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Topic 1.

Introduction to Architectural Research


Overview
This topic introduces research in the context of architecture. It also tackles the importance of
architectural research in academic and professional practice endeavors.
Objective
At the end of the lesson the students should:
1. Know the definition of research in the context of architecture.
2. Understand the importance of architectural research.
Discussion
1. Domains of Architectural Research
A. It is the development of particular structural forms or building materials over the
centuries which is the outcome of trial-and-error experimentation, systematic
observation, and application of such building principles to other building projects.
B. It is the conduct of studies outside the confines of specific building projects which
includes climate, product development, and building systems design (1950), and
sociobehavioral issues, design methods and energy conservation (1960s to early
1970s), and the significance of particular theoretical influences, rapid advances in
building technologies, and innovation in design process among many others.

2. Defining Research
A. It is a systematic inquiry directed towards the creation of knowledge.
 The notion of systematic inquiry suggests that there is a conscious
demarcation of how particular information is culled from the rest of
human experiences, how it is categorized, analyzed and presented.
 The notion of knowledge creation is frequently cited as characteristic of
research endeavor. Knowledge can emerge through relatively small
increments attained through a variety of means, including the assessment
of the outcome of integrating two previously distance functional building
types, materials testing through a series of built projects, or evaluating the
success of particular building forms in communicating intended meaning
in the public realm.
 Significant changes across a variety of professions in response to global
economic trends make research on the structure and scope of
architectural practice key to the future of the profession.

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3. Reasons Why People Do Research
A. To get a research degree, along with its benefits like better employment,
promotion, increment in salary, etc.
B. To get a research position in countries like USA, Canada, Germany, England, Japan,
Australia, etc. and settle there.
C. To solve the unsolved and challenging problems
D. To get joy of doing some creative work
E. To acquire respectability
F. To get recognition
G. Curiosity to find out the unknown facts of an event
H. Curiosity to find new things
I. To serve the society by solving social problems.

4. Importance of Research
A. A research problem refers to a difficulty where a researcher or scientific
community or an industry or a government organization or a society experiences.
It may be a theoretical or a practical situation. It calls for a thorough
understanding and possible solution.
B. Research on existing theories and concepts to help in identifying the range and
applications.
C. It is the fountain of knowledge and provide guidelines for solving problems.
D. Research provides basis for many government policies.
E. It is important in industry and business for higher gain and productivity and to
improve the quality of products.
F. Mathematical and logical research on business and industry optimizes the
problems in them.
G. It leads to the identification and characterization of new materials, new living
things, new stars, etc.
H. Only through research inventions can be made new and novel phenomena and
processes.
I. Social research helps find answer social problems.
J. Research leads to a new style and makes it delightful and glorious.

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5. Objectives of Research
The prime objectives of research are:
A. To discover new facts
B. To verify and test important facts
C. To analyze an event or process or phenomenon to identify the cause and effect
relationship
D. To develop new scientific tools, concepts, and theories to solve and understand
scientific and nonscientific problems
E. To find solutions to scientific and social problems
F. To overcome or solve the problems occurring in our everyday life.

Reference:
Groat, L.N. & Wang, D. (2013). Architectural research methods. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.,
Hoboken, New Jersey
Rajasekar, S., Philominathan, P., Chinnathambi, V. (2013). Research methodology. Retrieved
from https://arxiv.org/pdf/physics/0601009.pdf

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