Common Types of Research Methodology in Architecture

Architecture is an industry that requires knowledge and experience. However, when it comes to research methodology, what common types do we see?

In this article, we will discuss the common types of research methodology in architecture, which are the systematic and rigorous processes of conducting and evaluating architectural research. We will explain what each type of research methodology is, how it is applied, and what are its advantages and limitations.

Qualitative Research Methodology

Qualitative research methodology is a type of research methodology that focuses on exploring and understanding the meanings, experiences, and perspectives of the participants or the phenomena under study. It uses methods such as interviews, observations, document analysis, and case studies to collect and analyse rich and detailed data. It allows for the development of new theories and insights into the topic.

Qualitative research methodology is often applied in architecture to study the social, cultural, and psychological aspects of the built environment, such as users’ needs, preferences, behaviours, and satisfaction. It can also be used to study the design process, the creative thinking, and the decision-making of architects. It can provide a deep and holistic understanding of the complex and dynamic relationships between people, spaces, and contexts.

Qualitative research methodology has some advantages and limitations. Some of the advantages are:

• • It can capture the richness and diversity of the human experience and the architectural phenomena.

• • It can generate new and innovative ideas and concepts that can inform and inspire architectural practice and education.

• • It can be flexible and adaptable to the changing and emerging situations and issues in the field.

Some of the limitations are:

• • It can be subjective and biased, depending on the researcher’s interpretation and perspective.

• • It can be difficult to generalise and transfer the findings to other settings and populations.

• • It can be time-consuming and resource-intensive to collect and analyse a large amount of data.

Quantitative Research Methodology

Quantitative research methodology focuses on measuring and testing the relationships, differences, and effects of the variables or phenomena under study. It uses methods such as surveys, experiments, and simulations to collect and analyse numerical and statistical data. It provides an objective and scientific view of the topic.

Quantitative research methodology is often applied in architecture to study the physical, environmental, and technical aspects of the built environment, such as the performance, efficiency, quality, and safety of the buildings and spaces. It can also be used to study the impact and outcome of architectural interventions and innovations on the users and society. It can provide reliable and valid evidence and evaluation of the architectural phenomena.

Quantitative research methodology has some advantages and limitations. Some of the advantages are:

• • It can measure and quantify the variables and the phenomena of interest with precision and accuracy.

• • It can test and verify the hypotheses and theories that can explain and predict architectural phenomena.

• • It can be generalisable and transferable to other settings and populations if the sample is representative and the design is rigorous.

Some of the limitations are:

• • It can be reductionist and simplistic, ignoring the richness and diversity of the human experience and the architectural phenomena.

• • It can be influenced by confounding and extraneous factors that can affect the validity and reliability of the findings.

• • It can be costly and challenging to design and implement the experiments and the simulations in the field.