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
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
Topic |
No. of hours |
Lecture |
Tutorial/Practical |
Unit A: Theoretical Knowledge |
|
|
|
1. Introduction to human studies in architecture |
4 |
Week 1 |
|
2. Human needs in architecture |
8 |
Weeks 2, 3 |
|
3. Main concepts in human studies |
8 |
Weeks 4, 5 |
|
4. Theoretical frameworks in human studies |
8 |
Weeks 6, 7 |
|
Unit B: Methodological Knowledge |
|
|
|
1. Science and scientific thinking |
4 |
Week 8 |
|
2. Research process & components |
4 |
Week 9 |
|
3. Data collection techniques |
4 |
Week 10 |
|
4. Data analysis techniques |
4 |
Week 11 |
|
Unit C: Applied Research Project |
20 |
|
Weeks 12-16 |
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
Date: 8 April 2013
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