final Exam: Research Proposal 1 50 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10
Criteria Semester Evaluation Components
Class exercise – Assignments 2 30 1,2,3,4,5
Mid-Term Exam 1 20 1,2,3,4,5,6
Recommendations A dedicated discussion room with LCD for online lectures and presentations.
5 (five) small white boards with stand for group discussions.
UPS for the existing Lecture theatre’s multimedia setup.