Architectural Research Methods

A practical guide to research for architects and designers—now updated and expanded! From searching for the best glass to prevent glare to determining how clients might react to the color choice for restaurant walls, research is a crucial tool that architects must master in order to effectively address the technical, aesthetic, and behavioral issues that arise in their work. This book's unique coverage of research methods is specifically targeted to help professional designers and researchers better conduct and understand research. Part I explores basic research issues and concepts, and includes chapters on relating theory to method and design to research. Part II gives a comprehensive treatment of specific strategies for investigating built forms. In all, the book covers seven types of research, including historical, qualitative, correlational, experimental, simulation, logical argumentation, and case studies and mixed methods. Features new to this edition include: Strategies for investigation, practical examples, and resources for additional information A look at current trends and innovations in research Coverage of design studio–based research that shows how strategies described in the book can be employed in real life A discussion of digital media and online research New and updated examples of research studies A new chapter on the relationship between design and research Architectural Research Methods is an essential reference for architecture students and researchers as well as architects, interior designers, landscape architects, and building product manufacturers.

Acknowledgments vii PART I The Domain of Architectural Research 1 Chapter 1 The Scope of This Book 3 Linda Groat Chapter 2 Does Design Equal Research? 21 Linda Groat and David Wang Chapter 3 Systems of Inquiry and Standards of Research Quality 63 Linda Groat Chapter 4 What’s Your Purpose? From Theory Building to Design Application 101 David Wang and Linda Groat Chapter 5 What’s Your Question? Literature Review and Research Design 141 David Wang and Linda Groat PART II Seven Research Strategies 171 Chapter 6 Historical Research 173 David Wang Chapter 7 Qualitative Research 215 Linda Groat Chapter 8 Correlational Research 263 Linda Groat Chapter 9 Experimental and Quasi–Experimental Research 313 Linda Groat Chapter 10 Simulation Research 349 David Wang Chapter 11 Logical Argumentation 379 David Wang Chapter 12 Case Studies and Combined Strategies 415 Linda Groat Author Index 453 Subject Index 461

LINDA GROAT is Professor of Architecture at the University of Michigan's Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. DAVID WANG is Professor of Architecture at Washington State University.