ROLE OF RESEARCH IN

ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE:
THESIS-WRITING
VENUE: TANGLAW UNIVERSITY CENTER,
52 EXAMINER COR TIMES ST., WEST TRIENGLE, Q.C.
DATE : AUGUST 24, 2015, TIME: 1:30 TO 2:30PM.

AR. / Enp. STEPHANIE N. GILLES, uap, plep

ARCHITECT-ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER
CHAIRMAN, UAP EMERGENCY ARCHITECTS
PRICIPAL ARCHITECT/ PLANNER
SNG DESIGN ENTERPRISE
I. Introduction
II. Research Research and Design both involve
processes of discovery leading to
Framework
new knowledge.
III A. Data
Gathering
III B. Data
Research is a “systematic inquiry
Analysis and directed towards the creation of
Presentation knowledge” [Snyder 1984]
IIIC. Programming
IV. Translation Research is a fact-based activity; is
V. Administrative rooted in rule-based framework;
Format
defined by propositional components
VI. Sample
[Groat and Wang 2000]
Outputs
VII. Appendices

INTRODUCTION- Research and Design

I. Introduction
II. Research Theoretical Research Empirical
Pole Process Pole
Framework
BASIC BASIC
IIIA.Data ELEMENTS
Hypothesis
ELEMENTS
Operational
Hypothesis
• Reality
Gathering • Social Groups
and Societies
IIIB.Data Analysis • Concepts
• Psychological
• Research (individual)
and • Proposition Analyzed Data
Design
Presentation • Logical • Sampling Plan Collected Data
Relations • Measurement
IIIC.Programming • Data Analysis

IV. Translation
V. Administrative
Format
VI. Sample
Outputs
Appendices

INTRODUCTION- Research and Design

I. Introduction
Basic Characteristics of the Research
II. Research
Process:
Framework
IIIA.Data ∙Empirical
Gathering ∙Logical and Systematic
IIIB.Data Analysis ∙Cyclical
and ∙Reduction
Presentation
∙Replicable
IIIC.Programming
∙Universal
IV. Translation ∙Critical
V. Administrative
Format
[De Jesus, Moortgat, Buzar, Brawner]
VI. Sample
Outputs
Appendices

INTRODUCTION- Research and Design

I. Introduction
II. Research

Framework
IIIA.Data
Gathering
IIIB.Data Analysis
and
Presentation
IIIC.Programming
IV. Translation
V. Administrative
The expected outputs from Thesis Course are
Format
supposed to be directed at:
VI. Sample ∙ The advancement of the architectural profession
Outputs ∙ The upgrading of the quality of the built
Appendices environment

INTRODUCTION- EXPECTED OUTPUTS

 Community

I. Introduction Public Agencies Advisers

II. Research Consultants Others

Framework
IIIA.Data The Need for
Gathering Collaboration
IIIB.Data Analysis
and
Presentation
Researcher
IIIC.Programming
IV. Translation Researcher Researcher

V. Administrative
Format
VI. Sample
Outputs Research
Output
Appendices

INTRODUCTION
I. Introduction
Creative thought can be divided into
II. Research
divergent and convergent reasoning.
Framework
IIIA.Data ∙ Divergent thinking is the intellectual
Gathering ability to think of many original,
IIIB.Data Analysis diverse, and elaborate ideas.
and
Presentation
∙ Convergent thinking is the
IIIC.Programming
intellectual ability to logically
IV. Translation
evaluate, critique and choose the
V. Administrative
Format best idea from a selection of ideas.
VI. Sample
Outputs
Appendices

INTRODUCTION- Design and Creativity

I. Introduction Design, in the context of Architecture, can be
II. Research defined as the activity of generating proposals
that change something that already exist into
Framework something better.
IIIA.Data Process
Gathering
IIIB.Data Analysis Real Imagined
and State State
Presentation
IIIC.Programming
IV. Translation
Design is a process that involves the generative
V. Administrative
production of figural schemas that lead to built
Format
forms [Groat and Wang 2000]
VI. Sample
Outputs
Appendices

INTRODUCTION- Process and Outputs

I. Introduction
II. Research

Framework
IIIA.Data
Gathering
IIIB.Data Analysis
and
Presentation
IIIC.Programming
IV. Translation
V. Administrative
Format
VI. Sample
Outputs
Appendices

