Research Methods in Architecture Course Introduction Dr. Yasser Mahgoub
Information Instructor Name: Dr. Yasser Mahgoub Academic title: Associate Professor Office: 44034356 Phone: 33837805 E-mail: ymahgoub@qu.edu.qa Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday 9:15 -11 am Schedule Day/Time/Location: 8:00 am - 9:15 am – Monday and Wednesday - FENG 0156
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Course Description Understanding of basic principles of research techniques. Emphasis is placed on methodological and presentational aspects of architectural and built environment research. Fundamental aspects of communicating research are introduced, including writing and presenting research findings and concluding statements. Knowledge of differentiating between research, reports, articles and essays; an investigation of various methods for descriptive, analytical, explanatory, and critical research. Research projects focus on applying research techniques and tools in visual, social and technical terms.
PLO Program Learning Outcomes 1- Design 2- People and Equity 6- Research 7- Collaboration
NAAB Student Performance Criteria A.2. Design Thinking Skills A.5. Investigative Skills (Show evidence) A.7. Use of Precedents A.9. Historical Traditions and Global Culture A.10. Cultural Diversity A.11. Applied Research (Show evidence) B.1. Pre-Design B.3. Sustainability C.1. Collaboration (Show evidence) C.2. Human Behavior (Show evidence) C.5. Practice Management 5
PLO PLO Name 1 Design
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Program Learning Outcome Statement Ability to conceptualize and coordinate designs, addressing social, cultural, environmental and technological aspects of architecture.
NAAB Students Performance Criteria A. 2. Design Thinking Skills A. 6. Fundamental Design Skills A. 7. Use of Precedents A. 8. Ordering Systems Skills B. 3. Sustainability B. 4. Site Design People & Equity Ability to recognize the dialectic relationship between people and the A. 10. Cultural Diversity built environment in the GCC/Arab region. Ability to recognize diversity B. 1. Pre-Design of needs, values, behavioral norms, social patterns as they relate to the B. 2. Accessibility creation of the built environment. Ability to recognize diversity of needs, C. 2. Human Behavior values, behavioral norms, social patterns as they relate to the creation of C. 8. Ethics and Professional Judgment the built environment. C.9. Community and Social Responsibility Technology Ability to utilize cutting edge building technology in design. A.4. Technical Documentation B. 5. Life Safety B. 6. Comprehensive Design B. 7 Financial Considerations B. 8 Environmental Systems B. 9. Structural Systems B. 10. Building Envelope Systems B. 11. Building Service Systems B. 12. Building Materials and Assemblies Communication & Ability to apply visual and verbal communication skills at various stages A.1. Communication Skills CAD of architectural design and project delivery processes. Ability to apply A. 3. Visual Communication Skills and integrate computer technology in design processes and products. Critical Thinking Ability to critically analyze building designs and conduct post occupancy A. 9. Historical Traditions and Global Culture evaluation studies. Research Ability to employ architectural research methods including data A.5. Investigative Skills collection and analysis to assess and propose improvements in existing A.11. Applied Research built environments. Collaboration Ability to work collaboratively with teams of architects and various C. 1. Collaboration interdisciplinary design teams involved in the building industry. C. 3 Client Role in Architecture C. 4. Project Management C. 5. Practice Management C. 6. Leadership C. 7. Legal Responsibilities
Course Goals & Objectives 1. Understand the nature of research in architecture. 2. Differentiate between types of writing (journalistic essay – consultancy report – academic and technical research). 3. Recognize different research methods in architecture and urban design. 4. Conduct systematic/procedural research. 5. Communicate research findings.
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Text Books Required: Textbook(s):
Groat, Linda and David Wang (2001) Architectural Research Methods. Wiley.
Recommended:
Zeisel, John (1984) Inquiry by Design. CUP Archive.
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Topical Outline • What is research? Ontology of research, science, and knowledge • The of role of research in architecture / evidence based design • Types of writing • Research design, methods, and processes • Research types: Technically oriented , Conceptually focused, and Philosophically driven • Interpretive, Qualitative, Logical, Argumentative research • Correlational , Experimental and Empirical research • Simulation, Modeling and Case Study based research 9
Course Requirements Class Attendance Participation in class activities Mid and final Exams Assignments and Projects
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Course Methodology 1. lectures (as many as possible done as PowerPoint presentations with graphics representing each of the topics covered. Lectures posted to Blackboard website) 2. student presentations –individual and team-based 3. focused discussion/seminars or case method 4. role-playing 5. video clips 6. guest lectures by faculty and others on their research methods and research (Dr. Essam El Sarrag) 7. field trips to research resources (GORD) 8. Blackboard assignments exchange and evaluation between students and professor 9. Attendance of department seminars and write report on presentations Research Methods in Architecture - Dr. Yasser Mahgoub
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Methods of Assessment Assignments and Activities 20% Projects 40% Midterm Exam 20% Final Exam 20%
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Course Ground Rules - Language: The language of the course is English. Students should communicate using English language. They should adhere to correct use of the language and avoid spelling and grammatical mistakes. - Plagiarism: Plagiarism is a violation of university regulations. - Use of mobile phones: the use of mobile phones during the class sessions is strictly prohibited.
