Thesis Soup: Investigating Library Support for Design Research in Architecture

Abstract

How can design research be defined within architectural education, and how can libraries effectively support students engaged in this work? This session investigates the design research methodologies employed by Master of Architecture II (M.Arch II) students at Yale School of Architecture. A core requirement of the program, design research culminates in flexible, student-driven projects that align with individual interests. However, the term “design research” remains ambiguously defined, complicating its distinction from other methodologies in both architectural and library contexts. This ambiguity prompted two key research questions: What design research methodologies are M.Arch II students applying in their theses? How do they define these methodologies within their work? To address these questions, the author conducted a deductive content analysis of 2022-2024 M.Arch II theses and interviewed current students. This session will provide insights into the evolving role of libraries in supporting architectural education.

Presenters

Tess Colwell
Arts Librarian for Research Services, Yale University, United States

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Design Education

KEYWORDS

Design research, Research methodologies, Information literacy, Architecture students, Information-seeking, Libraries