INTRODUCTION- Thesis Levels

I. Introduction SOCIAL
ECONOMIC

II. Research POLITICAL

INSTITUTIONAL

Framework
TECHNICAL
IIIA.Data NATIONAL & GLOBAL LEVEL CULTURAL

Gathering
IIIB.Data Analysis
and
Presentation
IIIC.Programming MOBILITY

IV. Translation SHELTER

Gaps/Deficiencies in LINKAGES
explanations/
V. Administrative “Areas of Darkness/
Format Contradictions/
Incongruities/
VI. Sample ORIENTATION Controversies
IDENTITY
Outputs
SAFETY
Appendices

INTRODUCTION-
Problem Identification
I. Introduction
The housing backlog as of December 2002
stands at 4,000,000. The figure does not even
II. Research include houses that badly need repairs.
Framework
IIIA.Data
Gathering
The housing backlog is partly due to the
inadequacies of conventional building
IIIB.Data Analysis materials and systems to cope up with house
and
production targets.
Presentation
IIIC.Programming
IV. Translation House Production rate can substantially
V. Administrative increase if housing components can be
Format standardized.
VI. Sample
Outputs
Appendices

INTRODUCTION- Problem Identification

I. Introduction
II. Research

Framework
IIIA.Data
Gathering
IIIB.Data Analysis
and
Presentation
IIIC.Programming
IV. Translation
V. Administrative
Format
VI. Sample
Outputs
Appendices

INTRODUCTION- Problem Identification

I. Introduction
II. Research

Framework
• Creative Design
IIIA.Data
Gathering
IIIB.Data Analysis • Principles/ Systems
and
Presentation
IIIC.Programming • Guidelines
IV. Translation
V. Administrative
Format
VI. Sample
Outputs
Appendices

RESEARCH FRAMEWORK- Categories of Research Output

I. Introduction Creative Design
II. Research • The output can be an original design for a known building
type. New knowledge can come in the form of new ways of
addressing user needs. The building can also illustrative of
Framework
the use of new technology.
IIIA.Data
Gathering • The output can also be a new building type that emerged out
of new social organizations that correspond to new forms of
IIIB.Data Analysis interaction.
and
Presentation • The originality of the design can also be attributed to new
principles, philosophies or ways of thinking.
IIIC.Programming
IV. Translation • Documents that need to be presented shall basically consist
of plans, technical specifications and cost estimates.
V. Administrative
Format • The presentation drawings must illustrate how the
propositions would translate to three-dimensional/ volumetric
VI. Sample or spatial solutions.
Outputs
Appendices

RESEARCH FRAMEWORK- Categories of Research Output

I. Introduction
Creative Design-
Sample Projects
II. Research
• National Center for Tuberculosis Research and Control
• Romblon Town Center Revitalization
Framework
• The Corregidor Marine Eco-centrum
IIIA.Data • Rehabilitation of Payatas Dumpsite
Gathering • Philippine Center for Autism
IIIB.Data Analysis • Re-emergence of Bacolor, Pampanga
and • The Development of a Model Residential Community for
Presentation Middle Income Families
• The Adaptive Re-use of the GSIS and Veteran's Memorial
IIIC.Programming
Building
IV. Translation • National Forensic Science Research and Training Center
V. Administrative • Sky Deck: A Prototype of a Future Elevated Community
Format • Central Luzon Sanitaria
• Redevelopment of Barangay Tangos Coastal Community
VI. Sample • Multi-level Waste Management
Outputs • UP Mindanao Cultural Center
Appendices

RESEARCH FRAMEWORK- Categories of Research Output

1. The National Center for Tuberculosis Research and Control
Problem : The National Tuberculosis Program of the DOH, despite its efforts in
the past, has been inadequate
Solution : A National Center with the following components:
• National Reference Laboratory - Research / Tests
• Referral Center - Treatment of rural-based patients
• Reserve Center - Method for acquisition and
distribution of anti-TB medicine
I. Introduction Principles/
II. Research Systems
Framework • The output can be a new theory involving the behavior of
elements in the physical or social environment that could
IIIA.Data
potentially redefine architecture- its practice and its
Gathering products.
IIIB.Data Analysis
and • Propositions could be in the form of models representing
sets of relationships among variables that translate to new
Presentation
architectural products.
IIIC.Programming
• Architectural translations comprise of new building systems,
IV. Translation new construction materials, or new concepts for lighting,
V. Administrative ventilation, acoustics or fire safety features.
Format
• The utility of the theories may be illustrated through design
VI. Sample applications.
Outputs
Appendices

