structure of architecture dissertation

How to Write an Architecture Dissertation 101​

In this post we will explore how to write an architecture dissertation, but first…

What is an architecture dissertation?

The architecture dissertation (or thesis) is an opportunity to demonstrate the skills you have learnt and the knowledge you have developed over the course of your studies. It identifies a current question of interest that you are willing to explore and analyse.

Thesis and dissertation mean different things in Europe than they do in the USA. In Europe, a dissertation is usually part of a masters degree involving a broader research project. In the USA however, the dissertation is part of a doctorate degree. Likewise, a thesis in Europe generally refers to research work for a PhD, while in the USA thesis is part of your masters degree. Nice and confusing 🙂

Given that we are based in the UK, we will refer to the document as a dissertation, but much of the information and tips here are interchangeable. Hopefully you will find this guide useful when considering your architecture dissertation… or thesis!

Scroll to the end to download this article as a handy PDF guide!

How to write an architecture dissertation, choosing your topic​.

Selecting a topic for your architecture dissertation is often one of the biggest challenges for students. Where to start?! Let’s take a look at the process of selecting your architecture dissertation topic.

Ask a question Your architecture dissertation needs to ask a question. Whether it is a big question or just a small part of a big question, there has to be a reason for your research and data collection.

So, when you have selected a big issue that you would like to explore, you can look at breaking this down into a smaller question for your subject.

Starting off with a big issue, and beginning to narrow this down into smaller issues, allows you to end up asking a small question that could perhaps have big implications or bring very interesting results.

You could use a mind map to help you visualise and brainstorm ideas – have your big question in the centre with other smaller questions branching out from it.

Focus on an area of study that you are comfortable with Try to consider areas within your field of study that you are comfortable with. For example, if you are particularly interested and inspired by environmental architecture, perhaps you can start there.

On the flip side, if you are particularly interested in new technologies and software developments, then perhaps you could start thinking along those lines.

The more comfortable you are with your topic area, the more solid your work will be and you will be able to pursue your architecture dissertation with more confidence.

Select a topic that is focused Don’t go too broad with your topic idea. Don’t forget, you are not writing a long novel, so your research and your final architecture dissertation has to be concise. A broad topic will make it very difficult to get into the nitty gritty details.

As an example, let’s say you are interested in the feasibility of using sustainable prefabricated systems in residential architecture. This is a fairly large subject, so your work could look at an aspect of this, such as a particular sustainable prefabricated system like a timber panel, or perhaps prefab systems in social housing. You could then drill down further. You can look at the subject as a whole in your introduction or conclusion, but investigate a more focused part of that topic for your own work.

Don’t forget, as you start to investigate your topic further, it may lead you to other questions, which in turn can change the theme of your architecture dissertation.

Don’t be too fixated on a topic in the early stages that stops you from shifting and developing the dissertation. It is a bit like design projects, sometimes it is easy to get fixated on your concept at the detriment of the design – adjusting, and pivoting can be a good thing, it is an iterative process.

Look at other architecture dissertations Take some time to read and research other dissertations, to get a feel for what excites or interests you. By gaining an understanding of the format, content and overall outcomes of the architecture dissertation, you will be able to develop your ideas more easily, and drill down on a topic that fits.

Doing this will also help you see what topics have been extensively covered and ones that are niche.

You can find some architecture dissertations on the RIBA Presidents Medals website for some inspiration: https://www.presidentsmedals.com/Entries/2022/0-1/1

Read other architecture works Take some time to read other architecture works while you are in your topic decision making process. This might open up new ideas and thoughts that you didn’t think of before.

Look at current trends, what is new, what is changing, what hasn’t changed, why? How about world events, how do they impact architecture? How does architecture impact them? What can we learn?

Make sure your question can be answered Once you have chosen your question or topic, make sure that data collection and research will bring you to some sort of conclusion or answer. It will be very frustrating if you are investigating an issue that will not be possible to conclude on or resolve.

Make sure you can ask the right questions to get information from people, are there enough books on the subject? Is there any historical data that might be useful? How about photographs and drawings? Consider how you will research your architecture dissertation before finalising your topic.

Drafting a proposal You will most likely be asked to create a proposal for the topic you have selected. Your proposal will be presented to your tutors who will give you feedback that will help you move forward.

Carry out your research

The research phase of your architecture dissertation is really important. We must look at many different sources and aspects of our topic to start to develop our strategies and ideas.

Start with the library The best way to start investigating our topic is to find out what information currently exists, who has asked your question, or similar questions, what has been published? So head to the library and start reading!

Try and get a selection of sources for a more balanced overview, rather than relying on just one source. Although you can use the internet, don’t forget that it is an unregulated source, and therefore not all the information is completely reliable.

Keep track of any books, journals etc that you have consulted. (more on that later).

Follow the citations and references in relevant articles to see if other works have been written that are relevant to your topic. Research papers are good sources of references and information you could further explore.

During this initial stage of research you may still be narrowing your topic, refining your question and that’s totally ok. Often, it is not until you have started reading around your topic and delving deeper that you start to see the questions that need to be asked.

Take notes Take notes and keep track of all your research, book name, author, title, date, publisher plus all the page numbers of the important points. This will help you when you come to referencing and citation and also enable you to stay organised.

Keep your topic / question in mind as you read through the research material and make notes on relevant points, in your own words. Write down any phrases or quotations that you will want to cite later, but make sure you keep a list of the details of the author etc, so the quotation doesn’t get mixed up with your own writing.

Citations and references Make sure you reference and cite all your work correctly. This is a tedious part of the architecture dissertation but extremely important to do it right.

You can find a guide about doing the Harvard referencing system which is most commonly used in UK universities, here: https://www.citethisforme.com/harvard-referencing

This page goes through the other citation styles and gives examples for each: https://www.scribbr.com/citing-sources/citation-styles/

Or you can refer to your own university library reference material to make sure you are carrying out your citations and references according to university guidelines.

Collect data The goal of your architecture dissertation should be to gather and interpret new data, rather than just regurgitating existing information.

Try to collect data that you can analyse and interpret rather than just writing descriptively about the topic.

Collection of data can include information from books as we have mentioned, but also reports, studies, statistical data, surveys, interviews, opinions, archived material, and so much more.

Be prepared to think openly, and think wide. By drawing on many different data sources and formats you will have a more rounded research pool to collect data and analyse going forward.

Our Architecture Dissertation Source Log

Our Dissertation Source log is a valuable tool for architecture students and researchers working on their dissertations. This spreadsheet can help you record all the key information on the sources you have used in your research.

It is also a great way to keep track of your research progress. As you add new sources to the spreadsheet, you can include notes on each source and its quality. This information can be helpful when you are writing your dissertation and need to refer back to your sources.

There are also columns where you can add in citations for each source. This means that all your references will be stored in one place, which will be super handy for when you come to create your bibliography.

The Architecture Dissertation Source Log is a free download. You can start filling it in right away or adjust and edit to your liking to make it your own.

Download your copy today!

As you analyse your data and research, your findings will shape your architecture dissertation, the topic and the big or small question that you are exploring. Make sure you leave the title, introduction and abstract till last.

There are different types of analysis when it comes to researching. The main ones you will be using for your architecture dissertation are visual analysis, textual analysis and historical analysis – although there are many more that you could draw on.

Obviously your choice of topic and question will determine what data you will be analysing but let’s look at this as an overview.

Textual content analysis This is a deep focus on the books, reports, papers and journals that you have identified as being an important part of your research. The areas you have ‘highlighted’ to be of interest should be studied in detail and notes taken as to why these points are important.

What is the author saying? Why is this important? How does it relate to your question, and your observations? Has the author written any other titles? Do they refer to other titles? Lots of questions to ask in order to draw out the information you are looking for.

Visual content analysis Visually, you will be looking at plans, maps, photographs and use your skills to question what you see. Analysis of the spaces, the site etc similar to a site analysis or precedent analysis .

There should be countless questions you could ask when analysing your visual findings, write down your observations.

Historical analysis Here you will focus on the historical events or situations that have had an impact on the topic or question that you are studying.

What were the circumstances at that time? Where do the ideas come from? What is the author focusing on? And so on.

Where appropriate, use maps, images, diagrams, drawings, surveys, time lines and data mapping to explore and present the data you have collected and analysed.

Check out our Mapping Techniques Pinterest board for some ideas:

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/1starchitecture/mapping-techniques/

The main things to consider here are:

What is your big question or topic?

What is the sub topic or smaller question that you are looking to answer?

What research and information will you draw on to answer the question?

How will you analyse the research?

How will you present or argue your findings?

Before presenting or putting together your final works, it is important to have a clear structure to your architecture dissertation and the research you have carried out.

By now, hopefully you will be clear on your topic and the question you are looking to answer. You will know what research you will draw on to inform your ideas, and how you will collect your data.

The clearer you can make your outline of how you want the structure of your dissertation to be, the easier it will be to write. If your ideas and concepts are in a muddle, the end result could mirror this.

Your university will most likely provide guidance on how you should structure your dissertation. Some UK university guidance examples include:

University of Westminster https://libguides.westminster.ac.uk/c.php?g=692395&p=4963012

University of Bath https://blogs.bath.ac.uk/academic-and-employability-skills/2020/07/07/writing-your-dissertations-structure-and-sections/

University of York https://subjectguides.york.ac.uk/dissertation/structure

In general a dissertation will typically follow the structure shown below:

Title Acknowledgements Abstract Table of contents List of figures and tables List of Abbreviations Glossary

Introduction Literature review Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion

Bibliography/Reference list Appendix

General Architecture Dissertation Tips 

1. Start work on your dissertation early.

2. Include references and citations to other scholars’ work.

3. Discuss the topic with other people.

4. Make the most of your tutorials, or any dedicated sessions.

5. Don’t get stuck on your title/topic. Let your data research lead and guide you.

6. Don’t feel you have to solve the world’s problems with your architecture dissertation. You are contributing to the research on a particular topic, don’t feel that your work has to result in a ground breaking solution to a worldwide problem.

7. Tell a story – make sure there is a flow to your architecture dissertation. Avoid using complex sentence structures and fancy words, make it readable. Always try to say more, with less – keep it simple.

8. Give yourself plenty of time to carry out your project from start to finish. Start early with your research – it takes a lot of time if it is to be done properly.

9. Make a schedule – dedicate chunks of time to your architecture dissertation. Ideally intersperse these studies with lighter tasks or something different like sport. It is difficult to write for more than 4 hours without becoming tired and inefficient so make sure your schedule allows for breaks and changes in activity.

10. If you are asking people for help in your data collection, make sure you give them lots of time to get back to you.

11. Be as direct and clear as you can in your writing, avoid fluffy over wordy sentences.

12. Make visual connections between your architecture dissertation topic and the way you design and set it up. Use a consistent style and readable fonts.

13. Get someone to proofread your work, ideally a couple of people.

14. Use your tutors for advice and guidance, that is what they are there for. Be sure to ask plenty of questions if you are not sure about something.

Topic Ideas

Here are some broad topic areas you could consider looking into when you are deciding what to write about.

1. Sustainable Architecture: This topic area focuses on designing and constructing buildings with a reduced environmental impact, incorporating energy-efficient systems, renewable materials, and sustainable design principles.

2. Urban Design and Planning: This area explores the planning, development, and design of cities and urban spaces, including aspects such as transportation systems, public spaces, infrastructure, and community development.

3. Historic Preservation and Conservation: This topic area delves into the preservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse of historic buildings and sites, considering the cultural and historical significance of architecture and the methods used to protect and maintain them.

4. Housing and Residential Architecture: This area focuses on the design and planning of housing solutions, including affordable housing, sustainable housing, multi-family dwellings, and innovative approaches to residential architecture.

5. Interior Design and Space Planning: This topic area examines the design and arrangement of interior spaces, exploring aspects such as ergonomics, aesthetics, functionality, and the use of materials and finishes to create effective and appealing interior environments.

6. Landscape Architecture: This area explores the design and planning of outdoor spaces, including parks, gardens, urban landscapes, and sustainable landscape design strategies that integrate natural and built elements.

7. Digital Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM): This topic area investigates the use of digital tools, technologies, and software in architectural design and construction processes, including topics like parametric design, computational design, and BIM implementation.

8. Cultural and Contextual Studies: This area examines the relationship between architecture and culture, exploring how buildings and urban environments reflect and influence social, cultural, and historical contexts.

9. Architectural Theory and Criticism: This topic area involves the exploration of theoretical concepts, critical analysis of architectural works, and the examination of philosophical, social, and cultural influences on architecture.

10. Human-Centred Design and Well-being: This area focuses on designing spaces that prioritise the well-being, comfort, and health of occupants, exploring topics such as biophilic design, universal design, and the impact of the built environment on human behaviour and psychology.

Remember to choose a topic that aligns with your interests and academic goals. It’s also essential to conduct thorough research to ensure that your chosen topic has sufficient scholarly literature available for reference.

Example Architecture Dissertation Studies Here are some examples of other dissertation topics to get you inspired.

1. Sustainable Architecture: Exploring innovative design strategies for energy-efficient and environmentally conscious buildings.

2. Adaptive Reuse: Analysing the potential of transforming abandoned or underutilised structures into functional spaces while preserving their historical significance.

3. Urban Planning and Design: Investigating strategies for creating inclusive and livable cities through thoughtful urban design and infrastructure development.

4. Biophilic Design: Exploring the integration of nature and natural elements within built environments to enhance well-being and productivity.

5. Parametric Design: Investigating the applications of computational design techniques and algorithms in creating complex architectural forms and structures.

6. Affordable Housing: Analysing design approaches and policies that address the pressing need for affordable and accessible housing solutions in urban areas.

7. Post-Disaster Reconstruction: Examining architectural responses and strategies for rebuilding communities affected by natural disasters and creating resilient built environments.

8. Heritage Conservation: Investigating methods and principles for preserving and conserving historic buildings and sites while adapting them for contemporary use.

9. Smart Cities: Exploring the integration of advanced technologies and data-driven solutions in urban environments to improve efficiency, sustainability, and quality of life.

10. Cultural Identity in Architecture: Analysing how architecture can reflect and reinforce cultural identity, exploring the relationship between built form and cultural heritage.

Helpful Links:​

Books The Dissertation: A Guide for Architecture Students                   

Resources There will be loads of useful websites and databases that you can access through your university. A few examples include:

Jstor https://www.jstor.org/

The Courtauld Institute’s Conway Library https://photocollections.courtauld.ac.uk/menu-item1/conway-library

Arts & Architecture http://www.artsandarchitecture.com/

Harvard Digital Collection Library https://library.harvard.edu/digital-collections

Getty Publications Virtual Library https://www.getty.edu/publications/virtuallibrary/

RIBApix https://www.ribapix.com/#

Architectural Association Photo Library https://photolibrary.aaschool.ac.uk/index.php?WINID=1684503427358

Archigram Archive https://www.mplus.org.hk/en/collection/archives/archigram-archive-ca36/

You might also be interested in:

We also have lots of incredible architecture content. Be sure to check it out:

Download the Guide!

Download this helpful article as a pdf to keep for reference later!

We hope this post helps you get started on your architecture dissertation.

Wishing you the very best of luck with your work 🙂

Thank you for reading!

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Dissertation Structure & Layout 101: How to structure your dissertation, thesis or research project.

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) Reviewed By: David Phair (PhD) | July 2019

So, you’ve got a decent understanding of what a dissertation is , you’ve chosen your topic and hopefully you’ve received approval for your research proposal . Awesome! Now its time to start the actual dissertation or thesis writing journey.

To craft a high-quality document, the very first thing you need to understand is dissertation structure . In this post, we’ll walk you through the generic dissertation structure and layout, step by step. We’ll start with the big picture, and then zoom into each chapter to briefly discuss the core contents. If you’re just starting out on your research journey, you should start with this post, which covers the big-picture process of how to write a dissertation or thesis .

*The Caveat *

In this post, we’ll be discussing a traditional dissertation/thesis structure and layout, which is generally used for social science research across universities, whether in the US, UK, Europe or Australia. However, some universities may have small variations on this structure (extra chapters, merged chapters, slightly different ordering, etc).

So, always check with your university if they have a prescribed structure or layout that they expect you to work with. If not, it’s safe to assume the structure we’ll discuss here is suitable. And even if they do have a prescribed structure, you’ll still get value from this post as we’ll explain the core contents of each section.  

Overview: S tructuring a dissertation or thesis

• Acknowledgements page
• Abstract (or executive summary)
• Table of contents , list of figures and tables
• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2: Literature review
• Chapter 3: Methodology
• Chapter 4: Results
• Chapter 5: Discussion
• Chapter 6: Conclusion
• Reference list

As I mentioned, some universities will have slight variations on this structure. For example, they want an additional “personal reflection chapter”, or they might prefer the results and discussion chapter to be merged into one. Regardless, the overarching flow will always be the same, as this flow reflects the research process , which we discussed here – i.e.:

• The introduction chapter presents the core research question and aims .
• The literature review chapter assesses what the current research says about this question.
• The methodology, results and discussion chapters go about undertaking new research about this question.
• The conclusion chapter (attempts to) answer the core research question .

