Cursos / 3º Ciclo / Faculty of Architecture and Arts :: Architecture

SEMINÁRIO E METODOLOGIAS E TÉCNICAS DE INVESTIGAÇÃO - 2026/2027

1º curricular year
Semestralidade: 1st semester
ECTS: 15

Teachers

Leading Teacher: Prof. Doutor Miguel Malheiro

Class type and School hours

Seminário : 2 Horas

Teaching Language

Portuguese

Main Aims/Objectives

To provide doctoral students with advanced training in research methodologies and techniques applied to Architecture, equipping them with the scientific knowledge and methodological tools required for the conception, structuring and development of a doctoral research project. The curricular unit seeks to foster a culture of scientific rigour, critical thinking and the production of original knowledge.

Specific Aims/Objectives

. To understand the epistemological foundations of research in Architecture;
. To identify and formulate scientifically relevant research problems;
. To define research objectives, research questions and working hypotheses;
. To select qualitative, quantitative and design-based research methodologies appropriate to the research topic;
. To structure a doctoral research project by integrating the state of the art, theoretical framework and methodology;
. To develop academic writing and scientific communication skills.

Skills to be acquired

By the end of the curricular unit, students should be able to:
. apply research methodologies appropriate to Architecture;
. develop critical thinking and scientific analytical skills;
. conduct a systematic literature review;
. structure a doctoral research project;
. select appropriate methods for data collection and analysis;
. communicate scientific findings clearly, rigorously and ethically, in accordance with the principles of research integrity.

Teaching Procedures

The curricular unit is organised as a seminar combining lectures, critical discussion of scientific literature, case study analysis and continuous supervision of the development of each doctoral student´s research project.
The sessions promote active student participation, methodological reflection, the presentation and discussion of research work, and integration into the scientific activities of the Arnaldo Araújo Research Centre (CEAA).

Programme

1. Foundations of Scientific Research
. Science and knowledge production;
. Scientific paradigms;
. Research in Architecture;
. The disciplinary specificity of architectural research.
2. Research Design
. Research problem;
. Research questions;
. Research objectives;
. Hypotheses;
. Delimitation of the research topic.
3. Research Methodologies
. Qualitative research;
. Quantitative research;
. Mixed methods research;
. Research through Design;
. Design-based research.
4. State of the Art
. Literature search;
. Critical literature review;
. Development of the theoretical framework;
. Identification of research gaps.
5. Research Techniques
. Documentary analysis;
. Interviews;
. Observation;
. Fieldwork;
. Case studies;
. Architectural surveying;
. Spatial analysis methods;
. Information management and analysis techniques.
6. Structure of the Research Project
. Organisation of the research plan;
. Methodology;
. Research schedule;
. Work plan.
7. Scientific Writing
. Structure of scientific papers;
. Research reports;
. Research proposals;
. Doctoral theses;
. Referencing standards;
. Citation practices;
. Research ethics;
. Academic integrity.
8. Scientific Communication
. Oral presentations;
. Scientific posters;
. Academic publications;
. Conference participation.
9. Development of the Research Project
. Presentation and discussion of doctoral research projects;
. Critical review;
. Methodological consolidation.

Evaluation Type

Assessment is continuous and comprises:
. participation in seminar sessions and critical discussion of the scientific literature (20%);
. oral presentation of the research framework and objectives (30%);
. submission of a written doctoral research proposal (50%).
The curricular unit culminates in a joint presentation of the doctoral research project, coordinated with the remaining first-year seminars of the PhD Programme in Architecture.

Teaching Resources

Specialised scientific literature; international academic databases; digital bibliographic search platforms; reference management software (Zotero, Mendeley or equivalent); multimedia resources; digital presentations; online learning platforms; case studies; and scientific activities organised by the Arnaldo Araújo Research Centre (CEAA).

Sustainability Objectives

The curricular unit contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
. SDG 4 – Quality Education;
. SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure;
. SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities;
. SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals;
through the promotion of scientific research, methodological innovation, knowledge production and academic collaboration.

Keywords

Architecture; Research; Research Methodologies; Design-Based Research; Research through Design; Doctoral Research Project; Scientific Writing; Scientific Communication; State of the Art.

Main Bibliography

Complementary Bibliography