RESEARCH FRAMEWORK- Categories of Research Output

I. Introduction Principles/Systems-
Sample Projects
II. Research • Thermal Efficiency of Office Buildings through the Building
Envelope
Framework
IIIA.Data • Passive Cooling for Common Areas in High-Rise Buildings
• Site Adaptive Building System (Structural Flexibility for
Gathering
Unconventional Terrain)
IIIB.Data Analysis
and • Light and Shade: An Analysis and Architectural Application
Presentation of Solar Positioning Data Towards Lighting Economy

IIIC.Programming • Manila Hemp Board: Research and Development of Abaca as

a Building Material
IV. Translation
V. Administrative • Optimum Building Form and Envelope Design for Wind
Format Induced Natural Ventilation

VI. Sample • A Comparative Study of the Properties and Application of

Outputs Spatial Structures and Traditional Reinforced Concrete
Construction
Appendices

RESEARCH FRAMEWORK- Categories of Research Output

3. Passive Cooling for High-Rise Buildings
A Case Study on Applications for Common Areas
Problem : Passive Cooling is an untapped alternative for energy conservation in
high-rise buildings.
Solution : Building retrofitting aimed at reducing energy consumption w/o
significantly reducing human comfort in high-rise buildings. Care analysis
utilized simulation programs such as the CHAM Phoenics Shareware 1999
level 2- a computational fluid dynamics simulation program;
DOE 2 eQuest 2.02 -a building energy simulation program used to
conduct virtual energy audits of building systems and management.
I. Introduction
II. Research Guidelines
Framework
• The output is a set of prescriptions on how to approach a
IIIA.Data problem or how to get something done.
Gathering
• The guidelines seek to systematize the acts geared at
IIIB.Data Analysis implementing or producing something.
and
Presentation • The guidelines also aim to standardize the process or the
products of the process.
IIIC.Programming
IV. Translation • The new knowledge can be in the form of new modes of
institutional networking or new sets of parameters.
V. Administrative
Format • The effectiveness and utility of the guidelines can also be
demonstrated through design applications.
VI. Sample
Outputs
Appendices

RESEARCH FRAMEWORK- Categories of Research Output

I. Introduction
II. Research
Guidelines-
Framework
Sample Projects
IIIA.Data
Gathering • Framework for Post-Occupancy Evaluation of
Medium-Rise Housing
IIIB.Data Analysis
and • Introducing Guidelines to Designing Museums in
Presentation the Philippines
IIIC.Programming • Architectural Guidelines for Pharmaceutical
IV. Translation Manufacturing Facilities

V. Administrative • Co-Design and Urban Renewal of an Area for

Format Priority Development
VI. Sample
Outputs
Appendices

RESEARCH FRAMEWORK- Categories of Research Output

2. A Framework for the Post-Occupancy Evaluation of NHA Medium Rise
Housing
Problem : The design solutions for medium-rise housing projects currently being
used by the NHA do not meet the needs of its intended beneficiaries.
Solution : - A methodology and framework for a post-occupancy evaluations.
- A process for the conduct of medium-rise housing POE
I. Introduction
II. Research

Framework
IIIA.Data
Gathering
IIIB.Data Analysis
and
Presentation
IIIC.Programming
IV. Translation
V. Administrative
Format
VI. Sample
Outputs
Appendices

RESEARCH FRAMEWORK- Categories of Research Output

I. Introduction
The Research Proposal
II. Research
Framework
• The Research Problem and its Setting
IIIA.Data Gathering ­ Rationale
IIIB.Data Analysis and ­ Statement of the Problem
Presentation ­ The Setting of the Problem
IIIC.Programming
• Hypothesis
IV. Translation
• Methodology
V. Administrative ­ Systems of Inquiry
Format ­ Research Design
VI. Sample Outputs ­ Research Tactics
Appendices
• Review of Literature

RESEARCH FRAMEWORK
I. Introduction
II. Research • Initiation: Problem identification
Framework
IIIA.Data Gathering • Preparation: Collection and analysis of
IIIB.Data Analysis and information
Presentation
IIIC.Programming • Proposal-making: synthesis, bringing
together a variety of considerations
IV. Translation
V. Administrative • Evaluation: Based on goals
Format
VI. Sample Outputs • Iteration: Cycles, Feedback
Appendices

RESEARCH FRAMEWORK
I. Introduction
Systems of Inquiry:
II. Research ∙A philosophical stance
∙Based on assumptions/paradigms on the nature of reality
Framework
IIIA.Data Gathering
Research Design or Strategy
∙Skillful management and planning
IIIB.Data Analysis and ∙Overall research plan or structure of study
Presentation ∙An action plan for getting from here to there