In other words, the dissertation structure and layout reflect the research process of asking a well-defined question(s), investigating, and then answering the question – see below.

To restate that – the structure and layout of a dissertation reflect the flow of the overall research process . This is essential to understand, as each chapter will make a lot more sense if you “get” this concept. If you’re not familiar with the research process, read this post before going further.

Right. Now that we’ve covered the big picture, let’s dive a little deeper into the details of each section and chapter. Oh and by the way, you can also grab our free dissertation/thesis template here to help speed things up.

The title page of your dissertation is the very first impression the marker will get of your work, so it pays to invest some time thinking about your title. But what makes for a good title? A strong title needs to be 3 things:

• Succinct (not overly lengthy or verbose)
• Specific (not vague or ambiguous)
• Representative of the research you’re undertaking (clearly linked to your research questions)

Typically, a good title includes mention of the following:

• The broader area of the research (i.e. the overarching topic)
• The specific focus of your research (i.e. your specific context)
• Indication of research design (e.g. quantitative , qualitative , or  mixed methods ).

For example:

A quantitative investigation [research design] into the antecedents of organisational trust [broader area] in the UK retail forex trading market [specific context/area of focus].

Again, some universities may have specific requirements regarding the format and structure of the title, so it’s worth double-checking expectations with your institution (if there’s no mention in the brief or study material).

Acknowledgements

This page provides you with an opportunity to say thank you to those who helped you along your research journey. Generally, it’s optional (and won’t count towards your marks), but it is academic best practice to include this.

So, who do you say thanks to? Well, there’s no prescribed requirements, but it’s common to mention the following people:

• Your dissertation supervisor or committee.
• Any professors, lecturers or academics that helped you understand the topic or methodologies.
• Any tutors, mentors or advisors.
• Your family and friends, especially spouse (for adult learners studying part-time).

There’s no need for lengthy rambling. Just state who you’re thankful to and for what (e.g. thank you to my supervisor, John Doe, for his endless patience and attentiveness) – be sincere. In terms of length, you should keep this to a page or less.

Abstract or executive summary

The dissertation abstract (or executive summary for some degrees) serves to provide the first-time reader (and marker or moderator) with a big-picture view of your research project. It should give them an understanding of the key insights and findings from the research, without them needing to read the rest of the report – in other words, it should be able to stand alone .

For it to stand alone, your abstract should cover the following key points (at a minimum):

• Your research questions and aims – what key question(s) did your research aim to answer?
• Your methodology – how did you go about investigating the topic and finding answers to your research question(s)?
• Your findings – following your own research, what did do you discover?
• Your conclusions – based on your findings, what conclusions did you draw? What answers did you find to your research question(s)?

So, in much the same way the dissertation structure mimics the research process, your abstract or executive summary should reflect the research process, from the initial stage of asking the original question to the final stage of answering that question.

In practical terms, it’s a good idea to write this section up last , once all your core chapters are complete. Otherwise, you’ll end up writing and rewriting this section multiple times (just wasting time). For a step by step guide on how to write a strong executive summary, check out this post .

Need a helping hand?

Table of contents

This section is straightforward. You’ll typically present your table of contents (TOC) first, followed by the two lists – figures and tables. I recommend that you use Microsoft Word’s automatic table of contents generator to generate your TOC. If you’re not familiar with this functionality, the video below explains it simply:

If you find that your table of contents is overly lengthy, consider removing one level of depth. Oftentimes, this can be done without detracting from the usefulness of the TOC.

Right, now that the “admin” sections are out of the way, its time to move on to your core chapters. These chapters are the heart of your dissertation and are where you’ll earn the marks. The first chapter is the introduction chapter – as you would expect, this is the time to introduce your research…

It’s important to understand that even though you’ve provided an overview of your research in your abstract, your introduction needs to be written as if the reader has not read that (remember, the abstract is essentially a standalone document). So, your introduction chapter needs to start from the very beginning, and should address the following questions:

• What will you be investigating (in plain-language, big picture-level)?
• Why is that worth investigating? How is it important to academia or business? How is it sufficiently original?
• What are your research aims and research question(s)? Note that the research questions can sometimes be presented at the end of the literature review (next chapter).
• What is the scope of your study? In other words, what will and won’t you cover ?
• How will you approach your research? In other words, what methodology will you adopt?
• How will you structure your dissertation? What are the core chapters and what will you do in each of them?

These are just the bare basic requirements for your intro chapter. Some universities will want additional bells and whistles in the intro chapter, so be sure to carefully read your brief or consult your research supervisor.

If done right, your introduction chapter will set a clear direction for the rest of your dissertation. Specifically, it will make it clear to the reader (and marker) exactly what you’ll be investigating, why that’s important, and how you’ll be going about the investigation. Conversely, if your introduction chapter leaves a first-time reader wondering what exactly you’ll be researching, you’ve still got some work to do.

Now that you’ve set a clear direction with your introduction chapter, the next step is the literature review . In this section, you will analyse the existing research (typically academic journal articles and high-quality industry publications), with a view to understanding the following questions:

• What does the literature currently say about the topic you’re investigating?
• Is the literature lacking or well established? Is it divided or in disagreement?
• How does your research fit into the bigger picture?
• How does your research contribute something original?
• How does the methodology of previous studies help you develop your own?

Depending on the nature of your study, you may also present a conceptual framework towards the end of your literature review, which you will then test in your actual research.

Again, some universities will want you to focus on some of these areas more than others, some will have additional or fewer requirements, and so on. Therefore, as always, its important to review your brief and/or discuss with your supervisor, so that you know exactly what’s expected of your literature review chapter.

Now that you’ve investigated the current state of knowledge in your literature review chapter and are familiar with the existing key theories, models and frameworks, its time to design your own research. Enter the methodology chapter – the most “science-ey” of the chapters…

In this chapter, you need to address two critical questions:

• Exactly HOW will you carry out your research (i.e. what is your intended research design)?
• Exactly WHY have you chosen to do things this way (i.e. how do you justify your design)?

Remember, the dissertation part of your degree is first and foremost about developing and demonstrating research skills . Therefore, the markers want to see that you know which methods to use, can clearly articulate why you’ve chosen then, and know how to deploy them effectively.

Importantly, this chapter requires detail – don’t hold back on the specifics. State exactly what you’ll be doing, with who, when, for how long, etc. Moreover, for every design choice you make, make sure you justify it.

In practice, you will likely end up coming back to this chapter once you’ve undertaken all your data collection and analysis, and revise it based on changes you made during the analysis phase. This is perfectly fine. Its natural for you to add an additional analysis technique, scrap an old one, etc based on where your data lead you. Of course, I’m talking about small changes here – not a fundamental switch from qualitative to quantitative, which will likely send your supervisor in a spin!

You’ve now collected your data and undertaken your analysis, whether qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods. In this chapter, you’ll present the raw results of your analysis . For example, in the case of a quant study, you’ll present the demographic data, descriptive statistics, inferential statistics , etc.

Typically, Chapter 4 is simply a presentation and description of the data, not a discussion of the meaning of the data. In other words, it’s descriptive, rather than analytical – the meaning is discussed in Chapter 5. However, some universities will want you to combine chapters 4 and 5, so that you both present and interpret the meaning of the data at the same time. Check with your institution what their preference is.

Now that you’ve presented the data analysis results, its time to interpret and analyse them. In other words, its time to discuss what they mean, especially in relation to your research question(s).

What you discuss here will depend largely on your chosen methodology. For example, if you’ve gone the quantitative route, you might discuss the relationships between variables . If you’ve gone the qualitative route, you might discuss key themes and the meanings thereof. It all depends on what your research design choices were.

Most importantly, you need to discuss your results in relation to your research questions and aims, as well as the existing literature. What do the results tell you about your research questions? Are they aligned with the existing research or at odds? If so, why might this be? Dig deep into your findings and explain what the findings suggest, in plain English.

The final chapter – you’ve made it! Now that you’ve discussed your interpretation of the results, its time to bring it back to the beginning with the conclusion chapter . In other words, its time to (attempt to) answer your original research question s (from way back in chapter 1). Clearly state what your conclusions are in terms of your research questions. This might feel a bit repetitive, as you would have touched on this in the previous chapter, but its important to bring the discussion full circle and explicitly state your answer(s) to the research question(s).

Next, you’ll typically discuss the implications of your findings? In other words, you’ve answered your research questions – but what does this mean for the real world (or even for academia)? What should now be done differently, given the new insight you’ve generated?

Lastly, you should discuss the limitations of your research, as well as what this means for future research in the area. No study is perfect, especially not a Masters-level. Discuss the shortcomings of your research. Perhaps your methodology was limited, perhaps your sample size was small or not representative, etc, etc. Don’t be afraid to critique your work – the markers want to see that you can identify the limitations of your work. This is a strength, not a weakness. Be brutal!

This marks the end of your core chapters – woohoo! From here on out, it’s pretty smooth sailing.

The reference list is straightforward. It should contain a list of all resources cited in your dissertation, in the required format, e.g. APA , Harvard, etc.

It’s essential that you use reference management software for your dissertation. Do NOT try handle your referencing manually – its far too error prone. On a reference list of multiple pages, you’re going to make mistake. To this end, I suggest considering either Mendeley or Zotero. Both are free and provide a very straightforward interface to ensure that your referencing is 100% on point. I’ve included a simple how-to video for the Mendeley software (my personal favourite) below:

Some universities may ask you to include a bibliography, as opposed to a reference list. These two things are not the same . A bibliography is similar to a reference list, except that it also includes resources which informed your thinking but were not directly cited in your dissertation. So, double-check your brief and make sure you use the right one.

The very last piece of the puzzle is the appendix or set of appendices. This is where you’ll include any supporting data and evidence. Importantly, supporting is the keyword here.

Your appendices should provide additional “nice to know”, depth-adding information, which is not critical to the core analysis. Appendices should not be used as a way to cut down word count (see this post which covers how to reduce word count ). In other words, don’t place content that is critical to the core analysis here, just to save word count. You will not earn marks on any content in the appendices, so don’t try to play the system!

Time to recap…

And there you have it – the traditional dissertation structure and layout, from A-Z. To recap, the core structure for a dissertation or thesis is (typically) as follows:

• Acknowledgments page

Most importantly, the core chapters should reflect the research process (asking, investigating and answering your research question). Moreover, the research question(s) should form the golden thread throughout your dissertation structure. Everything should revolve around the research questions, and as you’ve seen, they should form both the start point (i.e. introduction chapter) and the endpoint (i.e. conclusion chapter).

I hope this post has provided you with clarity about the traditional dissertation/thesis structure and layout. If you have any questions or comments, please leave a comment below, or feel free to get in touch with us. Also, be sure to check out the rest of the  Grad Coach Blog .

Psst... there’s more!

This post was based on one of our popular Research Bootcamps . If you're working on a research project, you'll definitely want to check this out ...

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36 Comments

many thanks i found it very useful

Glad to hear that, Arun. Good luck writing your dissertation.

Such clear practical logical advice. I very much needed to read this to keep me focused in stead of fretting.. Perfect now ready to start my research!

what about scientific fields like computer or engineering thesis what is the difference in the structure? thank you very much

Thanks so much this helped me a lot!

Very helpful and accessible. What I like most is how practical the advice is along with helpful tools/ links.

Thanks Ade!

Thank you so much sir.. It was really helpful..

You’re welcome!

Hi! How many words maximum should contain the abstract?

Thank you so much 😊 Find this at the right moment

You’re most welcome. Good luck with your dissertation.

best ever benefit i got on right time thank you

Many times Clarity and vision of destination of dissertation is what makes the difference between good ,average and great researchers the same way a great automobile driver is fast with clarity of address and Clear weather conditions .

I guess Great researcher = great ideas + knowledge + great and fast data collection and modeling + great writing + high clarity on all these

You have given immense clarity from start to end.

Morning. Where will I write the definitions of what I’m referring to in my report?

Thank you so much Derek, I was almost lost! Thanks a tonnnn! Have a great day!

Thanks ! so concise and valuable

This was very helpful. Clear and concise. I know exactly what to do now.

Thank you for allowing me to go through briefly. I hope to find time to continue.

Really useful to me. Thanks a thousand times

Very interesting! It will definitely set me and many more for success. highly recommended.

Thank you soo much sir, for the opportunity to express my skills

Usefull, thanks a lot. Really clear

Very nice and easy to understand. Thank you .

That was incredibly useful. Thanks Grad Coach Crew!

My stress level just dropped at least 15 points after watching this. Just starting my thesis for my grad program and I feel a lot more capable now! Thanks for such a clear and helpful video, Emma and the GradCoach team!

Do we need to mention the number of words the dissertation contains in the main document?

It depends on your university’s requirements, so it would be best to check with them 🙂

Such a helpful post to help me get started with structuring my masters dissertation, thank you!

Great video; I appreciate that helpful information

It is so necessary or avital course

This blog is very informative for my research. Thank you

Doctoral students are required to fill out the National Research Council’s Survey of Earned Doctorates

wow this is an amazing gain in my life

This is so good

How can i arrange my specific objectives in my dissertation?

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Successful thesis proposals in architecture and urban planning

Archnet-IJAR

ISSN : 2631-6862

Article publication date: 1 May 2020

Issue publication date: 11 November 2020

The purpose of this research is to improve the understanding of what constitutes a successful thesis proposal (TP) and as such enhance the quality of the TP writing in architecture, planning and related disciplines.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on extended personal experience and a review of relevant literature, the authors proposed a conception of a successful TP comprising 13 standard components. The conception provides specific definition/s, attributes and success rules for each component. The conception was applied for 15 years on several batches of Saudi graduate students. The implications of the conception were assessed by a students' opinion survey. An expert inquiry of experienced academics from architectural schools in nine countries was applied to validate and improve the conception.

Assessment of the proposed conception demonstrated several positive implications on students' knowledge, performance and outputs which illustrates its applicability in real life. Experts' validation of the conception and constructive remarks have enabled further improvements on the definitions, attributes and success rules of the TP components.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed TP conception with its 13 components is limited to standard problem-solving research and will differ in the case of other types such as hypothesis-based research.

Practical implications

The proposed conception is a useful directive and evaluative tool for writing and assessing thesis proposals for graduate students, academic advisors and examiners.

Social implications

The research contributes to improving the quality of thesis production process among the academic community in the built environment fields.

Originality/value

The paper is meant to alleviate the confusion and hardship caused by the absence of a consensus on what constitutes a successful TP in the fields of architecture, urban planning and related disciplines.

• Urban planning
• Architecture
• Built environment
• Postgraduate research
• Writing successful thesis proposals

Abdellatif, M. and Abdellatif, R. (2020), "Successful thesis proposals in architecture and urban planning", Archnet-IJAR , Vol. 14 No. 3, pp. 503-524. https://doi.org/10.1108/ARCH-12-2019-0281

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Mahmoud Abdellatif and Reham Abdellatif

Published by Emerald Publishing Limited. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this licence may be seen at http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode .

1. Introduction

After the postgraduate student completes her/his coursework in a master programme or passes the comprehensive exam and becomes a doctoral candidate in a doctoral programme, s/he is allowed to submit a “Thesis Proposal” (TP) to her/his department whose main concern is to assess whether the topic is suitable for a graduate study and for the time and resources available ( Afful, 2008 ; Kivunja, 2016 ; Reddy, 2019 ).

The department then sends the submitted TP to higher bodies for official approval. Once approved, the TP becomes a legal binding or “a formal contract” ( Walliman, 2017 ) and “a statement of intent” ( Hofstee, 2006 ) between the researcher and the university. If the student adheres to all prescribed TP requirements within the specified time, s/he will be awarded the degree ( Leo, 2019 ).

Guided by his/her academic advisor, the student prepares the TP within which the researcher explains the research problem, questions, aim and objectives, scope, and methodologies to describe, analyse and synthesize the research problem and develop solutions for it ( Paltridge and Starfield, 2007 ). In addition, the proposal includes a brief about research significance and expected contributions; a preliminary review of literature; thesis structure and approximate completion timeline; and a list of relevant references ( Kivunja, 2016 ; Thomas, 2016 ; Kornuta and Germaine, 2019 ).

1.1 Statement of the problem and research aim

After decades of writing, supervising and refereeing master and doctoral theses in the fields of Architecture and Urban Planning, the authors noticed that TP's differ in format and content from a school to another. This may be considered a healthy matter because it gives room for flexibility that absorbs the variety of research problems and techniques. Yet, the absence of a consensus on what constitutes a successful TP could cause confusion and hardship to both students and advisors ( Kamler and Thomson, 2008 ; Abdulai and Owusu-Ansah, 2014 ). The review of literature indicates that TP writing has been tackled in depth in many fields (see for instance Gonzalez, 2007 ; Balakumar et al. , 2013 ; Eco, 2015 ; Kivunja, 2016 ; Glatthorn and Randy, 2018 ; Kornuta and Germaine, 2019 ). Apart from thesis proposal instruction and guideline manuals posted on universities' websites, the authors believe that there is a lack of in-depth research on the issue of producing successful thesis proposals in the fields of Architecture and Planning.

