Research Methods for the Architectural Profession

The research methods book that has been missing from architectural practice has finally been written! Here is the first architectural research methods book written with the practitioner and studio student in mind. Illustrated extensively with both highly informative diagrams and illuminating case studies, Research Methods for the Architectural Profession clearly and compellingly presents research as it may interact with the design process as found in practice. This book is a must have for those in architecture and interior design who seek guidance on how to engage in meaningful and informative research in the real world and produce better designs as a result. – Keith Diaz Moore, Dean, College of Architecture and Planning, University of Utah A comprehensive guide to understanding the why, what, when, how and who needed to conduct and apply research in architectural practice. This book contains important motivations, definitions, categorizations and examples that demystify the process, and make research more broadly relevant and applicable to the profession. It should be useful to students, researchers, and professors, as well as all levels and disciplines of architecture, engineering, construction, and operations, as the industry pivots to a more objective, data-driven approach to the built environment. John Haymaker, PhD, AIA, Director of Research, Perkins and Will Research Methods for the Architectural Profession succinctly presents qualitative, quantitative, and experimental methods relevant and useful in the architectural profession, academia, and research organizations. The book refreshingly distinguishes itself by avoiding jargon and providing clear examples of various approaches in the primary subject areas in architecture: architectural history and theory, social and behavioral students, environmental, technology, building systems, economics, and design process. Readily adoptable for research methods and professional context courses and those in collaborative research practices! -Alison G. Kwok, PhD, LEED AP, CPHC, Professor, University of Oregon Aksamija’s is a unique and energetic voice bridging the architectural profession and the academy. The challenges facing humanity demand innovation on a massive scale; nowhere is this truer than with buildings and urban habitat. There has been little convergence within the profession on the role of research in architectural education and practice. Aksamija provides a broad context for consideration, but most importantly, she accurately ties the future of the architectural profession to an integration of research and practice, and conveniently lays out a roadmap for research-based architectural practice. -Mic Patterson, PhD, LEED AP BDC; Ambassador of Innovation & Collaboration, Façade Tectonics Institute In today’s world we confront unprecedented problems in environments hallmarked by escalating complexity. Architects and designers are increasingly challenged to render potent decisions in a daunting milieu, with expectations to do so with skill, evidence and efficacy. Responding to growing demands for architects to be better equipped to operate in these emerging conditions, Ajla Aksamija’s book, Research Methods for the Architectural Profession, proves timely, informative and inspiring. Written with clarity and readily accessible to a broad readership, Professor Aksamija presents us with a valuable and comprehensive array of chapters that meaningfully inform architects on research strategy, methods, integration and application."" -Dr. Brian R. Sinclair, PhD DrHC FRAIC AIA (Intl), Professor of Architecture + Environmental Design | Former Dean, University of Calgary + President of sinclairstudio inc.