IIIC.Programming
Tactics
∙Any skillful move
IV. Translation ∙Specific techniques used

V. Administrative
Format
VI. Sample Outputs
Appendices

DATA MANAGEMENT
I. Introduction
II. Research

Framework Extent by which present conditions

Future Scenarios
may be changed/ Researcher or
IIIA.Data Gathering
designer’s room for maneouvre
IIIB.Data Analysis
and
Presentation
IIIC.Programming
IV. Translation
V. Administrative
Format
Present conditions defined by baseline information
VI. Sample Outputs
Appendices

DATA MANAGEMENT
I. Introduction
II. Research
Framework
• The process of managing information so that
IIIA.Data Gathering the right kind of information is available at the right
IIIB.Data Analysis stage of the design process and the best
and Presentation possible decisions can be made in shaping the
outcome of the building designs.
IIIC.Programming
IV. Translation
V. Administrative
Format • The process that creates the structure for fulfilling
the dreams, hopes, wishes and desires of
VI. Sample Outputs
the building’s future inhabitants.
Appendices

PROGRAMMING
I.Introduction
II.Research
Framework PRESENT REQUIRED
STATE STATE
IIIA.Data Gathering
IIIB.Data Analysis
and
Presentation
The The
THE environment
IIIC.Programming environment DESIGN with the project
IV. Translation without the PROCESS
project
V. Administrative
Format
VI. Sample
Outputs
Appendices

PROGRAMMING- The Program Document

I.Introduction
II.Research

Framework
IIIA.Data Gathering
IIIB.Data Analysis
and
Presentation
IIIC.Programming
IV. Translation
V. Administrative
Format
VI. Sample
Outputs
Appendices

PROGRAMMING- The Program Document

I.Introduction
II.Research
Framework
IIIA.Data Gathering
IIIB.Data Analysis
and
Presentation
IIIC.Programming
IV. Translation
V. Administrative
Format
VI. Sample
Outputs
Appendices

PROGRAMMING- The Program Document

I.Introduction Social and Academic Interaction
Goal : The facility should promote spontaneous social interaction
II.Research among students of all years and departments, faculty and
administrators to allow frequent exchange of information
Framework
IIIA.Data Gathering
IIIB.Data Analysis
and
Presentation
IIIC.Programming
IV. Translation
V. Administrative
TRANSLATION GUIDELINES:
Format
-There will be two entrances to the building and these shall be spaced twenty meters
VI. Sample apart.

Outputs -The corridors shall not be less than 1.5 meters in width.

Appendices -All studio doors shall open to common spaces such as lobbies and corridors.

-Doors shall not be less than 2.1 meters in width.

DESIGN PROCESS

TRANSLATION
 I.Introduction
DEAN OF THE COLLEGE
II.Research
Framework THE COLLEGE EXECUTIVE BOARD

IIIA.Data Gathering COLLEGE SECRETARY

ACADEMIC, RESEARCH
IIIB.Data Analysis AND EXTENSION
PROGRAM DIRECTORS
and
Presentation
IIIC.Programming THE STUDIO
IV. Translation LABORATORIES
V. Administrative RESEARCH AND
DESIGN
Format ADVISER/COMMITTEE

VI. Sample
Outputs
Appendices

ARCH/LARCH 300
STUDENTS

ADMINISTRATIVE SET-UP
 F
L
O
W
C
H
A
R
T

ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM
STUDENTS

Master of Architecture students who

have finished at least thirty-three (33) units
including all specialized courses may be
allowed to enroll in Thesis Course while
completing the last cognate course. Thesis
in the graduate level shall be an individual
research/ design project.

ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM
ACADEMIC, RESEARCH AND
EXTENSION PROGRAM DIRECTORS
These program directors are responsible for
formulating the college’s academic, research and
extension thrusts, along which, the students’
research projects may be aligned. The directors shall
develop a system by which students can network
with other members of the studio laboratory, avail of
research grants and link up with other institutions.

ADMINISTRATIVE SET-UP
The Master of Architecture (M Arch)
Program Director shall advise a student
to enroll in Arch 300 after he/she has
completed all prescribed academic
requirements under the M Arch program.
Depending on the research topic, the
Director shall assign to each Arch 300
student an Adviser from the roster of
faculty of the College of Architecture. The
Adviser shall be chosen on the basis of
his/her expertise.