To propose a successful TP conception which determines the standard components of TP and sets specific definitions, attributes and rules of success for each component.

To apply the proposed conception on several batches of graduate students, then assess its impact on students' performance and output along the years of application.

To validate the proposed conception by getting the insights of experienced academics from architecture and planning schools worldwide, and as such, improve and finalize the conception.

1.2 Research methodology

To propose the Successful TP Conception , the authors relied on two sources: knowledge extracted from their extended experience and a review of relevant studies and instruction manuals and guidelines for preparing TP in several worldwide universities. The Conception has been applied on several batches of master and doctoral students from IAU, KSA for almost 15 years between 2005 and 2020 during their enrolment in three courses in the College of Architecture and Planning, IAU, KSA. These courses are “ARPL 603 Research Methods” and “BISC 600 Research Methods” for the master's level and “URPL 803 Seminar (3): Doctoral Research Methods” for the doctoral level.

From a total of 60 students, 39 students (65%) completed the survey; of whom 12 students (31%) were doctoral and 27 students (69%) were masters students.

- Improve their understanding of the components of a successful TP.

- Enhance their performance in developing their TP's.

- Conduct a more effective self-assessment of their developed TP's.

- Enhance their performance along other stages of producing their theses and dissertations.

- Maintain any other benefits adding to students' research capabilities.

The first part recorded the general characteristics of respondents.

The second inquired about experts' viewpoints on the definitions, attributes and the rules of success of the components of the proposed TP conception.

2. Proposing the Successful TP Conception

2.1 components of a tp for a standard problem-solving research type.

A review of thesis writing guidelines posted on universities' websites and other related literature has indicated that the number of components of a masters' or doctoral thesis proposal varies. After a thorough review of related literature and with their experience, the authors have been convinced that, in its standard form, a TP should include 13 components. Chronically arranged, as appearing in the proposal, they are: title page, abstract, keywords, background, statement of the problem, research questions, research aim and objectives, research scope, research significance and contributions, preliminary review of literature, research methodology, thesis structure and timeline, and references list ( Ostler, 1996 ; Simpson and Turner, 2004 ; Zhou, 2004 ; Davies, 2011 ; Axelrod and Windell, 2012 ; Donohue, 2018 ; Glatthorn and Randy, 2018 ; Kornuta and Germaine, 2019 ). It is worth mentioning that these 13 components will differ in the case of a hypothesis-based research whose aim is to validate a specific hypothesis that a specific variable/s is/are or is/are not the main cause/s of an investigated research problem. This paper is limited only to the standard problem-solving research type.

2.2 Building the Successful TP Conception

Setting a general definition for each component including its meaning, importance, functions and contents.

Outlining the most important attributes that must be considered when writing the component.

Based on step 1 and 2, the authors extracted a list of success rules which provides a concise definition for each component of the TP, and/or describes the relationship between the component and other components of the TP (the list is summarized at the end of Part 2).

2.2.1 Research title

This is the first item that appears to the reader. It invites or detains him/her from proceeding to other contents ( Blaxter et al. , 2010 ). The research title is positioned in the title page along with several basic data, namely, the title; the names of the Department, College, University, study programme, researcher and advisory committee; and submission date.

The research title should be useful, discussing an issue critical to society; true, conveying a real message about the investigated problem ( Donohue, 2018 ); concise, presenting the message with the minimum number of words; adequate, using the right wording to explain the intended meaning; and attractive , stimulating the reader's attention. Iterations in refining the research title go hand-in-hand with refining the research question ( Groat and Wang, 2013 ).

2.2.2 The abstract

It is the first item that appears in the TP after the title and of the same significance; yet, it is the last to be written ( Kornuta and Germaine, 2019 ). It has a marketing function ( Lamanauskas, 2019 ); it calls the reader in or alienates him out. A comprehensive abstract contains a summary of the problem, aim, scope, methodology, importance, contributions and outline ( Koopman, 1997 ).

The Abstract should be concise or brief with a maximum of 200–300 words; adequate, including profiles of all parts of the proposal; clear, expressing its message without ambiguity; and interrelated, serving as a body of sequential, coherent and connected ideas ( Blaxter et al. , 2010 ).

2.2.3 The keywords

These are a set of words or terms used for archiving, tabulation and electronic search on databases. They should include essential “subject terms” describing the research topic, the unique sub-specializations and focus of the research (what is researched), the contextual scope of the research (where and when), and the used research methodology (how to conduct the research) ( Lamanauskas, 2019 ). They are better written by splitting the title into its separate single words or terms which must be found in the abstract, as well ( Mack, 2012 ).

Keywords should be brief, not more than 8–12 words; adequate, conveying the research theme, scope, aim and approach; exact, focusing on the investigated topic and scope; and standard, using scientific terminology used in the field.

2.2.4 The background

This is a gradual preparation of the reader from the larger scientific field to the specific field, from the wider geographic area to the immediate area, and from the larger timeframe to the immediate one. It starts from the strategic level and general scope of the research and gradually reaches the level closer to the examined problem ( Abdellatif and Abdellatif, 2005 ). It places the study within the larger context of the research, creates interest to the reader and catches his attention, and includes quotations and statistics leading the reader to proceed ( Babbie, 2014 ).

The background statement should be striking, drawing the reader's attention to the research; brief, not lengthy; gradual, moving from the general level surrounding the investigated issue to the specific level; and careful, not speeding up in disclosing the study problem, aim or methodology to the reader ( Axelrod and Windell, 2012 ; Pautasso, 2013 ).

2.2.5 The statement of the problem

Statement of the General Research Problem is a narrative describing a negative aspect/s prevailing in the investigated urban environment/ecosystem or architectural setting; it is equivalent to the negative wording of the research aim ( Abdellatif and Abdellatif, 2005 ). It stimulates interest in the study; scientifically explained to convey a simple, clear and specific issue to which a reader can relate and is useful to the society at large ( Balakumar et al. , 2013 ). In the humanities and social sciences many dissertations endeavour to establish the conditions of the problem, not to solve it ( Dorst, 2011 ).

In formulating the research problem, it is useful to consider it a problem which hinders the natural development of the society and/or environment and leads to a decline in the Quality of Life (QOL) or Quality of Environment (QOE) or both. A development problem is a factor/cause leading to either a quantitative or qualitative deficiency in satisfying a human need or both such as a lack of certain service or inadequate provision of the service ( Abdellatif, 2015 ). To arrive at a successful statement of the general problem, the researcher should pinpoint the main cause/s behind the study problem. All what comes next depends on the clarity of the problem statement.

Technically oriented research (TOR), which places emphasis on the process and procedures as the primary basis of effective design, TOR can be either systematic, or computational, or managerial.

Conceptually driven research (CDR), which can be either psychological or person–environment. The psychological type is driven by the goal of matching knowledge with the nature of the design problem, its components, context and social and environmental requirements. Whereas, the person–environment type places emphasis on the socio-cultural and socio-behavioural factors as they relate to the design process itself and to settings, buildings and urban environments.

Classify the investigated situation to branched dimensions, e.g. demographic, planning, regulatory, economic, social, environmental, etc.

Trace the causes or the influencing factors that lead to the emergence or aggravation of the problem/s in each dimension.

Clarify the problem more by identifying the consequences or adverse effects (the symptoms of the problem) that resulted from those causes. This helps isolate the causes from the consequences to focus on treating the causes not the consequences. Using temporary painkillers will not eliminate the disease; it only tranquilizes the symptoms.

Statement of the consequences of the problem is a narrative that describes the negative effects caused by sub-problems on the investigated environment ( Goetz et al. , 2005 ).

The statement of consequences of the problem should be focused, where each consequence focuses on one independent sub-problem; articulate, not overlapping with other consequences; rooted, relating to one of the roots of the general problems; deep, providing description for specific symptom; and comprehended, could be perceived, described and determined ( Abdellatif, 2015 ).

2.2.6 Research questions

What is the nature of the development problem as defined by the latest findings of previous literature, similar studies and published statistical reports?

What are the key features of the investigated problem according to a direct field survey?

What are the appropriate links between different variables of the study (causes, consequences, etc.) according to the information gathered from the theoretical review and field surveys?

What are the extracted results and the appropriate solutions and/or recommendations to deal with the general research problem and its sub-problems?

What are the critical contributions of the research findings on the life and/or environmental qualities?

How can the research increase the benefits of research results on the ground?

What are the research areas/points that need further investigation?

Research questions should be specific, each question addresses one sub-problem; unduplicated, each question does not repeat itself in a different format; sequential, or arranged according to their importance and order; and interrelated, where each question relates to other questions.

2.2.7 Research aim, goals and objectives

The general aim of the research is a specific and clear statement presenting the overall purpose of the study. It is directed to find an appropriate and effective solution to the general research problem ( Donohue, 2018 ). It is an attempt to fill a gap between a negative reality of an environment/ecosystem/or development situation and a desired positive future to be achieved at the end of the research process ( Glatthorn and Randy, 2018 ). The aim should be properly stated to ensure the success of all the following stages of the scientific research process.

Exploring the problem by defining the research problem, formulating aim and objectives, designing the methodology, defining the scope, and highlighting the expected contributions.

Collecting secondary data by defining basic concepts and terms, reviewing relevant literature and previous studies, and describing the most important characteristics of the investigated environment from secondary sources and statistical reports.

Collecting primary data via direct field surveys and based on the views of concerned population, experts and officials to describe the characteristics of the investigated development problem.

Analysing the gathered data by using theoretical and field data to determine the appropriate links among different variables of the study (e.g. causes, consequences, etc.).

Synthesizing the gathered data by integrating the findings of analysis to build appropriate approaches or solutions to deal with the general problem.

Extracting conclusions and writing recommendations to highlight research findings and make them more useful and effective.

A micro level objective contributes to solving the specific investigated problem (e.g. a specific quantitative or qualitative problem that hinders the development of a sector of society, environment, or eco-system).

A macro level objective contributes to realizing a higher goal (e.g. improving the overall quality of life of a larger community, upgrading the quality of the larger environment, etc.).

Development objectives should apply the SMART goal rule (previously explained); and be non-overlapping by ensuring that each objective is focused and not conflicting with other objectives.

2.2.8 Research scope

Thematic scope clarifies the general and specific areas of the research (e.g. the research falls within the field of sustainable development in general and focuses on social sustainability).

Geographic/Spatial scope specifies the spatial boundaries of the physical environment within which the research is applied (e.g. a specific local or regional setting).

Temporal scope shows the past, present and future spans the research will cover indicating the number of years from the historical information inventory until the expected completion date. If the research aim is to develop future strategies or policies, the span will extend to future target point.

Research Scope should be categorized, by being classified by subject, place and time; focused, by reaching the closest limits of the investigated research problem, environment and time; and clear, by not being so general or ambiguous.

2.2.9 Research significance and contributions

They highlight the most important benefits and the main beneficiaries from solving the research problem; the potential positive impacts of the study on the life and environmental qualities ( Groat and Wang, 2013 ). Contributions differ in nature (theoretical or applied or both) and in size (huge, average, or marginal). There is a positive relationship between the size of contributions and the size of impacted beneficiaries (individuals, groups, institutions, communities, societies), the scale of the impacted geographic boundaries (local, national or global), the type of impacted development sectors (service, production, etc.) and the numbers of the impacted sectors (one, a few, or all sectors). Research significance increases as the size of contributions increases. Specifying the research significance, expected contributions and potential beneficiaries helps promote the research and provides rational justifications for conducting it. The higher the contributions and the greater the sectors of the beneficiaries, the more significant the research is ( Abdellatif and Abdellatif, 2005 ). According to Balakumar et al. (2013) research significance justifies the need for the research that is being proposed.

Research significance and expected contributions should be categorized, in terms of type (theoretical or applied contribution or both), size and nature of the beneficiaries (individuals, institutions, communities, etc.) and geographical extent (small site, district, city, region, nation, etc.); clear, simple and comprehensible to the reader; and realistic, real, accurate and not exaggerated.

2.2.10 The preliminary review of literature

This is an initial review of literature dealt with relevant problems. It aims to build an initial understanding of the problem, identify the most important variables that have been considered, cite methodologies used to deal with the problem; make use of the latest findings and record the various recommendations/solutions suggested to deal with the problem ( Hart, 1998 ; Grix, 2001 ). According to Dunleavy (2003) , it is a critical review on related recent research that is well documented, structured, analysed and synthesized. It offers the researcher an opportunity to engage with other scholars in one's disciplinary community.

In addition to having a separate part, it is useful to combine the literature review with other components of the TP (e.g. the research problem, questions, aim and objectives, and methodology). It is important that the review presents differing perspectives or contrasting views of the topic and reports the complexities of the issue ( Kornuta and Germaine, 2019 ). By conducting the review, the researcher becomes able to build an initial but comprehensive understanding of the causes and consequences of the problem, the methodologies used to study and analyse the problem and the solutions proposed to deal with it by synthesizing various viewpoints of previous studies, thereby, supporting her/his principle argument about the study problem with the results derived from previous literature ( Pautasso, 2013 ).

Definitions of key terms and concepts; standard terms to appear in the research and special concepts which are not formally provided by previous scholars. The definitions must be logic and derived from scientifically recognized sources.

Review of previous studies; focusing on identifying several issues, namely, the most important dimensions and variables of the research problem (the causes of the problem; why the problem has emerged or aggravated; the most important consequences of this problem on the human and/or physical environment); the methods used to deal with the problem; the latest findings of previous studies and the various approaches/solutions suggested to deal with the problem.

Contextual aspects of the investigated development situation; including a review of relevant characteristics of the researched environment (its basic dimensions and elements) as found in previous studies. Contextual aspects may be classified into physical and human components; or into environmental, functional, aesthetic, structural, economic and social design determinants; or into demographic, planning, regulatory, economic, social, environmental sectors or other classifications.

Preliminary review of literature should be indexed, from reliable scholarly sources; categorized or documented according to standard classification system; employed, used wisely to achieve a desired purpose; up to date, recent, however, in topics which address chronological development or evolutionary aspects references could be recent and old; and related, relevant to the study problem ( Hart, 1998 ).

2.2.11 Research methodology

Data collection methods including office methods used to collect secondary data from previous literature and case studies as well as field methods used to gather original data through field visits, surveying, questionnaires, interviews with stakeholders, etc.

Data analysis methods including methods used to analyse both the secondary and primary information collected from office and the field surveys such as Statistical Analysis, Environmental Scanning (SWOT), Development Components Analysis, etc.

Data synthesis methods including methods used to compile, synthesize the analysis and develop appropriate alternative scenarios or solutions to deal with the problem.

Data presentation methods including methods to present the research process and findings such as scientific research paper containing narratives, tables, figures, forms, maps, results and recommendations as well as final visual presentation to review panel to get remarks and write the last version of the TP.

Research methodology should be appropriate, aligned with the purpose/s in which they will be used; achievable, within the reach of the researcher; effective, achieving the purpose fast and with high quality; reliable, previously tested, applied and approved in similar cases; and precise, accurate and specific.

2.2.12 Research structure and timeline

This is a brief statement of the main sections of the master's/doctoral thesis with tentative dates for completing the various stages of the research. Careful preparation of research structure and timeline ensures the effectiveness and integrity of the plan of actions towards the completion of the study ( Kivunja, 2016 ). It is also a criterion to judge the achieved progress and seriousness of the researcher.

Research structure and timeline should be sequential, arranged according to a standard scientific research process; logical, proportionate to the total period available for completion; and balanced, distributing time properly among various stages.

2.2.13 The list of references

This is a list which contains a reasonable number of relevant references on the topic which were actually cited in the TP ( Kornuta and Germaine, 2019 ). Including a list of the references about the topic demonstrates that the researcher is familiar with the basic and latest knowledge on his/her problem.

The list of references should be relevant, closely related to the investigated subject; up to date, recent yet containing old and new according the topic and context; and reliable, published in dependable vessels.

2.3 Extracting the success rules

Based on the above definitions and attributes provided for each of the 13 TP components, the authors were able to extract a number of success rules that took the form of equations, each of which describes an equality function between each component and its counterpart component/s as shown in Table 1 . For instance, rule #1 shows that “research title” is equal to “the general aim of the research” and is equal to “the negative wording of the research problem”.

3. Assessing the Successful TP Conception from students' viewpoints

They better understood the meanings of each component (97% agree and strongly agree and 3% neutral).

They better understood the attributes of each component (94% agree and strongly agree and 6% neutral).

They better understood the rules which control the relations between the various components of the TP (87% agree and strongly agree and 13% neutral).

The process of writing the proposal has become easier and more convenient (100% agree and strongly agree).

The effort, cost and time spent in submitting the proposal have been substantially saved (87% agree and strongly and 12% neutral).

The relationship with academic advisor has improved (87% agree and strongly agree and 12% neutral).

The students' confidence in advancing their own learning abilities has improved (93% agree and strongly agree and 7% neutral).

The students' abilities to address the strengths and weaknesses of their personal skills have improved (93% agree and strongly agree and 7% neutral).

The students' abilities to manage their learning process more independently have improved (90% agree and strongly agree, 7% neutral and 3% disagree).

The students have created a clearer and better mutual understanding with their academic advisors (90% agree and strongly agree and 10% neutral).

The students have reduced their distraction from the original target set out in the proposal (81% agree and strongly agree, 16% neutral and 3% disagree).

The students have been able to finish their research on time (78% agree and strongly agree, 19% neutral and 3% disagree).

They gained better analytical skills (87% agree and strongly agree, 10% neutral and 3% disagree).

They gained better problem-solving skills (87% agree and strongly agree, 10% neutral and 3% disagree).

They gained better critical thinking skills (87% agree and strongly agree, 10% neutral and 3% disagree).

4. Verifying the Successful TP Conception based on experts' viewpoints

Having proposed, applied and assessed the Successful TP Conception, it becomes important to validate it using the insights of experienced academics from Architectural and Planning schools worldwide. This part summarizes the results of the experts' inquiry survey conducted in November 2019 to February 2020. It shows the characteristics of experts and their viewpoints and remarks on the originally proposed definitions, attributes and success rules.

4.1 Experts' characteristics

They were from nine countries, namely, the United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain.

About 75% of the experts were males and 25% were females. About 5% were 35–45 years old, 20% were 45–55 years, 55% were 55–65 years and 20% were 65 years and over.

About 5% were Assistant Professors, 10% Associate Professors and the majority (85%) were Professors.

The experts had teaching experiences in undergraduate and graduate levels (masters, doctoral, diploma, postdoctoral and continuing professional development).

The general specialization of 70% of the experts was Architecture and 30% of experts were specialized in Urban Planning. They taught in several built environment fields (Architecture, Interior Design, Building Technology, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture and Urban and Regional Planning).

The experts had several focus areas, namely, Architecture, History and Theories of Architecture, Assessment of Designed Environments, Design Methods, Pedagogy, Architecture and Digital Technologies, Heritage Conservation, Middle East Architecture and Cities, Construction Project Management, Urban Design, Spatial Development Planning, Landscape, Built Environment and Behaviour, Urban Studies, Techniques and Quantitative Methods of Urban Planning, Urban Conflict, Urban Justice, Community Development, Environmental Management and Planning and Development Approaches.

About 10% of the experts supervised 5 theses, 5% supervised 6–10 theses, 50% supervised 11–20 theses and 35% supervised more than 20 theses.

4.2 Experts' viewpoints and remarks

Concerning the proposed definitions of the TP components, the experts expressed their agreement which ranged between 73 and 96%. Some experts provided additional remarks to help improve the definitions. Table 2 presents the originally proposed definitions, the percentages of agreed experts and their additional remarks.

Regarding the attributes of each component of the TP, the original conception proposed 38 attributes, the experts added 18 attributes resulting in a total of 56 attributes. Table 3 presents a matrix showing the percentages of experts' agreement of the originally proposed attributes as well as the added attributes. The lowest agreement percentage was 59% and the highest was 96%.

Concerning the proposed success rules which were called “equations” in the originally proposed conception, the experts suggested to change the expression into “rules”; which is more appropriate for subjective contents than mathematical expression. Table 4 presents the final 19 success rules for the components/sub-components of a TP and the percentage of experts' agreement which ranged between 57 and 95%.

5. Conclusion

Based on their experience in preparing and supervising masters and doctoral theses and after a thorough review of the literature on preparing thesis proposals, the authors drafted a conception of a successful thesis proposal comprising specific definitions, attributes and rules for each of the 13 components of a standard TP. The conception had been applied over a duration of 15 years (2005–2020) on several batches of master and doctoral students in IAU, KSA. Through an online survey, the majority of students (78–100%) have indicated that understanding and applying the conception helped them improve their performances and outputs during the TP development process and beyond.

The conception was then validated by getting the insights of 39 experienced academics from worldwide architectural schools. The experts accepted the proposed definitions with (73–96%) agreement rate. The experts also accepted the proposed attributes with (59–96%) agreement rate. As for the success rules, the experts' agreed as well with an acceptance rate ranging from (57–95%). The experts suggested constructive remarks which were considered in writing the final version of the conception.

The extracted success rules combine the definitions and attributes of each component of the TP and present them in a concise statement which defines the component and, where applicable, exemplifies its relationship to another corresponding or counterpart component of the TP. For example, rule #1 shows that “research title” should reflect “the general aim and scope of the research” and should also reflect “the negative wording of the research problem”. Extracted also is rule #14 which indicates that “the whole thesis proposal” written in future tenses, should resemble “the introduction of the final thesis” written in past tenses.

A directive tool that assists the researcher in writing a sound TP. Combining the last three tables (2, 3 and 4) into a comprehensive checklist would aid the students in preparing their TP's; enhancing the quality of their performance and outputs.

An evaluative tool that helps in assessing the validity and integrity of the submitted TP's that can be used by the researcher for self-assessment, or by the academic advisor, or by an examiner/evaluator before sending the proposal to higher authorities for approval.

The findings of this paper could be useful not only in evaluating thesis proposals, but also, with proper modifications, in assessing various scientific research documents, including scientific thesis, research papers and others; which is another research topic that will be addressed in the future.

The stages of developing the successful thesis proposal conception

Proposed list of success rules for the TP components

An extracted list of success rules for thesis proposals

Source(s) : Prepared by the authors based on the above analysis and the results of expert inquiry

Abdellatif , M. ( 2015 ), The Simplifying-Integrating Approach to Deal with Contemporary Design, Planning and Urban Development Problems , Scientific Publication Center, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University , Dammam .

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the sincere assistance provided by the team of experts from several Architectural Schools worldwide to verify and improve the TP Conception. Appreciation is also extended to the post graduate students of the College of Architecture and Planning, IAU, who have positively responded to the students' opinion survey.

Corresponding author

About the authors.

Mahmoud Abdellatif is a Professor of Urban and Regional Planning, College of Architecture and Planning, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU), Dammam, Saudi Arabia. He received an MSc from Assuit University, Egypt in 1977 and another MSc from Iowa State University in 1981 and a PhD degree from Texas A&M University in 1985. He has taught and practiced Architecture and Urban Planning for more than 45 years in Egypt, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. His main research focus is on research methods, strategic planning and design and development approaches. He is currently the adviser of IAU Vice President for Studies, Development and Community Services. His last book (published in Arabic) entitled The Simplifying-Integrating Approach to Contemporary Design, Planning and Urban Development articulates his own problem-solving approach. He is the principle editor of the Strategic Plan of Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University 2018–2025.

Reham Abdellatif is an Assistant Professor in Architecture, College of Design, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU), Dammam, Saudi Arabia. She obtained an MSc degree from Assiut University in 2003 and a PhD degree from Newcastle University, UK, in 2012. She has taught and practiced Architecture and Interior Design for more than 22 years in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Her main research focus is on Architectural Education and Curriculum Development, Analysing Design Learning Activities, Distant/Online Learning, Communication and Computation, VR and Information Technologies in Architecture. She ran the interior design curriculum development committee in Assiut University and in IAU.

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A guide on how to write/structure a dissertation report

A dissertation is academic writing based on research on a specialized subject of choice. It is generally an integral part of all fields of higher education. It is sometimes also required for a bachelor’s degree . In the case of an architectural thesis, dissertations /thesis reports are a systematic explanation of one’s approach to their respective topics. It is a detailed personal account of the research and processes of design that went into the completion of the thesis project.

The structuring of a thesis dissertation proposal or report will most likely differ for every individual based on the nature of their project. Several elements come into account for its structuring such as the location, function, discipline, and approach to the topic itself. The report however has to follow some basic guidelines as expected from a piece of academic writing. The sections may overlap or get condensed into a section according to individual requirements and are also subject to change depending on the subject being written about. 

Keeping these fundamentals into account, listed below are a gist of topics that are required to be covered for a dissertation report.

1. Title Page

The title page should contain introductory information about the topic and individual such as the dissertation’s title, name, department, institution, degree program , submission date, student number, supervisor’s name, and the university’s logo. Universities generally provide strict formats for the title page.

2. Acknowledgements 

The section is reserved for acknowledging the assistance from faculty and friends in the course of completion of the project.

3. Abstract

A summary of the entirety of the subject is generally written after the completion to provide a start to end description. The abstract should be such as to entice the reader into delving further into the subject matter discussed in the dissertation.

4. Table of Contents 

A list of all the sub-headings and their respective page numbers has to be listed in the table of contents.

5. List of figures 

A numbered list of figures or tables used is essential for the itemization of the graphical content in the dissertation. This can be automatically achieved through the Insert Caption feature in MS Word.  

6. List of abbreviations 

In the case of using languages other than English, a list of abbreviations is necessary in an alphabetized order.

7. Glossary 

This section is a more detailed version of the previous section (list of abbreviations) and may be used in case of having to explain many unknown terms or subject matter.

8. Introduction 

The introduction sets the tone for the dissertation giving a glimpse to the reader of what to expect. The introduction should necessarily specify the topic chosen and its context, outline the specific scope of research conducted, and establish a social connection or the necessity of the research into the chosen subject.

The research question is the most integral part of the dissertation that acts as a backbone to the structuring of the report. The question has to be specified in the introduction along with the objectives that are looking to be covered.

9. Literature Review 

The first type of research to be conducted at the beginning of any type of dissertation is a literature study of existing works that have previously covered the subject matter. The research should be an analysis of the existing piece concerning comparisons that can be drawn to establish a concrete argument, raise points that are left uncovered, and build on existing data.

10. Methodology 

This section specifies how research is conducted. It outlines the where, when, and how data was collected to assess its validity, the approach to the subject, methods of analyzing the collected data, the different software used, a detailed review of the processes involved and obstacles faced, and finally a justification of the data collected.

The Methodology section is the most important part of any dissertation and should be a detailed outline of all the steps and procedures undertaken in the course of the entire research. A compelling argument should also be established in this section that convinces the reader that the methods adopted to conduct the research adequately answer the research questions in the best way possible.

11. Results 

From the research conducted and methods undertaken, the results that are procured have to be stated in this section in the most precise and definite way. Providing conclusive statistics on how the hypothesis is supported through tables and figures may be an effective way to approach this section.

Results should be concrete evidence and should not be open to speculation.

12. Discussion

Questioning the results obtained in an explorative outlook to understand whether it answers the research questions effectively and fits into the framework of the entire dissertation is the prerogative of this section. This section should also bring forth further questions regarding the implications of the results and their impact. It should also acknowledge the shortcomings of the research conducted.    

13. Conclusion 

The conclusion must and should directly answer the research question. The reader should thus have a conclusive understanding of the research undertaken. It should state the overall conclusion which is then explained in parts that interprets their meaning. The conclusion statement should leave the reader with clarity on why this dissertation matters and should throw light on the additional information gathered.

14. Reference List

The reference list must contain the sources of all citations. Following a consistent citation style is necessary, the Harvard Citation Style being the most commonly used for academic papers.   

15. Appendices

Additional resources that have not directly contributed to the dissertation but have indirectly influenced the narrative should be specified in this section.   

Grammar mistakes and other formatting errors reflect poor quality of work and draw away attention from the topic being discussed. Proofreading the manuscript multiple times is a must to rule out any possibility of error to achieve a well-written dissertation.

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Structure as (primary) generator of architectural design: a study of a master dissertation studio

• Original Paper
• Published: 18 March 2022
• Volume 2 , pages 129–143, ( 2022 )

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• Laurens Luyten   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-9057-3256 1  

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The design studio plays a central role in educating architecture students to develop design skills and be creative when dealing with the complexity of ill-defined design problems. One way for students to cope with these problems, and find a way into the design process, is to reduce the complexity by framing the problem. This can, for example, be established by focussing on the design component of structure as a broad field, ranging from engineering theory over structural materials, products and systems to construction details. It allows to create a variety of structural frames to step into the design process, and generate architectural design proposals. This design generation, starting from the student’s structural knowledge, that leads to creative design, is the subject of this paper. For this research, 36 master dissertation projects were analysed, developed under the supervision of the author. In these projects architecture students created a personal link between the realm of structure and their architectural design to generate architecture through structural framing. This resulted in a final design project and a dissertation with reflections on the developed structure-based design generators. This paper shortly introduces the applied studio approach to help students implement their structural knowledge for design generation. Furthermore, it presents 14 identified types of structure-based design generators, to illustrate their potential in architectural design and to provide a frame of reference for students to develop creative design skills.

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Acknowledgements

This research is made possible thanks to all the contributions of the students of the master dissertation course “ Studio Structure ” from 2018 to 2021. Furthermore, I like to thank my colleague Stijn Leemans for co-supervising the dissertations of the third year and for investigating the students’ dissertations for design generators. Also, the reviewing support of Öykü Acican and Ivo Vrouwe was much appreciated.

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Luyten, L. Structure as (primary) generator of architectural design: a study of a master dissertation studio. Archit. Struct. Constr. 2 , 129–143 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44150-022-00033-0

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Selected Architecture Thesis Projects: Fall 2020

Clockwise from top left: “Citing the Native Genius” by Taylor Cook, “Pair of Dice, Para-Dice, Paradise: A Counter-Memorial to Victims of Police Brutality” by Calvin Boyd, “The Magic Carpet” by Goli Jalali, “Stacked Daydreams: Ceiling-Scape for the Neglected” by Zai Xi Jeffrey Wong, and “Up from the Past: Housing as Reparations on Chicago’s South Side” by Isabel Strauss

Five films showcase a selection of Fall 2020 thesis projects from the Department of Architecture.

Pair of Dice, Para-Dice, Paradise: A Counter-Memorial to Victims of Police Brutality

This thesis is a proposal for a counter-memorial to victims of police brutality. The counter-memorial addresses scale by being both local and national, addresses materiality by privileging black aesthetics over politeness, addresses presence/absence by being more transient than permanent, and lastly, addresses site by being collective rather than singular. The result is an architecture that plays itself out over 18,000 police stations across America and the Washington Monument at the National Mall, two sites that are intrinsically linked through the architecture itself: negative “voids” at police stations whose positive counterparts aggregate at the Mall.

The critical question here is whether or not the system in which police brutality takes place can be reformed from within, or if people of color need to seek their utopia outside of these too-ironclad structures. This counter-memorial, when understood as an instrument of accountability (and therefore a real-time beacon that measures America’s capacity to either change or otherwise repeat the same violent patterns), ultimately provides us with an eventual answer.

Author: Calvin Boyd, MArch I 2020 Advisor: Jon Lott , Assistant Professor of Architecture Duration: 11 min, 2 sec

Thesis Helpers: Shaina Yang (MArch I 2021), Rachel Coulomb (MArch I 2022)

The Magic Carpet

The Persian Carpet and the Persian Miniature painting have served as representation tools for the Persian Gar­den and the idea of paradise in Persian culture since antiquity. The word paradise derives from the Persian word pari-daeza meaning “walled enclosure.” The garden is always walled and stands in opposition to its landscape. This thesis investigates the idea of a contemporary image of paradise in the Iranian imagination by using carpets and miniature paintings as a tool for designing architecture. The garden, with its profound associations, provided a world of metaphor for the classical mystic poets. One of the manuscripts describing the Persian garden is called Haft Paykar – known as the Seven Domes – written by the 12th century Persian poet called Nizami. These types of manuscripts were made for Persian kings and contain within them miniature paintings and poetry describing battles, romances, tragedies, and triumphs that compromise Iran’s mythical and pre-Islamic history. The carpet is the repeating object in the minia­ture paintings of the manuscript. This thesis deconstructs the carpet in seven ways in order to digitally reconstruct the miniature paintings of the Seven Domes and the image of paradise with new techniques.

Author: Goli Jalali, MArch I 2021 Advisor: Jennifer Bonner , Associate Professor of Architecture Duration: 8min, 28 sec

Up from the Past: Housing as Reparations on Chicago’s South Side

Do people know what the Illinois Institute of Technology and the South Side Planning Board and the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois and the United States government did to the Black Metropolis? If they know, do they care? Is it too hard to hold these entities accountable? If we held them accountable, could we find justice for those that were displaced? What would justice look like? What comes after Mecca? What types of spaces come after Mecca? Are they different than what was there before? Are they already there? What defines them? Can Reparations be housing? How many people are already doing this work? How many people are doing this work in academia? On the ground? Is the word “Reparations” dead? What do we draw from? Who is this for? Do white men own the legacy of the architecture that defined the Black Metropolis? How personal should this work be? How anecdotal? How quantitative? Does the design need to be inherently spatial? Or atmospheric? What should it feel like? How do I draw a feeling in Rhino? What are radical ways of looking? How do we reclaim racialized architecture? Do we? Should we even talk about these things?

Author: Isabel Strauss, MArch I 2021 Advisor: Oana Stanescu , Design Critic in Architecture Duration: 4 min, 4 sec

Soundtrack Created By: Edward Davis (@DJ Eway) Production Support: Adam Maserow , Evan Orf , Glen Marquardt Collaborators: Rekha Auguste Nelson , Farnoosh Rafaie , Zena Mariem Mengesha , Edward Davis (DJ Eway) Special Thanks: Caleb Negash , Tara Oluwafemi , Maggie Janik , Ann Whiteside , Dana McKinney Guidance: Stephen Gray , John Peterson , Chris Herbert , Cecilia Conrad , Lawrence J. Vale , Ilan Strauss , Mark Lee , Iman Fayyad , Jennifer Bonner , Mindy Pugh , Peter Martinez Collage Credits: Adler and Sullivan , Bisa Butler , Carrie Mae Weems , Dawoud Bey , Deborah Roberts , Ebony G Patterson , Ellen Gallagher , Frank Lloyd Wright , Howardena Pindell , Jordan Casteel , Kerry James Marshall , Latoya Ruby Frazier , Lelaine Foster , Lorna Simpson , Mark Bradford , Mickalene Thomas , Mies van der Rohe , Nick Cave , Njideka Akunyili Crosby , Romare Bearden , Sadie Barnette More Information: architectureofreparations.cargo.site

Stacked Daydreams: Ceiling‐Scape for the Neglected

Elderly Care Adaptive Reuse of Hong Kong’s Vertical Factory

This thesis operates at the intersection of three domains of neglect:

• In the realm of building elements, the ceiling is often considered as an afterthought in the design process.
• Across building types, the vertical factory sits abandoned and anachronistic to its surroundings. It spiraled into disuse due to Hong Kong’s shifting economic focus.
• In society, the elderly are often subjected to social neglect, seen as a financial burden, and forced toward the fringes of society.

These parts experience obsolescence that led to indifference, and subsequently to boredom. I intend to draw the parallel of deterioration between the body of the elderly and the body of the vertical factory. Using a set of ceiling parts in the manner of prosthetics to reactivate the spaces into elderly care facilities, revert boredom to daydreams, and reimagine the concept of elderhood as an experimental second stage of life.

Author: Zai Xi Jeffrey Wong, MArch I AP 2021 Advisor: Eric Höweler , Associate Professor of Architecture & Architecture Thesis Coordinator Duration: 4 min, 53 sec

Citing the Native Genius

Reconstructing vernacular architecture in Hawai’i

For over 120 years, Americanization has tried to demean and erase Hawaiian language, culture, and architecture. In contemporary discourse, the vernacular architecture of Hawai’i is mostly referred to as ancient and vague. As with many Indigenous cultures, Western perspectives tend to fetishize or patronize the Hawaiian design aesthetic. Within this hierarchy of knowledge is a systemic assumption that Hawaiian vernacular architecture cannot effectively serve as a precedent resource for contemporary architects. Those who do reference the original vernacular will often classify it as utilitarian or resourceful. Regardless of intent, this narrative takes design agency away from the people involved. As a corrective, a respectful use of vernacular domestic form would benefit designers that are struggling to connect with Hawai’i’s cultural and architectural traditions.

Mining the European gaze and influence out of revivalist publications, archeological surveys and historic images reveal unique characteristics of Hawaiian domestic space. Geometric quotation and symbolic referencing are the foundational instruments in applying the discrete components, form, and organizational logic of the vernacular. The result is a design process that creates an amalgamation of decolonized form and contemporary technique. This residential project intends to revive Hawai’i’s erased domestic experience by revisiting the precolonial vernacular form and plan.

Author: Taylor Cook, MArch I 2021 Advisor: Jeffry Burchard , Assistant Professor in Practice of Architecture Duration: 5 min, 13 sec

Special Thanks: Jeffry Burchard, Cameron Wu, Kanoa Chung, Nik Butterbaugh, Carly Yong, Vernacular Pacific LLC More Information: www.vernacularhawaii.com

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the galleries in Gund Hall have been turned ‘inside out,’ with exhibitions shown through a series of exterior projections on the building’s facade. View some images from the screening of these films below:

Architecture: Thesis Preparation

• King + King Architecture Library
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• Architectural Design & Technology Online
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• Introduction

In an article in the July 24 1974 issue of Architect's Journal, Jeremy Baker talks about the student thesis as a way of providing students with "greater awareness of the world." Library research can help to provide the framework as well as set the boundaries for the design project.  Good research techniques can make the process both expedient and enjoyable.

Writing Your Thesis

Guidelines for starting your thesis, courtesy of UC Berkeley

https://slc.berkeley.edu/writing-worksheets-and-other-writing-resources/building-thesis

Thesis Organization

• Objectives, Scope and Limitations
• Description of the research
• Conclusions/Summary of the work
• List of Case studies
• List of references/literature case studies for thesis research work
• Identification of the project site

Harvard Guide to Using Sources

Harvard Guide to Using Sources : The Harvard Guide to Using Sources is an easily accessible introductory guide to use of sources. It includes tips for students on finding, choosing, and integrating reliable sources into academic writing. The Guide provides examples of MLA, APA, and Chicago styles of citation and includes information on avoiding plagiarism.

Past Thesis and Thesis Prep Books

The Libraries maintains online documentation of past Super Jury award winners and other theses receiving a B+ or better grade.  They are available on  SURFACE , the Syracuse University database of scholarly works, by searching for "School of Architecture Theses."

Click Here  for an easy link to the list of available theses.

General Guidelines

Familiarize yourself with your topic.

Be sure you are able to answer the following questions before beginning your research:  Take a journalistic approach to gathering information. Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? ​

Gather background information  about your topic using reference sources.

Reference books provide important information on a topic, include specific details, and point to other useful sources of information. They point the way into the core literature of a topic contained in books, journals, reports, and many other types of publications. They can also summarize, digest, or review the literature on a topic in ways that save you time and energy. Knowing the reference sources in your discipline can increase the efficiency of your searches by enabling you to better focus your questions.

The Search Plan

Define the topic.

Determine the component parts.  If the topic is fairly broad, start with the narrowest concept.  If your topic is very narrow, begin your research using broad terms.

Gear your searching to the resource.  For example, when searching subject specific periodical databases, use terms the least common to the discipline.

Review your results and refine your search as necessary.  Broaden the terms if you need more information. Narrow the terms to limit the amount of information retrieved.

Synthesize the information.  Determine if and what additional information is needed.

Actively seek out alternative views  as a way of testing your theory.

Begin your research in the architectural literature.

Search Strategies

Familiarize yourself with your topic before beginning your research.  This will save time later. This includes determining the appropriate search terms to use. Include synonyms and related terms.

Modify your search as necessary , including searching related resources or additional databases not as closely linked to your subject. These sources may include relevant information.

Know the nature and parameters of the reference tool(s) you are searching.  Certain reference works only cover particular time periods or may not be comprehensive in scope. For instance, most online databases begin their coverage in the 1970s-80s.

Make the fullest use possible of reference tools , including bibliographies and footnotes which can lead you to other sources.

Read the source carefully . Note organizational differences between tools.

Library Services

Off-desk Consultations

Students are encouraged to make appointments with  Barbara Opar  and/or other subject librarians as appropriate.  You may contact Barbara by email at  [email protected]  or at 443-3518 (King + King Architecture Library) preferably, 443-2905 (452 Bird Library). For assistance in other subject areas see the following list of  subject specialists .

Special orders

The Library may be able to order new architecture books or other materials to assist you. If you have specific requests, contact Barbara.

Extended loan period

Thesis and thesis prep. students are given graduate status in terms of library circulation privileges. Stack books circulate for one year. See Barbara for details or special requests.

Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

ILL obtains materials (books, periodical articles) not available within the Syracuse Libraries system. ILL requests may be submitted online using the appropriate form found online at  Interlibrary Loan .  Periodical articles will be made available electronically. Books will be delivered to Bird Library or Carnegie Library. Thesis Prep, thesis and graduate students are eligible for delivery of most materials directly to the King + King Architecture Library. Services are free of charge. To submit a book request, it is suggested that you use WorldCat to locate the citation. To submit a periodical article request, it is suggested that you use the SU links tab on the specific database citation page.

Delivery Service

Thesis students are eligible to have circulating books from Bird, Carnegie and Interlibrary Loan delivered to King + King Architecture Library. Prior sign up is required. See Barbara for details.

Sample thesis prep books

Select (B+ and above) books are available through the Library's institutional repository,  SURFACE .

Citation guidance

RefWorks (Databases tab) is one of the many sources available for proper formatting of your bibliography and notes.

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• Knowledge Base
• Dissertation

How to Write a Dissertation | A Guide to Structure & Content

A dissertation or thesis is a long piece of academic writing based on original research, submitted as part of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.

The structure of a dissertation depends on your field, but it is usually divided into at least four or five chapters (including an introduction and conclusion chapter).

The most common dissertation structure in the sciences and social sciences includes:

• An introduction to your topic
• A literature review that surveys relevant sources
• An explanation of your methodology
• An overview of the results of your research
• A discussion of the results and their implications
• A conclusion that shows what your research has contributed

Dissertations in the humanities are often structured more like a long essay , building an argument by analysing primary and secondary sources . Instead of the standard structure outlined here, you might organise your chapters around different themes or case studies.

Other important elements of the dissertation include the title page , abstract , and reference list . If in doubt about how your dissertation should be structured, always check your department’s guidelines and consult with your supervisor.

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Table of contents

Acknowledgements, table of contents, list of figures and tables, list of abbreviations, introduction, literature review / theoretical framework, methodology, reference list.

The very first page of your document contains your dissertation’s title, your name, department, institution, degree program, and submission date. Sometimes it also includes your student number, your supervisor’s name, and the university’s logo. Many programs have strict requirements for formatting the dissertation title page .

The title page is often used as cover when printing and binding your dissertation .

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The acknowledgements section is usually optional, and gives space for you to thank everyone who helped you in writing your dissertation. This might include your supervisors, participants in your research, and friends or family who supported you.

The abstract is a short summary of your dissertation, usually about 150-300 words long. You should write it at the very end, when you’ve completed the rest of the dissertation. In the abstract, make sure to:

• State the main topic and aims of your research
• Describe the methods you used
• Summarise the main results
• State your conclusions

Although the abstract is very short, it’s the first part (and sometimes the only part) of your dissertation that people will read, so it’s important that you get it right. If you’re struggling to write a strong abstract, read our guide on how to write an abstract .

In the table of contents, list all of your chapters and subheadings and their page numbers. The dissertation contents page gives the reader an overview of your structure and helps easily navigate the document.

All parts of your dissertation should be included in the table of contents, including the appendices. You can generate a table of contents automatically in Word.

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If you have used a lot of tables and figures in your dissertation, you should itemise them in a numbered list . You can automatically generate this list using the Insert Caption feature in Word.

If you have used a lot of abbreviations in your dissertation, you can include them in an alphabetised list of abbreviations so that the reader can easily look up their meanings.

If you have used a lot of highly specialised terms that will not be familiar to your reader, it might be a good idea to include a glossary . List the terms alphabetically and explain each term with a brief description or definition.

In the introduction, you set up your dissertation’s topic, purpose, and relevance, and tell the reader what to expect in the rest of the dissertation. The introduction should:

• Establish your research topic , giving necessary background information to contextualise your work
• Narrow down the focus and define the scope of the research
• Discuss the state of existing research on the topic, showing your work’s relevance to a broader problem or debate
• Clearly state your objectives and research questions , and indicate how you will answer them
• Give an overview of your dissertation’s structure

Everything in the introduction should be clear, engaging, and relevant to your research. By the end, the reader should understand the what , why and how of your research. Not sure how? Read our guide on how to write a dissertation introduction .

Before you start on your research, you should have conducted a literature review to gain a thorough understanding of the academic work that already exists on your topic. This means:

• Collecting sources (e.g. books and journal articles) and selecting the most relevant ones
• Critically evaluating and analysing each source
• Drawing connections between them (e.g. themes, patterns, conflicts, gaps) to make an overall point

In the dissertation literature review chapter or section, you shouldn’t just summarise existing studies, but develop a coherent structure and argument that leads to a clear basis or justification for your own research. For example, it might aim to show how your research:

• Addresses a gap in the literature
• Takes a new theoretical or methodological approach to the topic
• Proposes a solution to an unresolved problem
• Advances a theoretical debate
• Builds on and strengthens existing knowledge with new data

The literature review often becomes the basis for a theoretical framework , in which you define and analyse the key theories, concepts and models that frame your research. In this section you can answer descriptive research questions about the relationship between concepts or variables.

The methodology chapter or section describes how you conducted your research, allowing your reader to assess its validity. You should generally include:

• The overall approach and type of research (e.g. qualitative, quantitative, experimental, ethnographic)
• Your methods of collecting data (e.g. interviews, surveys, archives)
• Details of where, when, and with whom the research took place
• Your methods of analysing data (e.g. statistical analysis, discourse analysis)
• Tools and materials you used (e.g. computer programs, lab equipment)
• A discussion of any obstacles you faced in conducting the research and how you overcame them
• An evaluation or justification of your methods

Your aim in the methodology is to accurately report what you did, as well as convincing the reader that this was the best approach to answering your research questions or objectives.

Next, you report the results of your research . You can structure this section around sub-questions, hypotheses, or topics. Only report results that are relevant to your objectives and research questions. In some disciplines, the results section is strictly separated from the discussion, while in others the two are combined.

For example, for qualitative methods like in-depth interviews, the presentation of the data will often be woven together with discussion and analysis, while in quantitative and experimental research, the results should be presented separately before you discuss their meaning. If you’re unsure, consult with your supervisor and look at sample dissertations to find out the best structure for your research.

In the results section it can often be helpful to include tables, graphs and charts. Think carefully about how best to present your data, and don’t include tables or figures that just repeat what you have written  –  they should provide extra information or usefully visualise the results in a way that adds value to your text.

Full versions of your data (such as interview transcripts) can be included as an appendix .

The discussion  is where you explore the meaning and implications of your results in relation to your research questions. Here you should interpret the results in detail, discussing whether they met your expectations and how well they fit with the framework that you built in earlier chapters. If any of the results were unexpected, offer explanations for why this might be. It’s a good idea to consider alternative interpretations of your data and discuss any limitations that might have influenced the results.

The discussion should reference other scholarly work to show how your results fit with existing knowledge. You can also make recommendations for future research or practical action.

The dissertation conclusion should concisely answer the main research question, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of your central argument. Wrap up your dissertation with a final reflection on what you did and how you did it. The conclusion often also includes recommendations for research or practice.

In this section, it’s important to show how your findings contribute to knowledge in the field and why your research matters. What have you added to what was already known?

You must include full details of all sources that you have cited in a reference list (sometimes also called a works cited list or bibliography). It’s important to follow a consistent reference style . Each style has strict and specific requirements for how to format your sources in the reference list.

The most common styles used in UK universities are Harvard referencing and Vancouver referencing . Your department will often specify which referencing style you should use – for example, psychology students tend to use APA style , humanities students often use MHRA , and law students always use OSCOLA . M ake sure to check the requirements, and ask your supervisor if you’re unsure.

To save time creating the reference list and make sure your citations are correctly and consistently formatted, you can use our free APA Citation Generator .

Your dissertation itself should contain only essential information that directly contributes to answering your research question. Documents you have used that do not fit into the main body of your dissertation (such as interview transcripts, survey questions or tables with full figures) can be added as appendices .

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5 Dissertation Topics on Architecture

Published by Owen Ingram at January 6th, 2023 , Revised On October 5, 2023

Introduction

Architecture is one of the most historical academic subjects and can be summarized as the “study of the art, science, and business of buildings”. Architecture students have a flair for designing buildings, are aware of the latest construction trends, and possess strong engineering and business sense.

As an architecture student pursing an undergraduate, Master’s or PhD programme, you will be required to choose an appropriate architecture dissertation topic.

Architects are responsible for designing homes, offices, shopping malls, and religious places like temples, churches, mosques, etc. They design these places keeping in mind the purpose of the building and the sense of culture that the people want to inculcate in the building.

Preserving culture and translating the same into the building is another art that only architects possess, or else, people will be unable to relate themselves to the structure.

The subject of architecture also includes understanding people’s culture and the emotions or vibes they want their places to give out. When architects design a house, they should consider the owner’s needs, what they feel they want, and the building they want for themselves.

For example, some people like their homes bold with bright colours when building a house. On the other hand, some people look for a comfortable space to relax and spend comforting time with their family.

When building religious places, museums, and other historical buildings, architects study history to understand the type of building that needs to be built. Thus, all these aspects combined help translate history, culture, and emotions while designing the house.

As vast as the field is, it must be researched to understand the subject’s intricacies. Here are five dissertation topics on architecture that will help explore the subject in more detail.

Without further ado, here are the top five architecture dissertation topics and recommendations that will help you achieve the top grade.

Topic 1: Sustainable Architecture: The Role of Hemp in Sustainable Architecture- A Case of Modern Architecture in Turkey

Topic 2: the role of modern architecture in smart and sustainable cities- a case of copenhagen, denmark, topic 3: how does minimalist architecture designs save spaces in congested metropolitans a comparison across megacities in developing countries.

• Topic 4: Impact of Office Architecture on the Employees’ Engagement and Productivity- A Review of Various Office Designs in Silicon Valley

Topic 5: The Role of Urban Forests in Sustainability of the City- An Assessment of Urban Forestry in Europe

PhD-qualified writers of our team have developed these topics, so you can trust to use these topics for drafting your dissertation.

You may also want to start your dissertation by requesting a brief research proposal from our writers on any of these topics, which includes an introduction to the problem, research question , aim and objectives, literature review , and the proposed research methodology to be conducted. Let us know if you need any help in getting started.

Check our example dissertation to understand how to structure your dissertation .

You can review step by step guide on how to write your dissertation here.

5 Dissertation Topics on Architecture for 2022

Research Aim: This research aims to find the role of hemp in sustainable architecture. It will analyze the hemp manufacturing process and its possible applications in architecture development in various industries. It will show how Turkey’s architecture and construction industry utilizes hemp for sustainable architecture development in different cities. It will identify the critical sustainability issues of hemp usage in modern architecture in Turkey. Lastly, it will recommend ways to use hemp with other substances to increase the sustainability of contemporary architecture in Turkey.

Research Aim: This study intends to identify the role of modern architecture in smart and sustainable cities. It will show how modern architecture fits in the model of smart cities. It will shed light on the impact of modern architectural designs on the sustainability indicators of a smart city. Moreover, it will show how these designs help create an eco-friendly and easy town to commute to. It will use the case of Copenhagen, Denmark, to show how did they make a sustainable city by altering their architectural designs.

Research Aim: This research shows how does minimalist architecture designs save spaces in congested metropolitans? It will find the impact of minimalist architecture designs on the congestion level in major megacities in developing countries. It will show the effects of minimalist architecture designs on the city’s living standards. Moreover, it will compare various minimalist architecture designs and their influence on the population congestion across megacities in developing countries. Lastly, it will recommend improving current minimalist architecture designs to decrease population congestion.

Topic 4: Impact of Office Architecture on the Employees Engagement and Productivity- A Review of Various Office Designs in Silicon Valley

Research Aim: This study analyzes the impact of office architecture on the employees’ engagement and productivity in Silicon Valley, California, US. It will show how office architecture plays a critical role in office culture. Moreover, it will review various office designs in Silicon Valley, California, the US to show how they affect organizational culture, employee engagement, and productivity. Lastly, it will recommend improving these designs to engage employees, subsequently increasing the organizational performance further.

Research Aim: This research will shed light on the role of urban forests in the city’s sustainability. It will show an ideal level of urban foresting helps city administration achieve sustainability. Moreover, it will compare various megacities across Europe to show how they have managed urban foresting and helped make cities smart and sustainable. Lastly, after reviewing multiple urban foresting and sustainability models across Europe, it will recommend a holistic model applicable across the globe to achieve sustainability and human development.

Covid-19 Architecture Research Topics

The impacts of covid-19 on architecture.

Research Aim: This study will focus on the impacts of COVID-19 on Architecture

The role of architects during COVID-19

Research Aim: This study will focus on the role of Architects during the COVID-19

The opinions of architect deans on Coronavirus and architecture

Research Aim: This study will focus on the opinions of Architect deans on Coronavirus and the future of architecture after COVID-19

Preserving and Portraying Culture through Structures

Research Aim: This is extremely challenging for architects. Preserving and portraying culture through structures is done for public buildings, including museums, traditional hallways, etc.

Architects are handed over the job of preserving history through building structures so that people visiting the place feel the era the building aims to preserve and portray.

This research will discuss how architects perform this challenging job, i.e., building and working on structures to portray history or an incident when building a place. Different methods and concepts regarding historic preservation in building structures will be discussed to help readers understand how architects satisfy these requirements.

Can Architecture Redefine a City? An Analysis

Research Aim: Redefining a city through architecture is one of the most inspiring tasks that architects undertake. Undoubtedly, this task is daunting; however, architects are trained to take up challenging tasks.

Restructuring or redefining a city through architecture means constructing buildings according to the city’s culture and changing or restructuring buildings concerning the culture.

This research will talk about how architecture transforms cities through structures and buildings. Constructing or restructuring a few important and selected buildings helps in redefining the city. Thus, this thesis will also discuss how these buildings are chosen strategically and how they play a huge role in changing the city’s outlook and feel.

How Can ResearchProspect Help?

ResearchProspect writers can send several custom topic ideas to your email address. Once you have chosen a topic that suits your needs and interests, you can order for our dissertation outline service which will include a brief introduction to the topic, research questions , literature review , methodology , expected results , and conclusion . The dissertation outline will enable you to review the quality of our work before placing the order for our full dissertation writing service !

Evaluating Architecture’s Role in Building a Better and Modern Future through Building Designs

Research Aim: Architecture plays a huge role in designing buildings and creating a future for the people. This is exactly why architects are handed over to rebuild and restructure cities by designing buildings that align with the current trends and design.

While the structure is the root of any building, buildings are the main attraction of the city. Thus, they are regarded as the primary way to make a city look futuristic.

This research will be conducted to understand the relation between building designs and creating better and modern designed buildings in a city. Furthermore, the role of architecture in this whole process will be evaluated in the thesis.

Investigating the Effectiveness of Organic Structures for Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

Research Aim: Designing, structuring, and building for indoor and outdoor spaces are completely different tasks. It would help if you considered many aesthetic aspects when designing something outdoor, such as the weather and other conditions.

However, on the other hand, aspects such as culture, etc., need to be looked into for indoor structures and buildings. This research will discuss how organic structures are effective for indoor and outdoor spaces and what different techniques are used for indoor and outdoor spaces to focus on common characteristics of both.

Computer-Aided Designs: How Have they Helped Architects?

Research Aim: Technology has taken over every field in the modern world, and architecture is no different. With different computer software and designing programs available at their disposal, architects can now build and design structures and buildings in much lesser time than the old times, when things were done manually.

With computer-aided designs, architects can now see how their project will look without building it. With these designs, they can instantly make changes where and when required. This helps them with getting the final structure and building designed without any flaws.

This research will discuss how computer-aided designs have helped architects reduce their work time and increase efficiency. In addition to this, the thesis will also investigate how buildings are designed and structured with perfection without any flaws.

Important Notes:

As a student of architecture looking to get good grades, it is essential to develop new ideas and experiment with existing architecture theories – i.e., to add value and interest in your research topic.

The field of architecture is vast and interrelated to many other academic disciplines like civil engineering , technology , and sustainability. That is why it is imperative to create an architecture dissertation topic that is particular, sound, and actually solves a practical problem that may be rampant in the field.

We can’t stress how important it is to develop a logical research topic; it is based on your entire research. There are several significant downfalls to getting your topic wrong; your supervisor may not be interested in working on it, the topic has no academic creditability, the research may not make logical sense, there is a possibility that the study is not viable.

This impacts your time and efforts in writing your dissertation, as you may end up in the cycle of rejection at the initial stage of the dissertation. That is why we recommend reviewing existing research to develop a topic, taking advice from your supervisor, and even asking for help in this particular stage of your dissertation.

Keeping our advice in mind while developing a research topic will allow you to pick one of the best architecture dissertation topics that fulfil your requirement of writing a research paper and add to the body of knowledge.

Therefore, it is recommended that when finalizing your dissertation topic, you read recently published literature to identify gaps in the research that you may help fill.

Remember- dissertation topics need to be unique, solve an identified problem, be logical, and be practically implemented. Please look at some of our sample architecture dissertation topics to get an idea for your own dissertation.

How to Structure your Architecture Dissertation

A well-structured dissertation can help students to achieve a high overall academic grade.

• A Title Page
• Acknowledgements
• Declaration
• Abstract: A summary of the research completed
• Table of Contents
• Introduction : This chapter includes the project rationale, research background, key research aims and objectives, and the research problems. An outline of the structure of a dissertation can also be added to this chapter.
• Literature Review : This chapter presents relevant theories and frameworks by analysing published and unpublished literature available on the chosen research topic to address research questions . The purpose is to highlight and discuss the selected research area’s relative weaknesses and strengths whilst identifying any research gaps. Break down the topic, and key terms that can positively impact your dissertation and your tutor.
• Methodology : The data collection and analysis methods and techniques employed by the researcher are presented in the Methodology chapter which usually includes research design , research philosophy, research limitations, code of conduct, ethical consideration, data collection methods, and data analysis strategy.
• Findings and Analysis : Findings of the research are analysed in detail under the Findings and Analysis chapter. All key findings/results are outlined in this chapter without interpreting the data or drawing any conclusions. It can be useful to include graphs, charts, and tables in this chapter to identify meaningful trends and relationships.
• Discussion and Conclusion : The researcher presents his interpretation of results in this chapter, and states whether the research hypothesis has been verified or not. An essential aspect of this section of the paper is to draw a linkage between the results and evidence from the literature. Recommendations with regards to implications of the findings and directions for the future may also be provided. Finally, a summary of the overall research, along with final judgments, opinions, and comments, must be included in the form of suggestions for improvement.
• References : This should be completed following your University’s requirements
• Bibliography
• Appendices : Any additional information, diagrams, and graphs used to complete the dissertation but not part of the dissertation should be included in the Appendices chapter. Essentially, the purpose is to expand the information/data.

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How to find dissertation topics about architecture.

To find architecture dissertation topics:

• Research recent architectural challenges.
• Study historical and cultural influences.
• Explore sustainable design and technology.
• Analyze urban planning issues.
• Consider social and aesthetic aspects.
• Consult peers, professors, and industry experts for ideas.

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Need interesting and manageable Facebook Marketing dissertation topics? Here are the trending Facebook Marketing dissertation titles so you can choose the most suitable one.

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Completed Dissertations

Selected work from the past decade.

Dissertations in Architecture

Grant Mosey (2014-2020). Dissertation: “Multivariate Optimization of Neighborhood Scale Problems for Economic, Environmental, and Social Sustainability.” Professor Brian Deal , Director of Research, and Examining Committee Chair.

Thulasi Ram Khamma (2014-2020). Dissertation: “Data-Driven Models to Evaluate Root Causes of Energy Performance Gaps in Office Buildings.” Dr. Mohamed Boubekri , Director of Research, and Examining Committee Chair.

Jaewook Lee (2016-2020). Dissertation: “Integration of Daylighting and Building Design for Human Health and Well-Being.” Dr. Mohamed Boubekri , Director of Research, and Examining Committee Chair.

Nastaran Shishegar (2015-2020). Dissertation: “Impacts of Tuning Ambient Illumination on Sleep Quality, Mood, and Cognitive Performance in Older Adults.” Dr. Mohamed Boubekri , Director of Research, and Examining Committee Chair.

Anna Marie Bliss (2012-2019). Dissertation: “The Future of the Historic City from Perceptions of the Past: Experience of Place, Authenticity, and Architectural Preservation in Barcelona.” Dr. Lynne M. Dearborn , Director of Research, and Examining Committee Chair.

Tait Johnson (2012-2017). Dissertation: “Marketing Modernism: Aluminum Cladding and the American Commercial Landscape.” Dr. Kenny Cupers, Director of Research, and Dr. Peter Mortensen, Examining Committee Chair.

Cesar Cruz (2016). Dissertation: “The Phenomenology of a Modern Architect and His Sense of Place: Henry Klumb’s Residential Architecture in Puerto Rico, 1944-1975.” Dr. John C. Stallmeyer , Director of Research, and Examining Committee Chair.

Wei Zhao (2010-2015). Dissertation: “Home Beyond the House: The Meaning of Home for People Living in Yanxia Village, Zhejiang Province, China.”

Majd Musa (2013). Dissertation: “Constructing Global Amman: Petrodollars, Identity, and the Built Environment in the Early Twenty-First Century.” Dr. John C. Stallmeyer , Director of Research, and Examining Committee Chair.

Fang Xu (May 2013). Dissertation: “Territorial Experiences in Shanghai’s High-rise Gated Communities.” Dr. Lynne M. Dearborn , Advisor, Director of Research, and Examining Committee Chair.

Ho-Sung Kim (May 2013). Dissertation: “Advances in the Operating Condition Design Analysis of Air Based Photovoltaic Thermal Solar Roof Systems.” Dr. Richard Strand , Director of Research, and Examining Committee Chair.

Doug Sturgeon (May 2012). Dissertation: “Economic Performance of Architectural Firms: An Application of Production Theory.” Dr. Richard Strand , Director of Research, and Examining Committee Chair.

Young Tae Chae (May 2011). Dissertation: “Development of Hybrid Heat Source Radiant System: Embedded Concentric Tube Heat Exchanger.” Dr. Richard Strand , Director of Research, and Examining Committee Chair.

Daeho Kang (May 2011). Dissertation: “Advances in the Application of Passive Down-Draft Evaporative Cooling Technology in the Cooling of Buildings.” Dr. Richard Strand , Director of Research, and Examining Committee Chair.

Dissertations in Landscape Architecture

Amir Habibullah (2020). Dissertation: “Modern Islamic Gardens and Cultural Identity: Three Case Studies from North American and Europe.” Dr. D. F. Ruggles , Director of Research, and Examining Committee Chair.

Yexuan Gu (2020). Dissertation: “Discerning the Role of Geodesign In Landscape Architecture: Exploring Its Relations with Systems Thinking And Resilience And Its Role In Planning Support System (PSS) Technologies.” Dr. Brian Deal , Director of Research, and Examining Committee Chair.

Xiangrong Jiang (2013-2019). Dissertation: “Green Infrastructure and Human Health: Nature Exposure, Attention, and Well-Being.” Professor William C. Sullivan , Director of Research, and Examining Committee Chair.

Jennifer L. Thomas (2019). Dissertation: “Landscape, Madness, and State: The Emerging Insane Asylum System of Nineteenth-Century New York State.”

Molly Briggs (2018). Dissertation: “The Panoramic Mode: Immersive Media and the Large Parks Movement.”

Steven Burrows (2017). Dissertation: “Indiana State Parks and the Hoosier Imagination, 1916-1933.”

Pongsakorn Suppakittpaisarn (2013-2017). Dissertation: “Green Stormwater Infrastructure, Preference, and Human Well-Being.” Professor William C. Sullivan , Director of Research, and Examining Committee Chair.

Dongying Li (2011-2016). Dissertation: “High School Students’ Exposure to Nature and Their Psychological and Cognitive Well-Being.” Professor William C. Sullivan , Director of Research, and Examining Committee Chair.

Abbilyn Harmon (May 2012). Dissertation: “Determining Critical Factors in Community-Level Planning of Homeless Service Projects.” Laura Lawson, Advisor; Dr. Lynne M. Dearborn , Director of Research, and Examining Committee Co-Chair.

Sonal Mithal Modi (2015). Dissertation: “Embodied Knowledge of Landscape: Accommodating Ongoing Subjective Experience in the Presentation of Heritage Landscape.”

Douglas Williams (2014). Dissertation: “Fertile Ground: Community Gardens in a Low-Income Inner-City Chicago Neighborhood and the Development of Social Capital Among African Americans.”

Bin Jiang (2014). Dissertation: “Establishing Dose-Response Curves for the Impact of Urban Forests on Recovery from Acute Stress and Landscape Preference.”

Xiaolu Zhou (2014). Dissertation: “Investigating the Association between the Built Environment and Active Travel of Young Adults Using Location Based Technology.”

Martin Holland (2014). Dissertation: “‘Empty Chairs, Broken Lives’: The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum.”

Nicholas Brown (2014). Dissertation: “Landscape, Justice, and the Politics of Indigeneity: Denaturalizing Structures of Settler Colonialism in the Alberta/Montana Borderlands.”

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• Architecture /

Architecture Thesis Topics

• Updated on  
• Feb 21, 2024

Being an Architecture student, you are supposed to submit a dissertation or thesis on Architectural-related topics. It takes a lot more time to complete a dissertation research project than a thesis. The first step for pursuing a master’s or PhD degree is to choose a relevant dissertation topic. Some of the popular architecture thesis topics are Housing/ Residential Projects, Institutional Projects, Public Infrastructure Projects, Offices/ Corporate Projects, etc. In this article, we will provide you with general guidance about how to write an architecture dissertation and helpful tips to choose the right architecture thesis topics.

Here is our blog on Top Architectural Courses .

This Blog Includes:

What is an architecture thesis, how to structure an architecture thesis, relevant topic, pay attention to research questions, don’t be shy, go for advice, research a lot, how to choose the best title for your architecture thesis, how to choose the best topic for an architecture thesis, modern architecture thesis topics, thesis topics in landscape architecture, interior architecture thesis topics, b.arch. thesis topics for urban planning and transport:, sustainable architecture thesis topics.

An Architecture Dissertation or Thesis is an academic piece of writing that is supposed to signify the knowledge and skills you have learned so far during your architecture studies. While writing a dissertation your research must be precise and you should be logical with your conclusions. A clear analysis must be depicted while writing an architecture dissertation. 

Before searching for an architecture thesis topic, you must be familiar with the writing structure of a dissertation. Here we’ve mentioned the basic structure of a dissertation so that it gets easy for you when drafting a dissertation:

• Title – The title of your Architecture Dissertation must focus on your research objective.
• Abstract – The abstract part must be impactful. It must give an impression of what your dissertation is going to include.
• Introduction – The same is the case here with the introduction, it must reflect what the dissertation is going to include.
• Review of Literature – The Review of Literature Section must include a theoretical rationale of the problem, the importance of the study, and information for the dissertation that was gathered and used to form the arguments and points made in the work.
• 2-3 Main Chapters- These sections must include a bulk of information on the chosen topic. It should also include the data and diagrams if any.
• Conclusion- The main objective of the dissertation, the conclusion must include the arguments to complete the impression of the work.
• Bibliography – The bibliography is the section of the thesis where you mention all the referred sources, authors, and publications that you have taken information from while writing your thesis.

Also Read: Masters in Architecture in Canada

How to Choose the Right Architecture Thesis Topic?

If you are finding it hard to choose the right topic for your dissertation, here are some tips that might help what you can put your focus on while drafting your dissertation:

Select a relevant topic for your architecture dissertation as it contributes a lot to your career and future. To obtain a master’s degree in education, you need to find relevant topics for a dissertation. The topic must be capable of providing you with a significant amount of content for your architecture dissertation.

An Architecture dissertation must be broad enough to explore the whole topic. The dissertation must include a clear structure to contribute to the argumentation you are going to include in your dissertation.

Pay equal attention to the Research Questions you are going to include. Do not ever select narrow questions which are supposed to be answered with a Yes or No. Choose questions that provide you with relevant answers such as

• How do creative designs impact the modern era?
• What do you think about modern architecture?

Architecture students who are writing a dissertation are always provided with guidance. Supervisors are assigned to guide students throughout the duration of their architecture dissertation. So do not forget to ask for feedback or a piece of advice from your supervisors as they have years of academic experience, so their recommendations and feedback will only add to your research.

Before choosing an architecture topic, make sure you research thoroughly about the chosen topic. Try to select topics that are relevant in today’s time. The content provided by the topic must be more than enough to expand and support your arguments.

Also Read: How to become an Architect?

A significant title is very important while writing an architecture dissertation. So you must be extremely careful while choosing a title. Ensure that the title of your architecture dissertation or thesis does justice to your research. The title itself should be able to reflect the objective of your dissertation through the title.

Also Read: How to write a Dissertation?

Here we’ve mentioned some sources from where you can come up with a Dissertation Topic in Architecture:

• Study the most recent published piece of work to find out what kind of issues are open for further exploration and are sufficient to provide you with relevant argumentations.
• Check out Architecture Dissertation examples done by other scholars.

Best Architecture Thesis Topics

Choosing a topic can take a lot of time but we’ve made it easier for you as here we’ve mentioned some of the best topics you can choose for your Architecture Dissertation:

• What is the nature of middle-class architecture in modern society?
• Show the best elements of famous architects without duplicating their work.
• What is the need for closeness and privacy between architecture and family
• Cathedrals: Forming the old world on a new budget
• What is the difference between house designs in a cold climate and in a warm climate?

Also Read: How to become an Interior Designer?

• Multicultural Architecture in the Urban Landscape
• Trends of Environmental Technology in Residential Structures
• Evaluating Design in Municipal Structures
• Creative Designs in the Modern Era
• Maximizing Resources and Space with Accessibility
• How to maximize resources and space with Accessibility
• How to use Minimalist Design in Small Areas
• Which methods to use to Mitigate Damage from Natural Disaster
• What are the must-have features of Portable Housing Units
• Procedures of Pre-fabricated Design

Also Read: Finance, MBA, Accounting Dissertation Topics

• The urban energy landscape in regional planning
• Processing of data on water, energy, and food flows in space and time
• Composing four-dimensional maps that show current spatial and temporal dynamics of water, energy and food flows
• Constructing Zen
• Farmland Preservation
• Land Conservancy
• Therapeutic Gardens
• Self-sufficient energy islands across Europe or Asia
• India – Protection/production of freshwater through for example infiltration and retention
• Landscape Construction Performance Approaches
• Paper Space & Interior Fiction: Employing Speculative Design to Explore the Creative Design Process and Conceptual Interiority
• Implementing Biophilic Attributes in Elementary Schools
• Re-Mobile Home: An Exploration of Mobile Homes in Rural North Carolina
• Designing Deeper: Creating Interior Spaces That Support Well-Being through Explorations in Process-Driven Design
• How can exhibition spaces reflect design compatibility with spatial aesthetics?
• Airports Design.
• Train stations.
• Urban transport planning.
• Mass Rapid Transit System (MTRS) Study and Station.
• Integrated Transportation Node.
• Bus Terminal Cum Commercial Complex.
• International Cruise terminal.
• Redevelopment around the metro and MRTS Corridor.
• Architecture in motion.
• Neighborhood development
• Community garden concepts
• Waste recycling facilities
• Heritage building restoration
• Rehabilitation housing
• Riverfront development
• SMART village
• Net-Zero energy building
• Bermed structure
• Regenerative design
• Urban Agriculture center
• Revitalizing abandoned mills and processing buildings
• Eco-tourism facilities
• Revival of an old building
• Repurpose a building
• Redevelopment of a slum
• Vertical farm
• Wetland restoration

An architecture dissertation for a master’s degree must not exceed the 60,000-word limit.

IIT-Roorkee, Uttarakhand has been ranked #1 in the Top 25 Architecture Colleges in India.

McGill University and the University of Waterloo are the top 2 colleges in Canada for Architecture. 

Related Articles

Students who are pursuing an Architecture degree must be very careful while writing a dissertation as it is the only way they’ll be able to obtain a master’s degree. Choosing the right topic for the Architecture dissertation, and submitting the dissertation/thesis on time, all the above-mentioned aspects must be given equal importance. If you are interested in knowing more about Architecture courses abroad, then feel free to contact our experts at Leverage Edu anytime.

Damanpreet Kaur Vohra

Daman is an author with profound expertise in writing engaging and informative content focused on EdTech and Study Abroad. With a keen understanding of these domains, Daman excels at creating complex concepts into accessible, reader-friendly material. With a proven track record of insightful articles, Daman stands as a reliable source for providing content for EdTech and Study Abroad.

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Theses and Dissertations

View all past theses and dissertations on DSpace@MIT .

Theses and Dissertations in HTC

Thesis and Dissertations in HTC

https://architecture.mit.edu/history-theory-criticism

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Home > HFA > Department of Architecture > Architecture Masters Theses Collection

Architecture Masters Theses Collection

Theses from 2023 2023.

Music As a Tool For Ecstatic Space Design , Pranav Amin, Architecture

Creating Dormitories with a Sense of Home , Johnathon A. Brousseau, Architecture

The Tectonic Evaluation And Design Implementation of 3D Printing Technology in Architecture , Robert Buttrick, Architecture

Designing for the Unhoused: Finding Innovative and Transformative Solutions to Housing , Hannah C. Campbell, Architecture

Investigating Design-Functional Dimension Of Affordable Housing With Prefabrication On Dense Suburbs Of Chelsea, MA , Siddharth Jagadishbhai Dabhia, Architecture

Architecture of Extraction: Imagining New Modes of Inhabitation and Reclamation in the Mining Lifecyle , Erica DeWitt, Architecture

Utopian Thought and Architectural Design , Anthony L. Faith, Architecture

Building Hygge In-Roads into Incremental Living , Tanisha Kalra, Architecture

NATURE INSPIRED ARCHITECTURE , Salabat Khan, Architecture

Sustainable Architecture in Athletics: Using Mass Timber in an Old-Fashioned Field , Zach C. Lefever, Architecture

Off-grid Living for the Normative Society: Shifting Perception and Perspectives by Design , Patsun Lillie, Architecture

The Evolution of Chinese Supermarkets in North America: An Alternative Approach to Chinese Supermarket Design , Ruoxin Lin, Architecture

Refreshing Refinery: An Analysis of Victorian Architecture and How to Translate its Elements for Contemporary Architecture , Richard J. Marcil, Architecture

After Iconoclasm: Reassessing Monumental Practices and Redesigning Public Memorials in Twenty-First-Century Massachusetts , Lincoln T. Nemetz-Carlson, Architecture

Earthen Materials In Organic Forms: An Ecological Solution to the Urban Biosphere? , Rutuja Patil, Architecture

Adaptive (Re)purpose of Industrial Heritage Buildings in Massachusetts A Modular Strategy for Building a Community , Riya D. Premani, Architecture

Community Design: A Health Center Serving the Greater Boston Population , Brandon E. Rosario, Architecture

The Food Hub as a Social Infrastructure Framework: Restitching Communities in Boston After the Pandemic , Connor J. Tiches, Architecture

Theses from 2022 2022

Equitable Housing Generation Through Cellular Automata , Molly R. Clark, Architecture

Beneficial Invasive: A Rhizomatic Approach to Utilizing Local Bamboo for COVID Responsive Educational Spaces , Megan Futscher, Architecture

Architectural Activism Through Hip-Hop , Micaela Goodrich, Architecture

Addressing Trauma Through Architecture: Cultivating Well-being For Youth Who Have Experienced Trauma , Megan Itzkowitz, Architecture

Buildings Integrated into Landscape & Making People Care for Them: Exploring Integrated Land-Building Ecosystems and the Lifestyles Needed to Support It , Sara Mallio, Architecture

Reimagining Black Architecture , Esosa Osayamen, Architecture

Prefabricated Homes: Delivery At Your Doorsteps , Obed K. Otabil, Architecture

Memory and Resistance , Cami Quinteros, Architecture

Mycelium: The Building Blocks of Nature and the Nature of Architecture , Carly Regalado, Architecture

IN-BETWEEN SPACES: ATMOSPHERES, MOVEMENT AND NEW NARRATIVES FOR THE CITY , Paul Alexander Stoicheff, Architecture

Theses from 2021 2021

Creating New Cultural Hubs in American Cities: The Syrian Diaspora of Worcester, Massachusetts , Aleesa Asfoura, Architecture

Firesafe: Designing for Fire-Resilient Communities in the American West , Brenden Baitch, Architecture

The Beige Conundrum , Alma Crawford-Mendoza, Architecture

Cultivating Food Justice: Exploring Public Interest Design Process through a Food Security & Sustainability Hub , Madison J. DeHaven, Architecture

Physical to Virtual: A Model for Future Virtual Classroom Environments , Stephen J. Fink, Architecture

Detroit: Revitalizing Urban Communities , David N. Fite, Architecture

The Homestead Helper Handbook , Courtney A. Jurzynski, Architecture

An Architecture of a New Story , Nathan Y. Lumen, Architecture

Border Town: Preserving a 'Living' Cultural Landscape in Harlingen, Texas , Shelby Parrish, Architecture

Housing for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Creating an Integrated Living Community in Salem, MA , Tara Pearce, Architecture

From Sanctuary to Home in the Post-Interstate City , Morgan B. Sawyer, Architecture

Exploring the Use of Grid-Scale Compressed Air Energy Storage in the Urban Landscape , Connor S. Slover, Architecture

Bridging the Gaps in Public Conversation by Fostering Spaces of Activism , Karitikeya Sonker, Architecture

Re-envisioning the American Dream , Elain Tang, Architecture

Tall Timber in Denver: An Exploration of New Forms in Large Scale Timber Architecture , Andrew P. Weuling, Architecture

Theses from 2020 2020

Urban Inter-Space: Convergence of Human Interaction and Form , Clayton Beaudoin, Architecture

The Hues of Hadley Massachusetts: Pioneering Places for Preservation and Growth , Elisha M. Bettencourt, Architecture

Reinvigorating Englewood, Chicago Through New Public Spaces and Mixed-Income Housing , Givan Carrero, Architecture

Architectural Agency Through Real Estate Development , Hitali Gondaliya, Architecture

Multimodal Transit and a New Civic Architecture , Samuel Bruce Hill, Architecture

Rethinking The Suburban Center , Andrew Jones, Architecture

Resilient Urbanism: Bridging Natural Elements & Sustainable Structures in a Post-Industrial Urban Environment , Nicholas McGee, Architecture

Adaptive Airport Architecture , Yash Mehta, Architecture

Rethinking School Design to Promote Safety and Positivity , Emily Moreau, Architecture

The Built Environment and Well-Being: Designing for Well-Being in Post-Industrial Communities During the Age of Urbanization , Tyler O'Neil, Architecture

Brutalism and the Public University: Integrating Conservation into Comprehensive Campus Planning , Shelby Schrank, Architecture

Spatial Design for Behavioral Education , Madeline Szczypinski, Architecture

Theses from 2019 2019

THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY: FOR REFUGEES , Raghad Alrashidi, Architecture

From Archaic To contemporary : Energy Efficient Adaptive Reuse of Historic Building , Nisha Borgohain, Architecture

(RE)Developing Place: The Power of Narrative , Kinsey Diomedi, Architecture

Rethinking Ambulatory Care Delivery , Senada Dushaj, Architecture

Photosynthesizing the Workplace: A Study in Healthy and Holistic Production Spaces , Kaeli Howard, Architecture

Museum Design As A Tool For A City , Cunbei Jiang, Architecture

Architecture and Wilderness: An Exchange of Order , Ashley Lepre, Architecture

Cross-Species Architecture: Developing an Architecture for Rehabilitative Learning Through the Human-Canine Relationship , Jake Porter, Architecture

Intermodal Transit Terminal: Integrating the Future of Transit into the Urban Fabric , Guy Vigneau, Architecture

Theses from 2018 2018

Bangladeshi Cultural Center: for the Bangladeshi Population Living in New York City , Sabrina Afrin, Architecture

THE ENHANCEMENT OF LEARNING THROUGH THE DESIGN PROCCESS: RENOVATING THE FORT RIVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN AMHERST, MA , Reyhaneh Bassamtabar, Architecture

LEARNING SPACES: DISCOVERING THE SPACES FOR THE FUTURE OF LEARNING , Michael Choudhary, Architecture

ARCHITECTURAL SYNERGY: A FACILITY FOR LIFELONG LEARNING IN ACADEMIA AND PRACTICE , Ryan Rendano, Architecture

Resilient Architecture: Adaptive Community Living in Coastal Locations , Erica Shannon, Architecture

Theses from 2017 2017

New York City 2050: Climate Change and Future of New York | Design for Resilience , Abhinav Bhargava, Architecture

The Performance of Light: Exploring the Impact of Natural Lighting in the New UMass School of Performance , Dylan Brown, Architecture

Regional Expression In The Renovation Of Remote Historic Villages , Jie chen, Architecture

An Incremental Intervention In Jakarta: An Empowering Infrastructural Approach For Upgrading Informal Settlements , Christopher H. Counihan, Architecture

UMASS Dining Hall. A Path to Resiliency , Lukasz Czarniecki, Architecture

LIVING CORE OF THE FUTURE: PROPOSING NEW APPROACH FOR THE FUTURE OF RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX IN METROPOLITAN AREAS , Mahsa G. Zadeh, Architecture

HUMANITY IN A CHILDREN’S CANCER HOSPITAL , Sara Jandaghi Jafari, Architecture

Designing Symbiosis for the New Church Community , Evan Janes, Architecture

A Visible History: A Synthesis of Past, Present and Future Through the Evocation of Memory Within Historic Contexts , Nicholas Jeffway, Architecture

Creating A Community A New Ecological, Economical, and Social Path to Uniting a Community , Andrew Stadnicki, Architecture

Z-Cube: Mobile Living for Feminist Nomads , Zi Ye, Architecture

Theses from 2016 2016

Music and Architecture: An Interpresence , Rachel J. Beesen, Architecture

Intervening in the Lives of Internally Displaced People in Colombia , Amy L. Carbone, Architecture

Designing Waste Creating Space: A Critical Examination Into Waste Reduction Through Building Techniques, Architectural Design, and Systems , Courtney M. Carrier, Architecture

Umass September 11 Intervention , Mohamad Farzinmoghadam, Architecture

Merging Social Science and Neuroscience in Architecture: Creating a Framework to Functionally Re-integrate Ex-Convicts , Kylie A. Landrey, Architecture

From Shelters to Long Living Communities , Yakun Liang, Architecture

Building Hope: A Community + Water Initiative, La Villa de San Francisco, Honduras , Christopher D. Mansfield, Architecture

THE SPATIALITY IN STORYTELLING , Xiang Yu, Architecture

Innovation of the Residential Buildings and Community in the Emerging City Rongcheng , Xing Yu, Architecture

Art and Life - Make invisible visible in Cao changdi village, Beijing, China , peng zhang, Architecture

Theses from 2015 2015

The Dialogue of Craft and Architecture , Thomas J. Forker, Architecture

MOSQUE IN THE VALLEY: A SPACE FOR SPIRITUAL GATHERING & CULTURAL LEARNING , Nabila Iqbal, Architecture

EXPLORATION OF CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN URBAN PLAZA AND MIXED USE BUILDINGS , Youngduk Kim, Architecture

Design Of A Housing For Urban Artisan-Living Work , Fahim Mahmud, Architecture

Membranes and Matrices: Architecture as an Interface , Nayef Mudawar, Architecture

Building for the Future: Revitalization through Architecture , Rebecca N. Perry, Architecture

Developing Maker Economies in Post-Industrial Cities: Applying Commons Based Peer Production to Mycelium Biomaterials , Grant R. Rocco, Architecture

Design of Children's Event and Cutural Center in Osu, Accra, Ghana , Rudi Somuah, Architecture

Sustainable Design of Student Centers Retrofitting and Adaptive Reuse of UMass Student Union , Tianye Song, Architecture

Design/Build in Architectural Education: studying community-focused curriculum , Matthew K. Sutter, Architecture

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Software Architecture

In spite of the interest in software architecture as a field of research, there is little agreement among researchers as to what exactly should be included in the definition of architecture. In many cases, this has led to important aspects of architectural design being overlooked by past research. This chapter defines a self-consistent terminology for software architecture based on an examination of existing definitions within the literature and my own insight with respect to network-based application architectures. Each definition, highlighted within a box for ease of reference, is followed by a discussion of how it is derived from, or compares to, related research.

