Module 1 : Descriptive Case Study in Architectural Design

Case Study

An empirical research method designed to investigate a phenomenon or setting within its real-life context.

Studying Context

Captures the intricate dynamics of phenomena within their natural settings.

Exploring Causal Links

Reveals overlapping and multi-faceted factors that contribute to specific outcomes.

Contributing to Theory

Generalizes to theoretical frameworks and can test or develop theories.

Explanatory Case Studies

Focus on identifying and explaining causal relationships.

Exploratory Case Studies

Aim to investigate little-understood phenomena to generate hypotheses.

Descriptive Case Studies

Provide detailed and structured accounts of phenomena within their real-life context.

Descriptive Case Study

Designed to document and portray a phenomenon in detail, providing a holistic understanding without delving into causal explanations.

Detailed Accounts

Provide rich descriptions of the subject's characteristics, layout, and dynamics.

Contextual Understanding

The case is studied in relation to its environment, emphasizing the interplay between the phenomenon and its setting.

Multiple Data Sources

Observations, interviews, visual documentation, and architectural plans are combined to offer a robust portrayal.

Mixed Data Use

Both qualitative (e.g., user interviews) and quantitative (e.g., traffic flow data) methods are used.

Flexibility

Researchers can adjust their focus as new aspects of the case emerge during the study.

Define the Case and Context

Clearly identify the subject and describe its physical, social, and historical settings.

Data Collection

Use observations, photographs, interviews, and documents to gather comprehensive data.

Data Analysis

Focus on spatial analysis, user interactions, and functional assessments to create a detailed narrative.

Presentation of Findings

Organize findings into thematic sections with visuals to support the descriptive narrative.

Rich Detail

Captures nuances and intricacies of the case.

Limited Generalizability

Findings may not apply to other contexts.

Contextual Depth

Provides insights into real-life interactions and dynamics.

Scope Creep

Broad focus may result in an unmanageable study.

Adaptability

Allows flexibility to explore emergent aspects of the case.

Subjectivity

Researcher bias may influence the interpretation.

Example of Descriptive Case Study

A multi-story parking building in an urban setting.

Focus of the Example

Document the parking building's design, traffic flow, and user experience.

Context of the Example

Study its location, integration with nearby buildings, and compliance with local regulations.

Data Collection in Example

Observations: Note entry/exit points, parking configurations, and peak usage times.

Visual Documentation in Example

Capture photographs of the facade, interiors, and wayfinding elements.

Visual Documentation

Capture photographs of the facade, interiors, and wayfinding elements.

Plan Analysis

Compare original blueprints with current conditions.

Rich Description

Detailed documentation of architectural style, materials, and circulation patterns.

User Experience

Insights from interviews about ease of navigation and functionality.

Descriptive Case Study

Provides detailed accounts of phenomena.

Other Methods

May focus on causality (explanatory) or theory generation (exploratory).

Data Collection

Utilizes diverse sources (e.g., observations, plans).

Outcome of Descriptive Case Study

Produces a narrative and comprehensive portrayal.

Step 1: Define the Case and Context

Identify the Case and Describe the Context.

Identify the Case

Specify the building type (e.g., multi-story, underground) and note its location, age, and user demographics.

Describe the Context

Surrounding environment: Proximity to transit hubs, residential zones, or commercial areas.

Step 2: Data Collection

Observations, Visual Documentation, Plan Analysis, Document Review, and Interviews.

Observations

Examine layout, traffic flow, and user interactions.

Visual Documentation in Data Collection

Take photographs or videos of facades, signage, and interiors.

Plan Analysis in Data Collection

Review architectural plans for circulation, ramps, and pedestrian pathways.

Document Review

Collect drawings, permits, design specifications, and maintenance records to understand constraints.

Interviews

Engage with users, managers, or stakeholders about experiences and challenges.

Step 3: Data Analysis

Detailed Description, Spatial Analysis, Flow Analysis, and Synthesis.

Detailed Description

Summarize physical attributes, materials, and architectural style.

Spatial Analysis

Analyze the interaction of spaces, including entrances, parking areas, and pathways.

Flow Analysis

Describe vehicular and pedestrian navigation. Identify efficient and congested zones.

Synthesis

Integrate data into a comprehensive portrait of the parking building's design and functionality.

Step 4: Presentation of Findings

Narrative, Visuals, Organization, and Objectivity.

Narrative in Presentation of Findings

Develop a structured, engaging account of the parking building, emphasizing key findings.

Visuals in Presentation of Findings

Include annotated photos, maps, and architectural plans to support the narrative.

Organization in Presentation of Findings

Divide findings into themes (e.g., circulation, user experience).

Objectivity in Presentation of Findings

Maintain factual, unbiased reporting.

Strengths of Descriptive Case Studies

Rich Detail and Contextual Depth.

Weaknesses of Descriptive Case Studies

Limited Generalizability and Subjectivity.

Key Takeaway

A descriptive case study focuses on providing a detailed and holistic account of a phenomenon, such as a parking building.

Archival Documents

Records such as project plans, design drawings, permits, and reports used as primary sources of information for the study.

Case Study

A research approach focusing on an in-depth investigation of a specific phenomenon or setting within its real-life context.

Contextual Analysis

The examination of a phenomenon in relation to its physical, social, cultural, or historical environment.

Circulation Patterns

The movement of people or vehicles through a space, including pathways, ramps, and access points.

Data Collection

The process of gathering information through various sources, such as observations, interviews, and documents, to comprehensively understand a case.

Performance Data

Quantitative information about a building's efficiency, such as energy usage, maintenance records, or peak traffic times.

Real-life Context

The environment and conditions in which a phenomenon exists and operates, including physical, social, and cultural dynamics.

Spatial Layout

The arrangement and organization of spaces within a building, including entrances, exits, pathways, and parking areas.

Stakeholders

Individuals or groups with an interest in or connection to the building, such as architects, users, or community members.

Surveys

A data collection tool used to gather feedback from users about their experiences and perceptions of a building.

Traffic Flow

The movement of vehicles through a parking building, including patterns of congestion and circulation efficiency.

User Experience

The perceptions, behaviors, and emotional responses of individuals interacting with a building or space.

Wayfinding Features

Elements such as signage, arrows, or markings designed to guide users through a building efficiently.

Descriptive Case Study

A type of case study aimed at providing a detailed account of a phenomenon, focusing on 'what is' rather than 'why' or 'how.'

Interviews

A method of data collection involving structured or unstructured conversations with stakeholders, such as users or managers, to gather insights.

Linear-Analytic Structure

A format for organizing case study findings that includes sections like problem statement, literature review, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion.

Measurable Aspects

Observable and quantifiable features of a subject, such as dimensions, traffic flow rates, or usage patterns.

Narrative Structure

The organization of findings into a coherent story or description that provides clarity and flow to the analysis.

Observations

A method of data collection involving systematic watching and noting of activities, behaviors, and patterns in a subject's real-life setting.

Pedestrian Flow

The movement of people through a space, including entry, navigation, and exits.