ADMINISTRATIVE SET-UP
STUDIO LABORATORIES AND
PROJECT ADVISERS
A studio laboratory is comprised of college faculty
and staff, who are bound together by a common field
of interest or specialization. Each of the many studio
laboratories should be undertaking research and
extension projects along its line of expertise.

The project adviser of the student is a member of the

studio laboratory under which the chosen research
topic falls.

ADMINISTRATIVE SET-UP
The Thesis Adviser shall:

∙guide the student during the

preparation of the thesis proposal
∙approve the thesis proposal
∙submit to the Director a copy of the
approved thesis proposal
∙monitor the progress of the research
∙submit end-of-semester reports to the
Director on the status of the
research
∙form a thesis committee
∙endorse to the Director the thesis for
oral defense

ADMINISTRATIVE SET-UP
RESEARCH COMMITTEES

A Committee, consisting of the Adviser and two (2)

Readers/Critics, shall be organized upon completion
of the thesis. The Readers/ Critics shall be chosen
by the Adviser from the roster of faculty of the
College of Architecture. Professorial Lecturers,
Professors Emeriti and experts from outside the
College/ University may also serve as Readers/
Critics.

The Readers/ Critics shall:

• evaluate the thesis draft for defense
• endorse the thesis for oral defense to the
Adviser

ADMINISTRATIVE SET-UP
ORAL DEFENSE PANEL

the Director shall organize an Oral

Defense Panel after receiving the
endorsement for oral defense from the
Adviser. The Panel shall consist of three
(3) to five (5) full-time faculty members,
who are Master’s Degree holders.
A maximum of two (2) out of five (5) or
one (1) out of three (3) members of the
Panel may come from an academic
institution or qualified agency outside the
College or University.

ADMINISTRATIVE SET-UP
ORAL DEFENSE PANEL
the members of the Oral Defense Panel shall:

∙read the thesis book before the scheduled

defense
∙sit in during the thesis presentation to
evaluate the thesis work
∙ask questions and give comments after the
presentation
∙rate the thesis work on the bases of the
book and the oral presentation/ defense
∙submit a report including recommended
revisions after the oral presentation/ defense
to the Adviser

ADMINISTRATIVE SET-UP
S PRINCIPLES

U
B
M
I
S
S
I
O
N
S
ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM
CASE STUDIES
CASE STUDIES
CASE STUDIES
Marie Stephanie N. Gilles (2013). Determining Amenity Values
of Green Open Spaces In Shopping Malls: Case Study Of Ayala
Greenbelt Park,1-14.
RIBA – Royal Institute of British Architects
(2004).Architectural Research: Three Myths And One Model,1-6.

Chris Rust of Sheffield Hallam University, Judith

Mottram of Nottingham Trent University, Jeremy Till
of University of Sheffield with support from:Kirsty
Smart, Peter Walters, Mark Elshaw (November 2007).
AHRC Research Review Practice-Led Research in Art,
Design and Architecture, 65, 1190-1204.
Kevin McCartney of Cork Centre for Architectural Education
(August 2009). Design Research: Research for/on/by Design
[PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from
http://www.ucc.ie/en/architecture/research/nairtldesignresea
rchworkshopexercises/ResearchforDesigners032009.PPT.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
BONUS
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR THOSE WRITING THE THESIS
 STAY FOCUSED.
AVOID DISTRACTIONS.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR THOSE WRITING THE THESIS

 MAINTAIN YOUR
PASSION & ENTHUSIASM
ON WRITING YOUR
THESIS.
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR THOSE WRITING THE THESIS
 KNOW YOUR PRIORITIES.
LEARN TO GIVE UP OTHER
THINGS TO ALLOT SOLID
CHUNKS OF TIME FOR WRITING.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR THOSE WRITING THE THESIS

 GIVE YOURSELF A
DEADLINE.
FOLLOW YOUR TIMETABLE AND
DAILY SCHEDULE. PRACTICE
ORDER.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR THOSE WRITING THE THESIS

 CONSULT MENTOR/
THESIS ADVISER ON
A REGULAR BASIS.
UPDATE THEM WITH
DEVELOPMENTS.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR THOSE WRITING THE THESIS

 AIM TO GRADUATE!
FOCUS ON FINISHING YOUR
THESIS AT THE SOONEST
POSSIBLE TIME. OTHER RESEARCH
TOPICS CAN BE PURSUED AFTER
YOU OBTAIN YOUR BACHELOR’S/
MASTER’S DEGREE.
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR THOSE WRITING THE THESIS
 ROLE OF RESEARCH IN
ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE:
THESIS-WRITING

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING.