Development of Methodologies for Research in Architectural Practice
Kaftan’s Ph.D. Dissertation (Second Part)
Author: Dr. Eran Kaftan, Advisor: Prof. Evyatar Erell
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Department of Man in the Desert, October 2012
Abstract
Proposed Model of Design Process, Expert Knowledge, & Practical-Research: relationships among architectural design, expert knowledge, and practical-research (in plan view).
The research (second part of Ph.D.) included meta-analysis (of the first part), syntheses (with several aspects of daylighting practice), and the development of a workflow for daylighting design and research in architectural practice.
The meta-analysis included additional investigations (beyond the conventional methodology presented in the first part of this research), in particular analysis for revealing tacit information and a study of the suitability of the academic research process for research in architectural practice. It was found that the key research steps are similar. However, although the steps occur in the same order, there is a considerable difference between the two realms (academic and practice), especially regarding the objectives and scope of most steps.
Proposed Model of Design Process, Expert Knowledge, & Practical-Research: integrated expert knowledge and practical-research within a design process (for a single expertise, such as daylighting; in section view).
The syntheses were designed to bridge the knowledge gap between the focused knowledge acquired through the first part of the research and the comprehensive knowledge required for the development of the second part. They consisted of first expanding the literature review to various fields, which the research sub-problems interface. This information was then merged with the focused knowledge acquired through the fundamental daylight research and its meta-analysis, to develop methodological recommendations.
These methods were organized in a single, comprehensive daylighting workflow. The workflow proposes a better integration of research in the design process, by utilizing a comprehensive approach to organize the relevant tasks required for effective design of daylighting. This is done according to the required expertise (architectural design, daylighting consultation, and practical-research) and according to the major design phases (and sub-steps).
The proposed workflow further proposes, in detail, a process for carrying out research on daylighting in architectural practice, using scientific tools (mainly daylight simulations). Such research is a modified version of academic or applied research methodologies, designed to accommodate the nature of the architectural practice as well. However, since its scope and objectives are substantially different from those of an academic or applied research, the term Practical-Research was proposed for such an investigation. The design process may accommodate several practical-research studies, each of a short duration.
Proposed Daylighting Workflow: an outline of design and practical-research methods for architectural practice.
The proposed Practical-Research is a systematic inquiry designed to generate missing information to the design team. It usually includes a very short autonomous process carried out during certain stages of the design process.
The workflow may be used to develop an expert system program, helping designers and experts through the processes of daylighting design and research in architectural practice. In addition, the proposed workflow may be applied, with appropriate modifications, to other design fields (such as solar shading, thermal properties, acoustics, and natural ventilation); further supporting the field of performance-oriented architecture.
Relevant Publications
Kaftan, Eran. 2012. Daylighting for Visual Comfort and Energy Conservation in Offices and the Development of Methodologies for Research in Architectural Practice. A Ph.D. Dissertation. Ben-GurionUniversity of the Negev, Israel.
Project of the Year 2013, in Research Category: the Emilio Ambasz Award for Green Architecture. “Practical Research: Integrating Research into Architectural Practice”. Published in Architecture of Israel (Architectural Quarterly). No. 96, p 92. 2014.
