Unit III
Unit III
STRATEGIES
OF
ARCHITECTURAL
RESEARCH
Architectural Research Methods
Lecture by
Vivek Agnihotri | Assistant Professor | Department of Architecture | National Institute of Technology Raipur
Apart from Qualitative Research, the study field of Architecture and Social Science have other
3. Correlational Research
4. Experimental Research
5. Quasi-Experimental Research
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HISTORICAL RESEARCH
HISTORICAL RESEARCH
Outcome
Determinative evidence
Contextual evidence
Inferential Evidence
Recollective evidence
On‐site familiarity.
Use of documents.
Visual comparisons.
Material evidence.
Comparison with conditions elsewhere.
Local informants and lore.
Reenactment/testimonial.
Identification of remaining questions.
Architectural Research Methods
Vivek Agnihotri | Assistant Professor | 4
Department of Architecture | National Institute of Technology Raipur
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HISTORICAL RESEARCH
Examples
CASE STUDIES
STRATEGIES INVOLVED
Single or Multiple cases;
SUGGESTED OUTCOME
Documentation of a system (in terms of Spatial quality, flexibility, workability etc.) — quantitative
and / or qualitative analyses.
Strategies of Architectural Research
EXAMPLES
• Performance of Modular Prefabricated Architecture: Case Study-Based Review and Future
Pathways
• Space and place concepts analysis based on semiology approach in residential architecture:
The case study of traditional city of Bushehr, Iran
• Development of traditional architecture in Nigeria: a case study of Hausa house form
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02 Secondary Study History of Architectural / Structural/ Cultural styles; Documentation of History / historical development;
Evolution trends of a target population; Documentation of evolution process;
Philosophical. Philosophy of the works of an Architect, artist;
Religious /ethnic /canonic philosophy as reflected in
Strategies of Architectural Research
03 Combined Study Historical and present study of a system (discursive and/or Documentation and understanding evolution process
analytical). (Physical and/or philosophical).
Methodology development Study towards formation of policy (developmental)
guidelines.
Formation of a methodology of “study”.
CORRELATIONAL RESEARCH
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CORRELATIONAL RESEARCH
Tactics of Correlational Research
Surveys
Observations
Mapping
Sorting
Archives
Other Multivariate Analyses using Statistics.
Strategies of Architectural Research
CORRELATIONAL RESEARCH
Examples
• Comparison of two modes of stress measurement: Daily hassles and uplifts versus major life events
• Pessimistic explanatory style is a risk factor for physical illness: A thirty-five year longitudinal study.
Strategies of Architectural Research
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Strategies
Random Assignment in Experimental Research
Nonrandom Assignment in Quasi‐Experimental Research
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Examples:
Environmental Performance of Automated Blinds in Office Buildings: Using a Behavioral Survey Prior to
Lab Experiment.
Occupant Comfort from Air Movement: Using a Lab Setting, Physical Treatments, Instrumentation,
and Subjective Measures.
Experimental Monitoring of Thermal Comfort and Simulation of Energy Usage: Using a Purpose‐Built
Testing Prototype, Physical Treatments, Instrumented Measures, and Numerical Simulations.
Strategies of Architectural Research
SIMULATION RESEARCH
Simulation research comes out of a broader human fascination with the replication of real‐world
objects and settings.
Simulation’s very goal is to create “copies” of reality.
How accurate are the copies?
What do copies of real things leave out about those real things?
For simulation researchers, these are basic questions.
Strategies of Architectural Research
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SIMULATION RESEARCH
Sentient Buildings.
Strategies
Representation versus Simulation
What Is a Model?
Prediction versus Projection/Pattern
Simulation Research in Relation to Experimental and Correlational Research
Simulation Research in Relation to Qualitative and/or Historical Research
Simulation without Computers (Operational simulation with actors)
SIMULATION RESEARCH
Examples:
• Making of Simulation-based decision support tool for early stages of zero-energy building design.
• Sensitivity analysis of building energy performance: A simulation-based approach using OFAT and
Strategies of Architectural Research
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STRATEGIES INVOLVED
Primary logical systems and Secondary Research;
Mathematical Representations and/or Computer modeling;
Analogy;
Categorization and elaboration ;
Cross-Categorization and elaboration;
Argument from Metaphilosophical Traditions;
Strategies of Architectural Research
SUGGESTED OUTCOME
Space syntax analyses;
Shape Grammar;
Analysis of existing systems;
Mathematical arguments for Discursive / Cultural Systems;
“Iso-vist” Analyses.
EXAMPLES
• Categories as a Tactic in Logical Argumentation: The Four Stages of the Experience Economy
Strategies of Architectural Research
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COMBINED STRATEGIES
STRATEGIES INVOLVED
Combined Strategy: A Two-phase Design;
Combined Strategy: A Dominant-Less dominant Design;
Combined Strategy: A Mixed Methodology Design.
SUGGESTED OUTCOME
Formation of a methodology of study / Research.
Strategies of Architectural Research
EXAMPLES
• Challenges for identifying functionally important genetic variation: the promise
of combining complementary research strategies
• Instructional components that predict treatment outcomes for students with learning disabilities: Support
for a combined strategy and direct instruction model
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