Theories & Methods of Architecture, Landscape and Urbanism Research

3 units

This seminar focuses on the fundamentals of transdisciplinary empirical research in architecture, landscape and urbanism design and urbanism. Through studying research examples, it examines the entire research process from conducting literature review and precedent studies, generating research question and hypothesis, creating study design, collecting and analyzing data with valid and reliable research tools, to communicating findings. A survey of quantitative and qualitative research methods used in disciplines such as social sciences, public policy, public health that are relevant to environmental issues is provided to address the application of research methods on a wide range of problems in architecture, landscape and urbanism. The seminar enables students to effectively engage in empirical research (including research assistantship) as well as the practice of evidence-based design. This course is required for the Doctor of Sustainable Urbanism students and is open to all MArch, MLA and MUD students. Permission from the instructor required for undergraduates. Master of Urban Design students receive priority. Students will be registered for the course from the waitlist by the Registrar's Office.