Course Specifications

Program(s) on which the course is given: N/A
Major or Minor element of programs: N/A
Department offering the program: Architecture
Department offering the course: Architecture
Academic year / Level: Second Year
Date of specification approval: Jan 2011

A- Basic Information
Title: Human Studies in Architecture        Code: ARC207                  Credit Hours:  N/A              Lectures:      4         
Tutorial:              0          Practicals:      0          Total:  4         

B- Professional Information
1 – Overall Aims of Course

• Introduce the basic theoretical & applied knowledge of human & behavioral aspects in architecture & urban design
• Introduce the fundamentals of scientific research methods, techniques, & way of thinking
• Apply the previous knowledge by integrating information within problem solving exercises

2 – Intended Learning Outcomes of Course (ILOs)

• Knowledge and Understanding:

a1- Understand the theoretical relationships between human behavior & architectural design
a2- Identify human needs & integrate them into the design process
a3-  Identify research methods suitable for handling specific problems related to human needs in architecture

• Intellectual Skills

b1- Emphasize the scientific way of thinking in decision making
b2- Critically think about problems of human issues in design
b3- Integrate & apply knowledge of human aspects in researching design problems
b4- Ability to analyze problems

• Professional and Practical Skills

c1- Develop research tools & techniques to study design problems
c2- Awareness of human aspects in design
c3- Ability to identify problems related to human needs in architecture

• General and Transferable Skills

d1- Ability to work effectively & cooperatively in groups
d2- Ability to communicate research data & ideas effectively

3- Contents

4– Teaching and Learning Methods

4.1- Lectures
4.2- Group discussions
4.3- Student verbal & graphic presentations
4.4- Research assignments

5- Student Assessment Methods

5.1 Individual assignment to assess the individual’s comprehension & grasp of the concepts of human studies
5.2 Group research to assess the ability to conduct scientific research

Assessment Schedule
Assessment 1 Individual assignment           Week 8
Assessment 2 Group research                      Week 10

Weighting of Assessments
Final-term Examination                   40 %         
Individual assignment                      10 %
Group research                                 50 %         
Total                                           100%

6- List of References

6.1- Course Notes
Lecture notes

6.2- Essential Books (Text Books)

C. M. Deasy, Thomas E. Lasswell (1990). Designing Places for People: A Handbook on Human Behavior for Architects, Designers and Facility Managers. Watson-Guptill Publications, Incorporated.

David Wang, Linda Groat (2001). Architectural Research Methods. Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated.

Barbara Sommer, Barbara B. Sommer, (2001). Practical Guide to Behavioral Research: Tools and Techniques. Oxford University Press.

6.3- Recommended Books

J. Lang, W. Moleski, D. Vachon, Charles H. Burnette, (Eds.) (1999). Designing for Human Behavior: Architecture and the Behavioral Sciences. Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated.

Floyd J. Fowler (2001). Survey Research Methods. Sage Publications.

Earl R. Babbie (1990). Survey Research Methods. Wadsworth.

Michael Quinn Quinn Patton (2001). Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods. Sage Publications.

6.4- Periodicals, Web Sites, … etc

Course website at www.hishamgabr.com
Selected articles from the Journal of Architectural and Planning Research
Selected articles from Environment and Behavior

7- Facilities Required for Teaching and Learning
Data show
Lecture hall
Studio space

Course Coordinator and Staff:
Prof. Dr. Hisham Gabr, Prof. Zeinab Shafik, Assoc. Prof. Heba Khalil, Assist. Prof. Mostafa Yehia