Research Methodologies in Architectural Studies: A Comprehensive Review

Authors

  • Avanti Gole Volumes Assistent Professor, Dr. D Y Patil College of Architecture, Akurdi, Pune
  • Anita Meskar Volumes Assistent Professor, Dr. D Y Patil College of Architecture, Akurdi, Pune

Keywords:

Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research, Mixed Research, Building Information Modeling (BIM), Computational Simulations, Data Analytics

Abstract

This review focuses on the research methodology in architectural studies such as the shift by traditional design-based approaches to evidence-based and interdisciplinary and technology-oriented frameworks. It addresses qualitative, quantitative and mixed research methodologies and how they are applied in the interpretation of social, environmental, technical and human centric elements of built environment. The review also examines some of the new trends like artificial intelligence, the construction of information modeling, parametric design, data-driven performance analysis, and immersive technologies. The focus is put on sustainability, resilience, and occupant well-being and implies that robust and hybrid approaches should be used to cope with the complex issues of architecture in current research and practice.

References

[1] Q. Liu, “Architectural phenomenology: Past, present, future of an interdisciplinarity,” Front. Archit. Res., vol. 14, 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.foar.2025.01.009.

[2] M. Youssef, “Theorising the contemporary architectural trends in the context of the twenty-first century variables,” Front. Archit. Res., 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.foar.2025.10.011.

[3] M. Piatkowski, “Constructing Research: A Theoretical Perspective on Research and Creativity in Architecture,” Heal. Environ. Res. Des. J., vol. 18, no. 4, 2025, doi: 10.1177/19375867251353730.

[4] S. Joshi, “Review of Gen AI Models for Financial Risk Management: Architectural Frameworks and Implementation Strategies,” Int. J. Innov. Sci. Eng. Manag., vol. 4, no. 3, 2025, doi: 10.69968/ijisem.2025v4i2207-222.

[5] J. Liu, Y. Zhang, and S. Zhao, “Architectural space design methods using data algorithms,” AIP Adv., vol. 15, 2025, doi: 10.1063/5.0247938.

[6] L. Fang, X. Wang, C. Fang, J. Li, and S. J. Wang, “Advanced Technologies in Creative Architectural Design: A Systematic Review,” Adv. Intell. Discov., 2025, doi: 10.1002/aidi.202400035.

[7] E. J. Mba, F. O. Okeke, A. E. Igwe, C. A. Ozigbo, P. I. Oforji, and I. W. Ozigbo, “Evolving trends and challenges in sustainable architectural design; a practice perspective,” Heliyon, vol. 10, 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e39400.

[8] B. EKINCI, “AN EXPLORATORY DATA ANALYSIS ON ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH AGENDA,” 2019.

[9] A. Z. Aydemir and S. Jacoby, “Architectural design research: Drivers of practice,” Des. J., vol. 25, no. 4, 2022, doi: 10.1080/14606925.2022.2081303.

[10] M. A. Zboinska, “Architectural Research in Hybrid Mode: Combining Diverse Methods within Design-Based Architectural Research Inquiry,” ARENA J. Archit. Res., vol. 6, no. 1, 2021.

[11] D. G. ÇUBUK, “Applying ‘Big Data’ Layouts for the Design Strategies in Architectural Heritage Through Investigation of Data Mining Techniques,” Conserv. Archit. Herit. Trace Hist., 2024.

[12] S. Kanjanabootra, W. Tang, D. Alterman, and B. T. Atuahene, “Special Issue on Data Analytics Applications for Architecture and Construction,” Buildings, vol. 15, 2025.

[13] J. Xu, M. Cheng, and A. Sun, “Assessing sustainable practices in architecture: A data-driven analysis of LEED certification adoption and impact in top firms from 2000 to 2023,” Front. Archit. Res., vol. 14, 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.foar.2024.10.002.

[14] F. Lima, A. Agnew, E. Schiedemeyer, and V. Williams, “Computational Design and Service Learning in Informal Settlement Planning: A Pedagogical Model for Architectural Education,” Buildings, vol. 16, 2026.

[15] E. S. EETI, “Architectural Patterns for Big Data Analytics in Multi-Cloud Environments,” TIJER - Int. Res. J., vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 16–25, 2021.

[16] I. N. Albukhari, “The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in architectural design: a systematic review of emerging technologies and applications,” J. Umm Al-Qura Univ. Eng. Archit., vol. 16, 2025.

[17] E. Radlbauer, T. Moser, and M. Wagner, “Designing a System Architecture for Dynamic Data Collection as a Foundation for Knowledge Modeling in Industry,” Appliede Sci., 2025.

[18] I. A. Shinbira, “Data collection and analysis techniques: A preliminary step in Urban design process,” J. Eng. Res. Rev., vol. 2, no. 3, 2025, doi: 10.5455/JERR.2025.v2.i3.1.

[19] A. Arisman, I. Sudradjat, and I. Widiastuti, “The application of the Delphi method in architectural research,” ARTEKS J. Tek. Arsit., vol. 9, no. 1, 2024, doi: 10.30822/arteks.v9i1.2556.

[20] E. Millan, M. Belmonte, F. Boned, J. Gavilanes, J.-L. Perez-de-la-Cruz, and C. Díaz-L´opez, “Using machine learning techniques for architectural design tracking: An experimental study of the design of a shelter,” J. Build. Eng., vol. 51, 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.jobe.2022.104223.

[21] S. Meekings and M. A. Schnabel, “Big Data on Individuals in the Architectural Design Process: Combining Individual’s Data with the Architects Toolset,” Parallelism Archit. Comput. Tech., 2017

Downloads

Published

2025-09-24

How to Cite

[1]
Volumes, A.G. and Volumes, A.M. 2025. Research Methodologies in Architectural Studies: A Comprehensive Review. AG Volumes. 3, 1 (Sep. 2025), 142–153.