COURSE CONTENT AND TIME LINE Week 1 (10-2)
Monday Lecture: Course Introduction
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Lecture: Types of writing
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Lecture: The of role of research in architecture Evidence based design Lecture: Research design, methods, and processes
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5 (10-3) 6 (17-3)
7 (24-3) 8 (31-3) 9 (7-4)
10 (14-4)
11 (21-4) 12 (28-4) 13 (5-5) 14 (12-5) 15 (19-5)
Trip to KL Lecture: Research design, methods, and processes Lecture: Research design, methods, and processes Vacation Lecture: Research types: Technically oriented , Conceptually focused, and Philosophically driven Lecture: Interpretive, Qualitative, Logical, Argumentative research Lecture: Correlation , Experimental and Empirical research Activity: Research Proposal Writing Workshop Lecture: Simulation, Modeling Lecture: Case Study based research Assignment: Present research projects
Wednesday Activities Assignments Lecture: What is research? Ontology of Research, Science, and Assignment 1: Literature review/Theoretical framework of a Knowledge research topic - Select one the research areas - Review literature/theoretical framework (theories + people) - Write a 1000 words report Activity: Write on one topic using different formats: - One sentence “SMS” (20 to 40 words) - One paragraph “blog post” (100-200 words) Activity: Submit Assignment 1 - An essay (500-1000 words) Lecture: Research design, methods, and processes Assignment 2: - Select a research topic - Develop research proposal - Develop data collection tools: observations, questionnaire, games, etc. - Collect and Analyze data - Present findings - Write 4000-5000 words research report - Present research projects Trip to KL Activity: Space Evaluation – Measurements & Observations of behavior Activity: Space Evaluation – Environmental qualities
Mid Term Exam
Activity: Systematic observations
Activity: Questionnaire writing Activity: Research Proposal Writing Workshop Activity: Interviews Activity: Gaming simulation Assignment: Present research projects
Activity: Team UREP grant proposal - Write a UREP research grant proposal using QNRF template
Support for Students with Special Needs • It is Qatar University policy to provide educational opportunities that ensure fair, appropriate and reasonable accommodation to students who have disabilities that may affect their ability to participate in course activities or meet course requirements. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact their Instructor to ensure that their individual needs are met. The University through its Special Needs Section will exert all efforts to accommodate for individuals’ needs. • Contact Information for Special Needs Section: • Tel-Female: (00974) 4403 3843 • Tel-Male: (00974) 4403 3854 • Location: Student Activities Building • Email: specialneeds@qu.edu.qa
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Academic Support and Learning Resources • The University Student Learning Support Center (SLSC) provides academic support services to male and female students at QU. The SLSC is a supportive environment where students can seek assistance with academic coursework, writing assignments, transitioning to college academic life, and other academic issues. SLSC programs include: Peer Tutoring, the Writing Lab, Writing Workshops, and Academic Success Workshops. Students may also seek confidential academic counseling from the professional staff at the Center. • Contact Information for Students Support and Learning Resources: • Tel: (00974) 4403 3876 • Fax: (00974) 4403 3871 • Location: Female Student Activities Building • E-mail: learningcenter@qu.edu.qa 16
Student Complaints Policy •
Students at Qatar University have the right to pursue complaints related to faculty, staff, and other students. The nature of the complaints may be either academic or non-academic. For more information about the policy and processes related to this policy, you may refer to the students’ handbook.
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Declaration • This syllabus and contents are subject to changes in the event of extenuating circumstances. The instructor (with approval of the Head of Department) reserves the right to make changes as necessary. If changes are necessitated during the term of the course, the students will be notified by email communication and posting the notification on the online teaching tool Blackboard. It is student’s responsibility to check on announcements made while they were absent.
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Introduction
Traditional Model of Learning Knowledge
WHAT
Fixed Unavailable
Traditional Image of Professor
Research Methods in Architecture - Dr. Yasser Mahgoub
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Contemporary Model of Learning Knowledge Changing Available
How
A model for learning activity design adapted from Beetham, 2004
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