RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
COMMON TOPICS OF BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY IN
ARCHITECTURE THESES AND THEIR RESEARCHABILTY
SUBMITTED BY
BIENONWU IJEOMAH NELSON
ARC / 00 / 4964
ARC 807
10TH APRIL 2008
1
COMMON TOPICS
OF
BACHELOR
OF
TECHNOLOGY
ARCHITECTURE THESES AND THEIR RESEARCHABILTY
IN
ABSTRACT
Researchability of Thesis topic: the practicability or otherwise of a thesis topic from the
vantage of conducting a research. A thesis topic could do as mush as obscure the aim and
scope or extent of requisite investigation, and could clearly delineate the same parameters
(aim, scope, and extent) depending on the choice of subject or the manner in which the
topic is worded. This paper looks at an overview of research; thesis; thesis topic; and
researchabilty. Furthermore, it analyses architecture theses; the relativity or otherwise of
the word ‘common’. It outlines topics of Bachelor of Technology in Architecture theses
that consistently occur or ‘reoccur’ amongst archives of selected Bachelor of Technology
awarding Schools of Architecture (Architecture theses that were widely chosen or simply,
common amongst these schools). It analyses notable ‘widely chosen’ (or common as the
case maybe) architecture these topics from the vantage of researchabilty; makes
recommendations and conclusion.
1.0
RESEARCH
Research, a methodical investigation into a subject in order to discover facts, to establish
or revise a theory, or to develop a plan of action based on the facts discovered.
Microsoft® Encarta® 2007.
1.1
THESIS; AND SUCESSFUL THESES
Thesis is the single most significant achievement of a student’s graduate degree. It is
formalized expression of the fact that the student has made a significant and original
contribution to knowledge. A successful thesis has two main qualities; first, it identifies a
good question; and second, it provides a satisfactory answer to that question. What makes
a thesis question a good one? First, it must remain unanswered. Second, its answer must
serve as a contribution to knowledge. By convincing the reader that a good question has
been chosen and it has been answered, the student also convince the reader that he / she
has made a significant and original contribution to knowledge.
1.2
SELECTING A THESIS TOPIC
Selecting a topic for research study could be very tricky or difficult as it entails the
investigator (research student) understanding how researchable the thesis topic is,
Considering the fact that most problems are related to the study of philosophy, a field of
study where ethics, logic or metaphysic forms the basis for testing proposition as apposed
to scientific determination where only objective evidence can provide a solution.
2
1.3
RESEARCHABILITY
The investigator should also appreciate how feasible the thesis topic is? Feasibility of
research is assessed form the vantage of: availability of data relevant to the subject of
study and, how savvy and competent the research is, considering the fact a thesis topic
that can researched sufficiently by an investigator that has so much savvy in the subject
of concern may not be sufficiently investigated an investigator who is inept from the
standpoint of the subject matter. More often than not the research investigator tries taking
on a topic with wide focus and magnitude, but it’s neither necessary nor advisable.
Topics or subjects should be pared down to manageable size with focus on details within
which clear relationships of phenomena would be evident and can be tested using
scientific methods (empirical testing).
Using the aforementioned criteria, a thesis could be described a suitable or researchable;
too vague; too broad; not feasible; or simply not researchable.
2.0
COMMON
TOPICS
OF
BACHELOR
OF
TECHNOLOGY
ARCHITECTURE THESIS AMONGST SELECTED BACHELOR OF
TECHNOLOGY AWARDING SCHOOLS OF ARCHITECTURE AND
THEIR RESEARCHABILITY
Architecture Theses, analogous to theses in other disciplines, sets out through planned
and systematic data collection, analysis, and interpretation of knowledge to achieve
dependable solution to problems; solutions that enables man relate more effectively to his
environment, to attain his purpose, and to resolve his conflict.
‘Solutions to problems’ are what a research investigator seeks to achieve and he attempts
(thoughtfully and carefully) to capture this in his (or with a) topic. Problems with solution
inherent in architecture vary from place to place according to level of developments;
socio – economic factor; weather and climate; culture; geography; history etc. This seem
to have considerable influence on the choice theses topics, this is not to infer that issues
(problems) peculiar with a region (a pan – Africa or pan – south America problem) is not
of interest to an investigator in a different region with well and truly different situation
and vise visa, but unless the investigator is not only savvy in the subject matter but also
research – savvy, one would question the objectivity and appropriateness of his findings.
Then, when situations peculiar to a region(theses topic) gets investigated(and attains
dependable solutions to the problems) by proficient investigators in other regions, one
has to consider the frequency with which these scenarios occur; seem to reoccur; or it’s a
one – off occurrence; and if the reoccurrence is sufficient enough to be described as
‘Common’.
All these constituted notable checklist towards attempts to isolate common topics of
Bachelor of Technology in Architecture Thesis amongst selected samples.
3
Also on the criteria upon which a thesis topic would be described as researchable is the
criterion of the savvy or inept of the research investigator as the case may, a criterion
which for the purpose of this study is neglected because of lack of objective evidence
against which, the competence of the investigators would be empirically tested.
An on line survey archives of Bachelor of Technology in Architecture theses of selected
Bachelor of technology awarding Schools of Architecture in selected more developed
countries (America, Britain, and Australia); and upon methodical attempts to isolated
common topics – topics that consistently reoccur amongst the avalanches of architecture
theses, the following architectural theses topics seem to be widely and consistently
chosen amongst these schools:

