Architecture Research Methods ARCH 5365 GW Chapter 10

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Architecture Research MethodsARCH 5365GW
Chapter 10 11

• Gary W. Smith, 2006

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Simulation and Modeling Research

• Simulation Research can circumvent ethical
  impossibilities because the replicated context is
  one that gets at issues of human interaction and
  behavior without placing the actors into
  compromising positions

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• Simulation involves controlled replications of
  real-world contexts or events for the purposes of
  studying dynamic interactions within that setting
  (virtual worlds)

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• Simulation is useful
• when dealing with questions of scale and
  complexity
• for studying the subjective dimensions of human
  behavior
• in materials testing (often)
• in developing theory and in testing theory

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• Four types of simulation models
• Iconictesting of materials
• Analogdynamic simulation of an actual or
  proposed physical system
• Operationalpeoples interaction within physical
  contexts
• Mathematicalnumerical quantification of
  real-world relationships

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• Tactical Concerns
• Accuracy of Replication
• Completeness of Input Data
• Programmed spontaneityhow far from reality
• Cost and workability

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Strengths

• Able to reveal results that can help with
  additional research or actions
• Provides a variety of ways of understanding the
  future behavior of a context
• Can be a primary tactic of experimental research
• Tend to be tactically useful in other strategies

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Weaknesses

• Cannot assure the completeness of the replication
• Can be very expensive

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Logical Argumentation

• Logical Argumentation is making sense of some
  aspect of the cosmos in a systematically rational
  manner

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• Primary logical systems are logical systems that
  have broad explanatory power. These can be the
  basis or start of secondary studies which can go
  deeper into the realm discussed in the primary
  system.

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• Three main venues of logical argumentation
• 1. mathematical/formal mathematical
  constructions and computer models
• 2. mathematical/cultural formal models that are
  connected to social-cultural interpretations
• 3. cultural/discursive design treatises or
  justifications for architectural action by appeal
  to larger transcendental contexts

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• TRAITS of Logical Argumentation
• Broad systemic applicability
• Lay claim to universal explanatory power
• Mathematical determinism
• Rhetorical/polemical convictions that find
  acceptance in a large audience
• Paradigmatic Innovation
• Primary logical systems tend to be innovative
  ones a new way of looking at old facts or
  existing phenomena
• Most draw from previous ideas

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• (TRAITS of Logical Argumentation Cont.)
• A Priori Argumentation
• Reliant upon a priori principles
• A priori if it can be identified, then necessary
  consequences ensue from it. (A priori means
  previous to experience)
• Testability
• The outcome of a mathematical-formal logical
  system is often a set of quantitative tools that
  can be used to diagnose empirical conditions.
• The outcome of a cultural discursive logical
  system is normative standards
• They make sense to a wide cultural audience it
  is logical within that cultural milieu

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First Principles of Quantity To construct a
conceptual system that can explain the widest
scope of the phenomenon with the least number of
fundamental principles First Principles of
Quality An implicit argument for quality that
comes with essential elements of quantity once
the quantity has been determined, the quality is
necessarily determined as well.
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• First Principles of Origin
• Genetic Origin something can be explained
  because of its origins
• Enabling Origin the quality came from the
  necessary quantities

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• Relationships between terms
• Necessity if a b and a c, then a d
• Deduction/induction
• deduction involves necessary connections
• induction draws generalizations from given facts
  beyond what is inherent in only those facts. It
  involve contingency (not as strong as necessary).
• Syllogistic Frameworks
• Primary and secondary premises leading to a
  necessary conclusion if x y and y z, then x
  z

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• Relationships between terms
• A priori/A Posteriori a priori is previous to
  experience and comes out of necessity form
  follows function. A posteriori refers to truths
  that are established as a result of experience.
• Entailment/implication
• Within a system, entailment can mean what any one
  component of that system necessarily implies for
  other components within the same system.

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• Rhetorical Tactics in Cultural/Discursive Systems
  
• Naming identifying the various elements which
  are the object of discourse
• Association or Disassociation
• Association connection to a larger
  transcendental realm
• Disassociation Disagreeing with the established
  norm dissent.
• Story a tale that explains reasoning

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• (Rhetorical Tactics in Cultural/Discursive
  Systems Cont.)
• Graphic images
• Implicit or explicit appeals to group identity
• Dividing providing options for discussion i.e.
  handmade versus machine made
• Authority authority is based on the coherence of
  its argumentation and its explanatory power, but
  also gains authority if it is spoken by an
  established voice, if connected to a larger body
  of voices saying related things, or can harness
  the energy of an emerging trend.

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• Review/Reread Strengths and Weaknesses

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Notes

• Information in these lectures was adapted from
  the following sources
• Booth, Wayne C., Colomb, Gregory G., Williams,
  Joseph M. 2003. The Craft of Research. Second
  Edition. Chicago University of Chicago Press.
• Groat, Linda N. and Wang, David C. 2002.
  Architectural Research Methods. New York John
  Wiley.