Research Methodologies

Recommended Prerequisites

Knowledge of Portuguese language and at least one foreign language, preferably English.

Teaching Methods

The lectures are presented in expository mode and make use of teaching aids available in the FCTUC 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, the subject content, the systematization of the proposed work and/or originality and relevance of the topics discussed in terms of the methodologies used.

Learning Outcomes

This course aims to present a set of research topics used in the field of architecture and urbanism, with the aim of adapting the means available to achieve the objectives in terms of research dealing with the following topics:

1. Scientific research and the specificity of architecture and urbanism;

2. Formulation of objectives and assessment of problems;

3. Identification of the methodology and types of research: rules and models;

5. Directions for preparing the research plan;

6. Theoretical background and field work;

7. Treatment of primary and secondary sources: recording, archiving, organization and retrieval of information;

8. Analysis of results;

9. Formulation of conclusions;

10. Drafting and presentation of a research report.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

The program covers various methods of research in architecture and urbanism:

• The scientific method and its implications in disciplinary theoretical and philosophical issues;

• The relationship of design and building detail with the theory and history of architecture and also the social sciences with the area of urbanism;

• Furthermore bibliographic research, field work and laboratory scale studies in architecture and urbanism;

• Research through design focused on methodologies and tools;

This course seeks to develop, in an introductory way, a systematic approach to the topics listed above, which unfold the following teaching modules:

• Documentary sources;

• Methodology and tools;

• Academic writing and translation in Architecture;

• Processes and products in Urban Planning;

• Rules and models in Architecture;

• Treatment, systematization, archive and information retrieval.

Head Lecturer(s)

João Paulo Mendes Seiça da Providência Santarém

Assessment Methods

Continuous Assessment
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%): 100.0%

Bibliography

BORDEN, I. & RÜEDI, K. (2000). The Dissertation. An architecture Student’s Handbook. London: Architectural Press.

CALADO, M. (1991). Os estudos históricos no âmbito da Reabilitação Urbana. Sociedade e Território,  vol. 14/15,  8-15.

HILLIER, B. & HANSON, J. (1989). The Social Logic of Space.  Cambridge: University of Cambridge Press.

KRÜGER, M. J. T. (2001). A Arte de Investigação em Arquitectura. ECDJ, 5, 22- 39.

MATTOSO, J. (1988).  A Escrita da História teoria e métodos. Lisboa: Editorial Estampa.

PROVIDÊNCIA, P. & MONIZ, G. C. (coord.) (2013). Ensinar pelo Projecto, Joelho, 4.

SANTOS, B. S. (1987). Um Discurso sobre as Ciências. Porto: Afrontamento.

SOLÀ-MORALES, I. de. (2003).  Prácticas teóricas, prácticas históricas, prácticas arquitectónicas. In Inscripciones  (257-266).  Barcelona: GG.

TEYSSOT, G. (2010). Da Teoria da Arquitectura: Doze Ensaios.  Lisboa: Edições 70.

SCHÖN, D. (1983). The Reflective Practitioner. New York: Basic Books.