Landscape Architecture;

Gothic Architecture;

Modern Architecture;

Southern Architecture;

Architectural Theory;

Aesthetics and Architecture Socially Constructed;

Architectural Practice;

Vernacular Architecture;

European Design Theory;

Non – Western Design Practice;

Urban Design Theory;

Digital Mediation Theory;

Graphic Media And Architecture; And

Environmental Limitations to Architecture.
In almost all of the researches undertaken in any one of these theses topic, the topic(s)
was oriented towards a criterion upon which objective evidences were collected.
Amongst typical example are;
4



The Social and Cultural influences in the design of the Outdoor LANDSCAPE
of Health Institution in Melbourne from 1850’s to the present.
The environmental impacts of the DIGITAL ELECTRONIC era on
neighborhoods; and
Antipode: the idea of practice versus the practice of ideas
All the aforementioned topics attempt successfully, to establish a relationship that can be
subjected to empirical tests in order to achieve objectionable evidence
A survey of the archives of Bachelor of Technology in Architecture theses of selected
Bachelor of Technology awarding Schools of Architecture in Nigeria over the last five
(5) years filled in, shows that Architecture theses topic that consistently occur or reoccur
(amongst these schools) as the case may be, at frequency that would suffice to say that
they are common are as follows:

Solid Waste Management;

Lighting Considerations;

Graphic Media and Architecture;

Solar Panels and Architecture;

Climate and Architecture;

Landscape Architecture;

Structural Failures in Contemporary Building;

Fire and Architecture;

Acoustic and Architecture;

Vernacular Architecture; and

Concrete and Architecture.
In almost all of the researches undertaken in any one of these theses topic, the topic(s)
was oriented towards a criterion upon which ‘objective evidences’ were collected.
The outlook of these theses topic seem to suggests that they set out or attempt to tackle
problems inherent in Nigeria (pan – Nigeria/ third world country), this is not say that
these situation, in entirety, do not occur in developed countries but not at an alarming
frequency, which brings to the fore the relativity of the term ‘common’ as related to the
subject matter. It is also worthy to note that the topics bothering on more pan – Nigeria /
third world problems seem to be more widely chosen in these selected architecture
5
schools in Nigeria, so to infer a meaning of ‘common’ that stretches over all architecture
theses world wide would have immensely decimated what constitute ‘common’ in the
Nigerian situation.
Thus, for the purpose of this study, the word ‘common’ is to a considerable extent
restricted to the selected Bachelor of Technology Awarding Schools of Architecture in
Nigeria, notably the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA; Federal University
of Technology Yola, FUT YOLA; Federal University of Technology Mina, FUT MINA;
and Federal University of Technology Owere, FUTO.
2.1 ANALYSES OF SELECTED COMMON TOPICS OF BACHELOR OF
TECHNOLOGY IN ARCHITECTURE THESES AMONGST SELECTED
BACHELOR
OF
TECHNOLOGY
AWARDING
SCHOOLS
OF
ARCHITECTURE IN NIGERIA AND THEIR RESEARCHABILITY.
For the purpose of this analyses (or assessment as the case maybe), theses topics with
convincing researchabilty were described as strong theses topic while those with
suspicious or doubtful researchability were referred to as weak theses topics
(researchabiliy scale of either weak or strong, with no in between).
2.1.1 SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL METHODS AND ITS
FFECTS ON RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENTS: A Case Study of
Metropolitan Lagos.
There are quintessentially three (3) methods of waste disposal; landfill; incinerators; and
composting. But the research investigator should have more appropriately, specifically
used the Nigeria situation(s) or case(s) as a vantage point. This is weak research topic
with reference to it researchabilty. The topic could be pared down to:

Solid Waste Disposal Methods in Nigeria and Its Effect on Residential
Environments: A Case Study of Metropolitan Lagos.
It is also worthy of note that the practicability or workability of thoroughly investigating
all residential environment in metropolitan Lagos by a research investigator seems quite
dodgy considering the fact that ‘Lagosian’ or resident of (or in) Lagos seemingly reside
in virtually every ‘square inch’ of Logos metropolis.
2.1.1 LIGHTING CONSIDERATIONS IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS:
Case Study of FUTA Staff Living Facility.
A
Considering the thesis topic, the case or situation used a basis for drawing conclusions or
testing the hypothesis or hypotheses as the case may be, is suitable but one has to analyse
the topic (lighting considering in residential buildings) from the standpoint of ‘focus and
magnitude’, it is admirable that the investigator in taking on a topic with wide focus and
6
magnitude but considering it researchabilty, it’s neither necessary nor advisable. The
topic could be pared down to a manageable size and focus on it details.
Lighting in Residential Buildings (Title) could be effectively investigated under the
following Title subordinate:

Daylighting considerations in residential buildings;

Artificial lighting considerations in residential buildings; also considering the
phrase ‘residential buildings’, a building cannot be isolated from it surroundings
thus,

Landscape lighting considerations in residential buildings; and security lighting
can not be discounted of dismissed as being too narrow to constitute a good
research topic for effective and realistic investigation to be conducted.
If research investigators are worried about length, they could expand their (theses topics)
development and discussion rather than widening the scope.
2.1.3 COMPUTER GRAPHICS: Its Applications in Architecture.
From the vantage of researchabilty, the topic (Computer Graphics: Its Application in
Architecture) is a weak topic because of it focus and magnitude. The phrase
‘Applications in Architecture’ does not signify a definitive or more so realistic scope
within which an effective investigation can be conducted by the research investigator, the
case or situation used as a basis for drawing conclusions or testing the hypothesis or
hypotheses as the case may be is sufficiently wide to be impractical.
The topic ‘Computer Graphics: Its Applications in Architecture’
could be pared down to:

Computer Graphics: Its Applications in Architecture in Nigeria.
This will present the investigator a realistic opportunity to test his hypotheses
empirically.
2.1.4 THE USE OF SOLAR PANELS IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN
NIGERIA.
This is not a ‘suitable’ thesis topic considering its researchabilty. Incidences of solar
panels use and their ‘practicability’ in Nigeria are regrettably low and grossly under
published. Nigeria as a case used as the basis for drawing conclusions or testing
hypothesis or hypotheses bothering on solar panel usage in residential building will be
almost certainly defective. Obtaining objective (unbiased) evidences for testing
hypotheses or for drawing conclusion would be impractical.
7
2.1.5 EFFECTS OF WEATHER AND CLIMATE ON BUILDING FORM: A
Case Study Of Okitikpupa.
This thesis topic is a strong thesis topic from the view point of its researchability. The
thesis exudes relationships that could be subjected to empirical testing (scientific
method). The relationship between climatic conditions and the building form(s) in
Okitikpupa could be subjected to empirical testing. It is also worthy to note that
Okitikpupa is a practical or realistic case used a basis for drawing conclusions or testing
the hypothesis or hypotheses as the case may be.
2.1.6 MICROCLIMATE MODIFICATION THROUGH THE USE OF LANDSCAPE
The scope of both phenomena (Micro Climate and Landscape) with which the thesis
topic attempts to create a relationship that could be subjected to empirical testing is
vague. The Microclimatic conditions of difference spaces or geographic region overly
differ from region to region, furthermore the Microclimatic conditions requirements of
different spaces serving different functions differs. Relationships between vague
phenomena, described vaguely cannot be sufficiently subjected to empirical testing or the
scientific method.
The thesis topic (Microclimate Modification Through The Use Of Landscape) is a weak
thesis topic, considering the researchability.
The word ‘Microclimate’ could be pared down to the phrase ‘Microclimatic Conditions
Of Health Campus Health Centres’. Better yet, microclimatic conditions of campus
Health Centres in Western Nigerian Universities; because of the peculiarities of climate
elements given the region.
Also, ‘Landscape elements’ or ‘Landscape designs’ as a surrogate for ‘Landscape’ would
imply a more clear - cut and definitive scenario within which appropriate relationships
could be tested using the scientific method. A stronger topic base on the subject mater
could be:

Modification of Microclimatic Conditions of Campus Health Centres in
Western Nigerian Universities.
2.1.7 STRUCTURAL FAILURES IN CONTEMPORARY BUILDING: Causes,
Analysis and Solutions.
This thesis topic is a weak topic. Its vagueness makes it not researchable. It has not made
reference to cases or a case that will be used as the basis for drawing conclusions or
testing its hypothesis or hypotheses. ‘Causes, Analysis and Solutions’ is vague and
should been more specific.
8
The research investigator’s choice of subject ( structural failures) is admirable
considering the spate of collapsed building in the country (Nigeria) but it is worthy of
note that these incidences are grossly under reported or under published which further
hampers researchability in the subject as unbiased, objective evidences would be elusive
to the research investigator.
2.1.8 APPRAISAL
BUILDINGS
OF
FIRE
FIGHTING
SYSTEM
IN
HIGH
RISE
The defects in this thesis topic are almost analogous to that inherent in the thesis topic on
the subject of Structural Failures. It has not made reference to cases or a case that will be
used as the basis for drawing conclusions or testing its hypothesis or hypotheses.
Also significant is the essence of the case study(s) to empirically test the effectiveness or
otherwise of these Fire Systems in events of fire incidences. It is also worthy to note that
these fire incidences are grossly under reported and are usually not documented, which
further cast clouds over it researchabilty. The thesis topic, Appraisal Of Fire Fighting
System In High Rise Buildings, is simply a weak thesis topic.
2.1.9 ACOUSTIC
CONTROL
IN
RESIDENTIAL
BUILDINGS:
An
Appraisal of the Effect of Building Materials on the
Interior Acoustic.
This is a weak thesis topic. The phrase ‘Residential Buildings’ could be pared down to a
phrase that is more specific and practicable from the standpoint of researchaility. The
topic could be oriented to situations that could be used as the basis for testing the
hypothesis or the basis for drawing – up conclusions.
‘Residential Buildings’ could simply be construed as living units or living facilities any
where in the world; America, Europe, Asia, Australia and other parts of Africa as the case
maybe. And it is more than likely that these living facilities in these geographical zone
employ materials so diverse that would suffice to say that the research investigator would
be ignorant of and more so considering the scale implied by (or in) the thesis topic ‘world
wide’, the research investigator would almost certainly omit a chunk of relevant data or
cases. The study will be quite bogus.
This could simply be avoided by being more specific and orienting the topic to a criterion
that makes it manageable or handy, practicable and thus researchable. The topic could be
pared down to:

Acoustic Control in UNIBEN Staff Living Facility: An Appraisal of the Effect of
Building Materials on the Interior Acoustic.
9
Looking at this thesis topic (adjusted) overly, it exudes practicability and empirically
testable relationships (situations) which would serve basis for testing hyothesis and
drawing – up conclusions.
2.1.10 THE VERSATILITY OF CONCRETE USE IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF
BUILDINGS IN NIGERIA: a case study of Obafemi Awolowo
University, OAU.
This is a strong thesis topic. The situation(s) or case(s) that will form the basis for testing
hypothesis of hypotheses and drawing – up conclusions are clearly evidenced in the
thesis topic. The thesis topic is specific, handy, practicable, and researchable. It can be
subjected to empirical testing or the scientific method.
3.0
CONCLUSION(S)
Thesis topic should exude empirically testable relationship(s) of phenomena under the
subject mater to be studied. Research investigator in pursuits of lengthy report should
expand on his development and discussion as opposed to overly widening the scope.
Topics should be pared down to specific, practicable, and manageable (or handy) size and
focus should be on details.
REFERENCE
http://th-research.net/subjects/architecurethesis (2008)
10