Class Research Methods in Architecture I

The Curricular Unit has three teaching modules: The Art of Research in Architecture; Research Methodologies and Information Technology; and Outline of Thesis Project. The program covers several methods of research in architecture and urbanism: the scientific method and its implications in disciplinary, theoretical and philosophical issues, as well as the relationship of building-project with the theory and history of architecture and, also the social sciences with the area of urbanism. Furthermore bibliographic research, field work and laboratory studies in architecture and urbanism are also addressed. This course seeks to develop, in an introductory way, a systematic approach to the topics listed above, which unfolds the following items: Documentary sources Methodology and tools; Processes and Products in Urban Planning; Rules and Models in Architecture; Treatment, Systematization, Archive and Information Retrieval.

Not applicable

The different teaching modules of this Curricular Unit seek to approach, in an interrelated way, the following themes relevant to the acquisition of research methodologies in the areas of Architecture and Urbanism: a) Typology, Location, Techniques for Accessing and Searching Documentary Sources oriented to Architecture and Urbanism. b) Epistemological framework: nature and scope of the object of study (from the building to the territory), its identification, delimitation and inquiry. c) Research process: identification of the problem; research strategies; current themes and emerging themes; comparative readings and interpretations; applied research and case study; thematic approaches and monographic studies; critical and interpretive process; scientific areas involved; disciplinary boundaries and relationships/contamination; the different looks; applied research and case study; research processes and practices.

The lectures are presented in expository mode and make use of teaching aids available in the ECATI Department of Architecture to suit the dynamic and structured sequential presentation of images. The practical classes are presented in the form of discussion groups on topics covered in lectures or on follow-up exercises. The discussion groups are intended to relate, in a thoughtful way, the subject content, the systematization of the proposed work and/or originality and relevance of the topics discussed in terms of the methodologies used. The assessment focuses on the preparation of a monograph in order to provide a structured thinking about the (s) subject (s) developed (s) and supposed to develop the following aspects: a) laboratory or field work (20%) b) problem solving (20%), c) synthesis capacity (20%), d) research capacity (40%).

Aris, C. M. (2005). La Cimbra Y el Arco. Barcelona: Fundacio¿n Caja de Arquitectos Foqué, R. (2010). Building Knowledge in Architecture. Antwerp: University Press Antwerp Frampton, K. (1995). Studies in tectonic culture, Cambridge: MIT Press Fullaondo, J. D.. (1990). Composición de Lugar, la Arquitectura entre el arte y la ciencia, Madrid: Hermann Blume Jenks, C. e Kropf, K. (1997). Theories and manifestoes of contemporary architecture, London: Academy editions, West Sussex Moneo, R. (2004). Inquietud teórica y estrategia proyectual, en la obra de ocho arquitectos contemporaneous. Barcelona: Actar Pallasmaa, J. & Mackeith, P. B. (2012). Encounters 1 And 2: Architectural Essays. Helsínquia: Rakennustieto Publishing Rodrigues, A. J. (1996). Teoria da arquitectura : o projecto como processo integral na arquitectura de Álvaro Siza. Porto: Edições FAUP Rodrigues, J. M. (Ed.) (2010). Teoria e Criítica de Arquitectura do Século XX. Lisboa: Ordem dos Arquitectos - Secção Regional Sul