METHODOLOGIES FOR
ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH
HOW DO ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PROJECTS FIT IN THE
REALM OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH?
DR. WAIRIMU MAINA
HOW DO YOU CATEGORISE
KNOWLEDGE • Ontology is the study of what exists, the
nature of reality or being Here's how ontology applies to architecture:
What exists in architecture: Architects study the fundamental categories of things that make up the built environment,
both the tangible (buildings, cities) and the conceptual (design intentions, spatial experiences).
The nature of architectural works: An architectural work can be viewed in different ways, such as a concrete physical
object or a more abstract concept, and ontology helps to define these different ontological possibilities.
Reality and experience: Questions arise about whether reality in architecture is objective or subjective, and how different
people's experiences shape their understanding of a built environment.
Architecture and place: Ontology explores the fundamental connection between memory and place, highlighting that no
architecture exists without a place and that architectural works are deeply engaged with memory.
Broader understanding: By considering ontological questions, architectural students gain a deeper understanding of the
underlying assumptions and fundamental aspects of the built world, leading to more informed design
HOW DO YOU CATEGORISE KNOWLEDGE
• Epistemology is the study of how we know what exists, the basis of reality or
knowledge
Key Concepts in Epistemology Applied to Architecture
• Nature of Knowledge: Epistemology questions what constitutes "knowledge" in architecture. Is it based on
aesthetic principles, functional requirements, cultural significance, or empirical data about building
performance?
• Sources of Knowledge: How do architects acquire their knowledge? Sources can include:
◦ Perception: How we directly observe and experience buildings.
◦ Testimony: Knowledge gained from others, such as historical precedents, expert advice, or user feedback.
◦ Inference: Drawing conclusions based on existing information and principles to design new structures or
understand existing ones.
• Limits of Knowledge: Architects must also understand the inherent limitations of their knowledge, such as how
cultural context, individual biases, or the impossibility of fully knowing a building's long-term impact can
influence design.
HOW DO YOU CATEGORISE KNOWLEDGE
Practical Applications for Architecture Students
• Designing with Purpose: Understanding epistemology helps architects critically evaluate the assumptions and
principles that guide their designs, moving beyond mere aesthetics to a deeper, justified understanding of space and its
function.
• Understanding User Experience: Epistemological inquiry allows architects to consider how users "know" and
experience a space, leading to more responsive and user-centered design.
• Bridging Theory and Practice: It provides a framework for architects to question and refine their methodologies,
ensuring their work is grounded in well-reasoned justifications rather than just tradition or intuition.
• Critical Thinking: By engaging with epistemological questions, architecture students develop critical thinking skills to
analyze existing designs, justify their own creative choices, and understand the complex relationship between people,
space, and knowledge.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH THIS
TRUTH? Deductive and Inductive research
• Deductive is from specifics (theory or framework) to general patterns
HOW DO YOU APPROACH THIS
TRUTH? Deductive and Inductive research
• Inductive is from general patterns to specifics (theory or framework)
DIAGRAM OF RESEARCH PROCESS
RESEARCH PROCESS
What is the difference between Approach, Methodology, Method, Procedures and Techniques
• Research approach: this is a higher level concept that guides the choice of
methodology
RESEARCH PROCESS
What is the difference between Approach, Methodology, Method, Procedures and Techniques
• Methodology: this is the study or analysis of how methods are used, chosen,
and evaluated in a research project. It is how to gather and evaluate
knowledge using a theoretical framework or approach.
RESEARCH PROCESS
What is the difference between Approach, Methodology, Method, Procedures and Techniques
• Research Method: this is a specific process or way of either collecting or
analysing data e.g. survey
RESEARCH PROCESS
What is the difference between Approach, Methodology, Method, Procedures and Techniques
• Research procedures: These are methods used in your field and the theories
or principles behind them, in order to develop an approach that matches your
objectives
RESEARCH PROCESS
What is the difference between Approach, Methodology, Method, Procedures and Techniques
• Research techniques: this is the particular strategy used to accomplish the
research method e.g. questionnaire
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES
• CASE STUDY This is an in-depth examination of a specie case, individual or
event to understand the phenomenon.
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES
• GROUNDED THEORY This involves generating hypothesis and theories
through the collection and interpretation of data
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES
• ETHNOGRAPHY The researcher immerses themselves within the group they
are studying with the aim of understanding the shared beliefs and practices
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES
• PHENOMENOLOGY This seeks to understand individuals lived experiences
concerning a specific phenomenon
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES
• NARRATIVE RESEARCH This explores personal stories and experiences to
understand their meaning and interpretations
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES
• DISCOURSE ANALYSIS It examines the structure and patterns of language in
context to understanding social constructs
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES
• ACTION RESEARCH It involves researches working collaboratively with
stakeholders to address a problem, or develop interventions
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES
• EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN This is testing a hypothesis in an experimental
setting by manipulating variables and observing the effect
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES
• NON-EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN This involves observing and measuring
associations between variables without manipulating them.
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES
• QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN This uses pre-existing groups to manipulate
variables for analysis
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES
• CORRELATIONAL RESEARCH This examines the relationship between two or
more variables good for making an initial hypotheses based on a positive or
negative trend
MIXED METHODS RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES
• SEQUENTIAL EXPLANATORY DESIGN (QUAN-QUAL) determine significant
patterns and trends using quantitative analysis then interpret these using
qualitative analysis
MIXED METHODS RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES
• SEQUENTIAL EXPLORATORY DESIGN (QUAL-QUAN) You start with
qualitative where observations can be collected, then use inferential statistics
to analyse the results of the exploratory study done previously.
