Architecture or any other field’s innovations are credited to the research as that is the only factor that addresses knowledge gaps and alters the way that design professionals operate by providing solutions to previously unanswered questions. There can be no doubt that research is crucial to ensuring the maximum efficiency of our existing approaches and the development of new ones. One of the most fascinating and difficult learning disciplines is architecture. Few people can connect to the excitement of just creating and developing rooms. A home is not at all a simple task to complete. There are several considerations, from functionality to safety. However, architectural research is a completely distinct aspect of the same coin. The process, product, and performance of architecture, are specifically three steps of research.
Research is essential as it runs the whole cycle from concept to execution and again as a base to start a new design. In the abstract, Site analysis comes first for the overview of the location and feasibility of the type of project. The next step starts with the research which can be categorized in many ways. Here are the starts we can say from the How, Why, What, and When, these are kinds of information gathering. Then it comes to the functions and typology so research for that, the material exploration, climatic conditions, relevant innovations, construction methods, and so on. In another way, architectural research is a kind of inquiry carried out intending to produce information, insights, and understanding based on capabilities, techniques, and instruments appropriate to the field of architecture. Its information base, approach, breadth, methods, and strategies are unique.
It is imperative to look at references before creating anything to understand their benefits and drawbacks, not to copy them. We need to research to understand the impact of certain elements on our design and also to construct wonders. Analyzing and analyzing other architects’ projects is where architectural students begin their journey. In the same way, professionals design buildings by referencing previous work or by studying a particular case in depth. To obtain certification on a building, for example, an environmentally friendly or LEED-certified building, the members also had to research the building. This is how every individual is directly or indirectly involved in architectural research. In this regard, we have to keep in mind that architecture is a very technical field. It is therefore recommended that the hours for a subject called ‘Research program’ be long enough to cover all aspects of it, regardless of whether a student wants to conduct further research to advance his professional career or to enhance his career prospects. There is a clear difference between the outcome of the projects with and without research.
Research plays a vital role in everything. Whether it is about the design or the permission for the building use or the rating, even to buy any developed property. Research exists everywhere from different sources and various perspectives. The meaning of research in true essence indeed is different from professionals but if we go to all resources, everyone has a little part before concluding anything. The person synthesizes the component alternatives into a useful resolution by using the tools provided by research to examine the issue components and their linkages. The design offers ideas for resolving upcoming issues, and the research gives information to make it acceptable and useful. The technique of psychological inquiry has always been connected to architectural education. A person must gain knowledge before they may share it. The more critically someone examines a topic, the more important it brings to design as a profession. In the field of architecture, there are no right or incorrect decisions; instead, each person’s perspective serves as the standard by which their conscience is assessed. A mind that asks questions and conducts research is essential for rationalizing the viewpoint.
Architectural practice requires research. Statements regarding the need and utility of research may be found across many architecture websites and brochures. Architects must be clear about their goals for their studies. The majority of architectural companies are eager to “move upstream” and develop unique expertise that will help them attract customers and increase their fees. However, there are a few things that tiny businesses and architectural teams may do to improve their research capacities. Some of these research-related tactics might be useful for even bigger architecture companies. The research entails gaining information or competence in a certain field. But the firm as a whole needs to absorb this information. Because of this, it’s logical for an architectural firm to direct its research activities in a manner that is consistent with its strategic plan. For instance, the firm’s research activities should be in line with this if it wants to create a competitive edge in the areas of health, facade design, sustainable design, or any component of urban design.
References
Image sources
01_Research_architectures-afterlife
http://architectures-afterlife.com/files/images/novosti/philosophy/213.jpg
02_Arch Research_ipleaders
https://blog.ipleaders.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Arch2O-architectural-sketching-10-architecture-sketching-tips-1.jpg
03_Arch Research_gold.ac.uk
https://www.gold.ac.uk/media/documents-by-section/departments/research-centres-and-units/research-centres/centre-for-research-architecture/DSC_0038edited.jpg
