Case study
A case study is a method of research which typically takes the form of an intensive and detailed examination of a particular subject and its contextual conditions. In the built environment, case studies can focus on individual buildings and their construction methods, sustainability techniques, health and safety policies, legal cases and so on.
The construction industry is widely criticised for not carrying forward knowledge from onw project to the next. By systematically investigating and analysing in-depth data and information relating to a single building, individual, process, group, and so on, a case study allows particular aspects to be considered in detail and lessons learned disseminated for the benefit of similar projects or programmes.
However, even where case studies are prepared, research has shown that it is often not in a format that is useful to readers, it often focusses on success stories rather than problems and it can be difficult to apply knowledge acquired to new situations. For that reason, case studies are generally not widely read. For more information see: Knowledge gap.
Well-known case study researchers such as Robert E. Stake, Helen Simons, and Robert K. Yin have written about case study research and suggested techniques for successfully organising and conducting research. To create a case study, they propose six steps that should be used:
- Determine and define the research questions.
- Select the cases and determine data gathering and analysis techniques.
- Prepare to collect the data.
- Collect data in the field.
- Evaluate and analyse the data.
- Prepare the report.
NB Digital Twin Toolkit, Developing the business case for your digital twin, published by cdbb in February 2021, defines a case study as: ‘…a backward-looking description of the implementation of a solution. It outlines the initial expectations and potential triggers to launch the project, the journey (steps taken, blockers encountered, enablers), the solution itself (data, technology involved …), the learnings, and final outcomes (costs and benefits). A case study may be referred to as a use case scenario and may reference use cases.’
Designing Buildings Wiki has a wide range of case studies, see here.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Awe-inspiring medieval great barns.
Registered building inspectors
Building types and conflicts of interest updates explaineed.
Engineering services still struggle with labour shortages
According to latest quarterly services survey of the sector.
Infrastructure that connect the physical and digital domains.
Harnessing robotics and AI in challenging environments
The key to nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering.
BSRIA announces Lisa Ashworth as new CEO
Tasked with furthering BSRIA’s impressive growth ambitions.
Public buildings get half a million energy efficiency boost
£557 million to switch to cleaner heating and save on energy.
CIOB launches pre-election manifesto
Outlining potential future policies for the next government.
Grenfell Tower Inquiry announcement
Phase 2 hearings come to a close and the final report due in September.
Progress from Parts L, F and O: A whitepaper, one year on.
A replicated study to understand the opinion of practitioners.
ECA announces new president 2024
Electrical engineer and business leader Stuart Smith.
A distinct type of countryside that should be celebrated.
Should Part O be extended to existing buildings?
EAC brands heatwave adaptation a missed opportunity.
Definition of Statutory in workplace and facilities management
Established by IWFM, BESA, CIBSE and BSRIA.
Tackling the transition from traditional heating systems
59% lack the necessary information and confidence to switch.
The general election and the construction industry
As PM, Rishi Sunak announces July 4 date for an election.