Assistant Professor, Faculty of Architecture, Urban Planning and Islamic Art, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
Abstract
The increasing complexity of design problems requires a more prominent role for application of research methods in the design process. This paper tries to define the common area where research could best contribute to the design. To this end, both design process and research methods are explained to determine their similarities and differences. The role of research is shown to be more prominent and explicit at the beginning and end of the design process, i.e. during studies, programming, and evaluation of proposed alternatives. Nevertheless, the role of research in generation of the conceptual design is more implicit. It is further argued that although design cannot be based on pure scientific approaches, research provides a sound basis of knowledge in design process.
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