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Architectural Design is

Introduction to research
In Architecture Process………………..Product………

….Performance

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Importance of Research in Architecture Importance of Research in Architecture

• Architecture or any other field’s innovations are credited to the research as that is the • In another way, architectural research is a kind of inquiry carried out intending to
only factor that addresses knowledge gaps and alters the way that design professionals produce information, insights, and understanding based on capabilities, techniques,
operate by providing solutions to previously unanswered questions. and instruments appropriate to the field of architecture. Its information base,
approach, breadth, methods, and strategies are unique.
• Research is crucial to ensuring the maximum efficiency of our existing approaches
and the development of new ones. • It is imperative to look at references before creating anything to understand their
benefits and drawbacks, not to copy them.
• The process, product, and performance of architecture, are specifically three steps of
research. • Research is needed to understand the impact of certain elements on our design and
also to construct wonders.
• Research is essential as it runs the whole cycle from concept to execution and again as
a base to start a new design. In the abstract, Site analysis comes first for the overview of • Analyzing and analyzing other architects’ projects is where architectural students
the location and feasibility of the type of project. The next step starts with the research begin their journey. In the same way, professionals design buildings by referencing
which can be categorized in many ways. Here are the starts we can say from the How, previous work or by studying a particular case in depth.
Why, What, and When, these are kinds of information gathering. Then it comes to the
functions and typology so research for that, the material exploration, climatic conditions, • Research plays a vital role in everything. Whether it is about the design or the
relevant innovations, construction methods, and so on. permission for the building use or the rating, even to buy any developed property.
Research exists everywhere from different sources and various perspectives.

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Importance of Research in Architecture Research as a way of acquiring knowledge

• The meaning of research in true essence indeed is different from professionals but
if we go to all resources, everyone has a little part before concluding anything.
The person synthesizes the component alternatives into a useful resolution by using
the tools provided by research to examine the issue components and their linkages.

• The design offers ideas for resolving upcoming issues, and the research gives
information to make it acceptable and useful.

• A person must gain knowledge before they may share it. The more critically someone
examines a topic, the more important it brings to design as a profession.

• In the field of architecture, there are no right or incorrect decisions; instead, each
person’s perspective serves as the standard by which their conscience is assessed.
A mind that asks questions and conducts research is essential for rationalizing the
viewpoint.

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Why do Research in Under graduation Studies Benefits of doing undergraduate research

Participating in undergraduate research prepares you for your post-graduation plans by
expanding your academic experience and giving you the opportunity to explore an academic • Helps you choose or eliminate research as career option.
discipline more fully.
• Helps you secure good foreign intern, placements etc.
• Graduate and Professional School: Undergraduate researchers are more likely to move • You can improve your resume.
into graduate programs.
• You can make good rapport with Professor, which is beneficial in number of
• Academic Achievement: Undergraduate researchers demonstrate higher achievement and
are more likely to stay in school. aspects such as Interns, placements, recommendations etc.
• You can publish research papers and present papers in conferences in India or
• Career Goals: Undergraduate research can help you clarify your choice of degree
program, career interests, and post-graduation plans. abroad.

• Transferable Skills: Undergraduate research strengthens written and oral communication, • It helps increase your knowledge in that field.
critical thinking, technical skills, and information literacy. • Improves your prospects for Post graduation.
• Community: Undergraduate research provides opportunities to build a learning
community with faculty and fellow students.

• Confidence: Undergraduate research builds confidence in your abilities within the

discipline, and improves your overall perception of the discipline.

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Features of Research Architectural Research

Architectural research is an original investigation undertaken in order to generate
• Empirical - based on observations and experimentation
knowledge, insights and understanding based on competencies, methods and tools
• Systematic - follows orderly and sequential procedure.
proper to the discipline of architecture. It has its own particular knowledge base,
• Controlled - all variables except those that are tested/experimented upon are
mode, scope, tactics and strategies. [EAAE Charter on Architectural Research (update
kept constant. 2022)]
• Employs hypothesis - guides the investigation process
Research in architecture encompasses knowledge production through design
• Analytical - There is critical analysis of all data used so that there is no error in projects, artefacts and design processes, as well as research about and for design.
their interpretation
In Architectural research, design is the fundamental way of thinking and process of
• Objective, Unbiased, & Logical - all findings are logically based on empirical. knowledge production. It generates critical inquiry and advanced synthesis through design
work.
• Employs quantitative or statistical methods - data are transformed into
numerical measures and are treated statistically. The process of designing, which constitutes the essence of architecture, is from its very
nature creative in the original sense of “bringing forward” tangible and intangible matters. In
this process, factual and methodological knowledge, both experienced/tested and
experimental/intuitive, are applied to specific questions and aspects, problems concerning
human activities and the physical and virtual realm where they take place, aiming at
reaching innovative solutions mostly in the form of physical and virtual entities.

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Design
VS
Research

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Design: A design is a plan or specification for the construction of an object or

system or for the implementation of an activity or process, or the result of that
plan or specification in the form of a prototype, product or process.
The design expresses the process of developing a design. In some cases, the
direct construction of an object without an explicit prior plan (such as in
craftwork, some engineering, coding, and graphic design) may also be
considered to be a design activity. A design usually has to satisfy certain goals
and constraints, may take into account aesthetic, functional, economic, or
socio-political considerations, and is expected to interact with a certain
environment.

Research: Research is creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the

stock of knowledge, including knowledge of humans, culture and society, and
the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications. It is used to
establish or confirm facts, reaffirm the results of previous work, solve new or The Design Process: Analysis, Synthesis, and Evaluation
existing problems, support theorems, or develop new theories.
• Research is the process by which we understand problems.

• Design is the process for which we solve problems.

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Matrix of the primary differences between design and research Importance of Research in Architecture

Comparable and shared qualities of design and research.

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Possible scales at which architectural research can be conducted

there are three scales at which architectural research can affect and be relevant:

Individual/human scale: architecture revolves around human factors so

understanding who we are designing for needs thorough research. Grasping Human
behavior, by analyzing how architecture impact lives and how the user response to
design can improve human performance. Occupants’ safety in the premises, the
need to protect the physical and mental health status.

Building scale: building consumes large sums of resources and energies,

researching on building performance and how it impacts surrounding environment.
Conducting a fair study on technology trends used in the design and also the impact
of materials on the occupants.

Community-scale: Architecture shapes the society we live in. The role of

architects and their interventions can help address societal issues. Research on the
culture and background of the places can help in building a better environment.
Study at these levels enhances the performance of the built structure as well as the
user.

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In practice, the study is technical, functional, or anthropological.

Technical research: helps the designer to gain knowledge and awareness on building
materials, construction technology, etc, that would be feasible in context most
appropriately.

Functional research: it involves coming up with the best possible design solution to the
problems in consideration by studying, analyzing numerous projects. Researching on
applicable various layouts, facade systems, or design elements.

Anthropological research: this aspect covers the human dimensions, reading up on human
anthropology, their cultural/social needs respecting their comfort levels as well.

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Key areas/Domains of Research in

Architecture

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