Design research
Literature suggests that while the term ‘research’ is not widely used by most architects (though that this view may now have become outdated) as the later publication in this series How architects use research shows – many of them undertake activities that can be seen as research,even if they might not consider it is themselves.
In their document "Architects and research-based knowledge: A literature review, February 2014. The RIBA identified two broad categories of research that architects might engage with:
- Design Research: research that is undertaken by architects and their collaborators in the course of a project; and
- Research Projects: research that is done by architects and others, in practice and academia, outside the scope of architectural projects.
It further suggested that Design Research, research during the course of a project, can be broken down into two further categories:
- Research activity carried out specifically to inform or evaluate a building/project, for example during the client briefing process or POE; and
- A broader category of research that encompasses all the work done to gather, evaluate, interpret and share information in the course of the design and construction process.
For further information visit https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/resources-landing-page/how-architects-use-research
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Advanced construction technology.
- Case study.
- Category:Research / Innovation.
- CIAT agrees to collaboration arrangement with CIB.
- C-K theory.
- Construction industry publishing.
- Construction innovation.
- Construction reports.
- Data.
- Development appraisal.
- Innovation in construction projects.
- Modern methods of construction.
- Qualitative research and the built environment.
- Quantitative v qualitative.
- Research and development tax relief.
- Research in the construction industry.
- Review.
Featured articles and news
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.
IHBC 2025 Gus Astley Student Award winners
Work on the role of hewing in UK historic conservation a win for Jack Parker of Oxford Brookes University.
Future Homes Building Standards and plug-in solar
Parts F and L amendments, the availability of solar panels and industry responses.
How later living housing can help solve the housing crisis
Unlocking homes, unlocking lives.
Preparing safety case reports for HRBs under the BSA
A new practical guide to preparing structural inputs for safety cases and safety case reports published by IStructE.
Male construction workers and prostate cancer
CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK encourage awareness of prostate cancer risks, and what to do about it.