1.1 Run-time Abstraction

At the heart of software architecture is the principle of abstraction: hiding some of the details of a system through encapsulation in order to better identify and sustain its properties [ 117 ]. A complex system will contain many levels of abstraction, each with its own architecture. An architecture represents an abstraction of system behavior at that level, such that architectural elements are delineated by the abstract interfaces they provide to other elements at that level [ 9 ]. Within each element may be found another architecture, defining the system of sub-elements that implement the behavior represented by the parent element's abstract interface. This recursion of architectures continues down to the most basic system elements: those that cannot be decomposed into less abstract elements.

In addition to levels of architecture, a software system will often have multiple operational phases, such as start-up, initialization, normal processing, re-initialization, and shutdown. Each operational phase has its own architecture. For example, a configuration file will be treated as a data element during the start-up phase, but won't be considered an architectural element during normal processing, since at that point the information it contained will have already been distributed throughout the system. It may, in fact, have defined the normal processing architecture. An overall description of a system architecture must be capable of describing not only the operational behavior of the system's architecture during each phase, but also the architecture of transitions between phases.

Perry and Wolf [ 105 ] define processing elements as "transformers of data," while Shaw et al. [ 118 ] describe components as "the locus of computation and state." This is further clarified in Shaw and Clements [ 122 ]: "A component is a unit of software that performs some function at run-time. Examples include programs, objects, processes, and filters." This raises an important distinction between software architecture and what is typically referred to as software structure: the former is an abstraction of the run-time behavior of a software system, whereas the latter is a property of the static software source code. Although there are advantages to having the modular structure of the source code match the decomposition of behavior within a running system, there are also advantages to having independent software components be implemented using parts of the same code (e.g., shared libraries). We separate the view of software architecture from that of the source code in order to focus on the software's run-time characteristics independent of a given component's implementation. Therefore, architectural design and source code structural design, though closely related, are separate design activities. Unfortunately, some descriptions of software architecture fail to make this distinction (e.g., [ 9 ]).

1.2 Elements

A comprehensive examination of the scope and intellectual basis for software architecture can be found in Perry and Wolf [ 105 ]. They present a model that defines a software architecture as a set of architectural elements that have a particular form , explicated by a set of rationale . Architectural elements include processing, data, and connecting elements. Form is defined by the properties of the elements and the relationships among the elements -- that is, the constraints on the elements. The rationale provides the underlying basis for the architecture by capturing the motivation for the choice of architectural style, the choice of elements, and the form.

My definitions for software architecture are an elaborated version of those within the Perry and Wolf [ 105 ] model, except that I exclude rationale. Although rationale is an important aspect of software architecture research and of architectural description in particular, including it within the definition of software architecture would imply that design documentation is part of the run-time system. The presence or absence of rationale can influence the evolution of an architecture, but, once constituted, the architecture is independent of its reasons for being. Reflective systems [ 80 ] can use the characteristics of past performance to change future behavior, but in doing so they are replacing one lower-level architecture with another lower-level architecture, rather than encompassing rationale within those architectures.

As an illustration, consider what happens to a building if its blueprints and design plans are burned. Does the building immediately collapse? No, since the properties by which the walls sustain the weight of the roof remain intact. An architecture has, by design, a set of properties that allow it to meet or exceed the system requirements. Ignorance of those properties may lead to later changes which violate the architecture, just as the replacement of a load-bearing wall with a large window frame may violate the structural stability of a building. Thus, instead of rationale, our definition of software architecture includes architectural properties. Rationale explicates those properties, and lack of rationale may result in gradual decay or degradation of the architecture over time, but the rationale itself is not part of the architecture.

A key feature of the model in Perry and Wolf [ 105 ] is the distinction of the various element types. Processing elements are those that perform transformations on data, data elements are those that contain the information that is used and transformed, and connecting elements are the glue that holds the different pieces of the architecture together. I use the more prevalent terms of components and connectors to refer to processing and connecting elements, respectively.

Garlan and Shaw [ 53 ] describe an architecture of a system as a collection of computational components together with a description of the interactions between these components--the connectors. This model is expanded upon in Shaw et al. [ 118 ]: The architecture of a software system defines that system in terms of components and of interactions among those components. In addition to specifying the structure and topology of the system, the architecture shows the intended correspondence between the system requirements and elements of the constructed system. Further elaboration of this definition can be found in Shaw and Garlan [ 121 ].

What is surprising about the Shaw et al. [ 118 ] model is that, rather than defining the software's architecture as existing within the software, it is defining a description of the software's architecture as if that were the architecture. In the process, software architecture as a whole is reduced to what is commonly found in most informal architecture diagrams: boxes (components) and lines (connectors). Data elements, along with many of the dynamic aspects of real software architectures, are ignored. Such a model is incapable of adequately describing network-based software architectures, since the nature, location, and movement of data elements within the system is often the single most significant determinant of system behavior.

1.2.1 Components

Components are the most easily recognized aspect of software architecture. Perry and Wolf's [ 105 ] processing elements are defined as those components that supply the transformation on the data elements. Garlan and Shaw [ 53 ] describe components simply as the elements that perform computation. Our definition attempts to be more precise in making the distinction between components and the software within connectors.

A component is an abstract unit of software instructions and internal state that provides a transformation of data via its interface. Example transformations include loading into memory from secondary storage, performing some calculation, translating to a different format, encapsulation with other data, etc. The behavior of each component is part of the architecture insofar as that behavior can be observed or discerned from the point of view of another component [ 9 ]. In other words, a component is defined by its interface and the services it provides to other components, rather than by its implementation behind the interface. Parnas [ 101 ] would define this as the set of assumptions that other architectural elements can make about the component.

1.2.2 Connectors

Perry and Wolf [ 105 ] describe connecting elements vaguely as the glue that holds the various pieces of the architecture together. A more precise definition is provided by Shaw and Clements [ 122 ]: A connector is an abstract mechanism that mediates communication, coordination, or cooperation among components. Examples include shared representations, remote procedure calls, message-passing protocols, and data streams.

Perhaps the best way to think about connectors is to contrast them with components. Connectors enable communication between components by transferring data elements from one interface to another without changing the data. Internally, a connector may consist of a subsystem of components that transform the data for transfer, perform the transfer, and then reverse the transformation for delivery. However, the external behavioral abstraction captured by the architecture ignores those details. In contrast, a component may, but not always will, transform data from the external perspective.

As noted above, the presence of data elements is the most significant distinction between the model of software architecture defined by Perry and Wolf [ 105 ] and the model used by much of the research labelled software architecture [ 1 , 5 , 9 , 53 , 56 , 117 - 122 , 128 ]. Boasson [ 24 ] criticizes current software architecture research for its emphasis on component structures and architecture development tools, suggesting that more focus should be placed on data-centric architectural modeling. Similar comments are made by Jackson [ 67 ].

A datum is an element of information that is transferred from a component, or received by a component, via a connector. Examples include byte-sequences, messages, marshalled parameters, and serialized objects, but do not include information that is permanently resident or hidden within a component. From the architectural perspective, a "file" is a transformation that a file system component might make from a "file name" datum received on its interface to a sequence of bytes recorded within an internally hidden storage system. Components can also generate data, as in the case of a software encapsulation of a clock or sensor.

The nature of the data elements within a network-based application architecture will often determine whether or not a given architectural style is appropriate. This is particularly evident in the comparison of mobile code design paradigms [ 50 ], where the choice must be made between interacting with a component directly or transforming the component into a data element, transferring it across a network, and then transforming it back to a component that can be interacted with locally. It is impossible to evaluate such an architecture without considering data elements at the architectural level.

1.3 Configurations

Abowd et al. [ 1 ] define architectural description as supporting the description of systems in terms of three basic syntactic classes: components, which are the locus of computation; connectors, which define the interactions between components; and configurations, which are collections of interacting components and connectors. Various style-specific concrete notations may be used to represent these visually, facilitate the description of legal computations and interactions, and constrain the set of desirable systems.

Strictly speaking, one might think of a configuration as being equivalent to a set of specific constraints on component interaction. For example, Perry and Wolf [ 105 ] include topology in their definition of architectural form relationships. However, separating the active topology from more general constraints allows an architect to more easily distinguish the active configuration from the potential domain of all legitimate configurations. Additional rationale for distinguishing configurations within architectural description languages is presented in Medvidovic and Taylor [ 86 ].

1.4 Properties

The set of architectural properties of a software architecture includes all properties that derive from the selection and arrangement of components, connectors, and data within the system. Examples include both the functional properties achieved by the system and non-functional properties, such as relative ease of evolution, reusability of components, efficiency, and dynamic extensibility, often referred to as quality attributes [ 9 ].

Properties are induced by the set of constraints within an architecture. Constraints are often motivated by the application of a software engineering principle [ 58 ] to an aspect of the architectural elements. For example, the uniform pipe-and-filter style obtains the qualities of reusability of components and configurability of the application by applying generality to its component interfaces -- constraining the components to a single interface type. Hence, the architectural constraint is "uniform component interface," motivated by the generality principle, in order to obtain two desirable qualities that will become the architectural properties of reusable and configurable components when that style is instantiated within an architecture.

The goal of architectural design is to create an architecture with a set of architectural properties that form a superset of the system requirements. The relative importance of the various architectural properties depends on the nature of the intended system. Section 2.3 examines the properties that are of particular interest to network-based application architectures.

Since an architecture embodies both functional and non-functional properties, it can be difficult to directly compare architectures for different types of systems, or for even the same type of system set in different environments. Styles are a mechanism for categorizing architectures and for defining their common characteristics [ 38 ]. Each style provides an abstraction for the interactions of components, capturing the essence of a pattern of interaction by ignoring the incidental details of the rest of the architecture [ 117 ].

Perry and Wolf [ 105 ] define architectural style as an abstraction of element types and formal aspects from various specific architectures, perhaps concentrating on only certain aspects of an architecture. An architectural style encapsulates important decisions about the architectural elements and emphasizes important constraints on the elements and their relationships. This definition allows for styles that focus only on the connectors of an architecture, or on specific aspects of the component interfaces.

In contrast, Garlan and Shaw [ 53 ], Garlan et al. [ 56 ], and Shaw and Clements [ 122 ] all define style in terms of a pattern of interactions among typed components. Specifically, an architectural style determines the vocabulary of components and connectors that can be used in instances of that style, together with a set of constraints on how they can be combined [ 53 ]. This restricted view of architectural styles is a direct result of their definition of software architecture -- thinking of architecture as a formal description, rather than as a running system, leads to abstractions based only in the shared patterns of box and line diagrams. Abowd et al. [ 1 ] go further and define this explicitly as viewing the collection of conventions that are used to interpret a class of architectural descriptions as defining an architectural style.

New architectures can be defined as instances of specific styles [ 38 ]. Since architectural styles may address different aspects of software architecture, a given architecture may be composed of multiple styles. Likewise, a hybrid style can be formed by combining multiple basic styles into a single coordinated style.

Some architectural styles are often portrayed as "silver bullet" solutions for all forms of software. However, a good designer should select a style that matches the needs of the particular problem being solved [ 119 ]. Choosing the right architectural style for a network-based application requires an understanding of the problem domain [ 67 ] and thereby the communication needs of the application, an awareness of the variety of architectural styles and the particular concerns they address, and the ability to anticipate the sensitivity of each interaction style to the characteristics of network-based communication [ 133 ].

Unfortunately, using the term style to refer to a coordinated set of constraints often leads to confusion. This usage differs substantially from the etymology of style, which would emphasize personalization of the design process. Loerke [ 76 ] devotes a chapter to denigrating the notion that personal stylistic concerns have any place in the work of a professional architect. Instead, he describes styles as the critics' view of past architecture, where the available choice of materials, the community culture, or the ego of the local ruler were responsible for the architectural style, not the designer. In other words, Loerke views the real source of style in traditional building architecture to be the set of constraints applied to the design, and attaining or copying a specific style should be the least of the designer's goals. Since referring to a named set of constraints as a style makes it easier to communicate the characteristics of common constraints, we use architectural styles as a method of abstraction, rather than as an indicator of personalized design.

1.6 Patterns and Pattern Languages

In parallel with the software engineering research in architectural styles, the object-oriented programming community has been exploring the use of design patterns and pattern languages to describe recurring abstractions in object-based software development. A design pattern is defined as an important and recurring system construct. A pattern language is a system of patterns organized in a structure that guides the patterns' application [ 70 ]. Both concepts are based on the writings of Alexander et al. [ 3 , 4 ] with regard to building architecture.

The design space of patterns includes implementation concerns specific to the techniques of object-oriented programming, such as class inheritance and interface composition, as well as the higher-level design issues addressed by architectural styles [ 51 ]. In some cases, architectural style descriptions have been recast as architectural patterns [ 120 ]. However, a primary benefit of patterns is that they can describe relatively complex protocols of interactions between objects as a single abstraction [ 91 ], thus including both constraints on behavior and specifics of the implementation. In general, a pattern, or pattern language in the case of multiple integrated patterns, can be thought of as a recipe for implementing a desired set of interactions among objects. In other words, a pattern defines a process for solving a problem by following a path of design and implementation choices [ 34 ].

Like software architectural styles, the software patterns research has deviated somewhat from its origin in building architecture. Indeed, Alexander's notion of patterns centers not on recurring arrangements of architectural elements, but rather on the recurring pattern of events--human activity and emotion--that take place within a space, with the understanding that a pattern of events cannot be separated from the space where it occurs [ 3 ]. Alexander's design philosophy is to identify patterns of life that are common to the target culture and determine what architectural constraints are needed to differentiate a given space such that it enables the desired patterns to occur naturally. Such patterns exist at multiple levels of abstraction and at all scales.

As an element in the world, each pattern is a relationship between a certain context, a certain system of forces which occurs repeatedly in that context, and a certain spatial configuration which allows these forces to resolve themselves. As an element of language, a pattern is an instruction, which shows how this spatial configuration can be used, over and over again, to resolve the given system of forces, wherever the context makes it relevant. The pattern is, in short, at the same time a thing, which happens in the world, and the rule which tells us how to create that thing, and when we must create it. It is both a process and a thing; both a description of a thing which is alive, and a description of the process which will generate that thing. [ 3 ]

In many ways, Alexander's patterns have more in common with software architectural styles than the design patterns of OOPL research. An architectural style, as a coordinated set of constraints, is applied to a design space in order to induce the architectural properties that are desired of the system. By applying a style, an architect is differentiating the software design space in the hope that the result will better match the forces inherent in the application, thus leading to system behavior that enhances the natural pattern rather than conflicting with it.

An architectural viewpoint is often application-specific and varies widely based on the application domain. ... we have seen architectural viewpoints that address a variety of issues, including: temporal issues, state and control approaches, data representation, transaction life cycle, security safeguards, and peak demand and graceful degradation. No doubt there are many more possible viewpoints. [ 70 ]

In addition to the many architectures within a system, and the many architectural styles from which the architectures are composed, it is also possible to view an architecture from many different perspectives. Perry and Wolf [ 105 ] describe three important views in software architecture: processing, data, and connection views. A process view emphasizes the data flow through the components and some aspects of the connections among the components with respect to the data. A data view emphasizes the processing flow, with less emphasis on the connectors. A connection view emphasizes the relationship between components and the state of communication.

Multiple architectural views are common within case studies of specific architectures [ 9 ]. One architectural design methodology, the 4+1 View Model [ 74 ], organizes the description of a software architecture using five concurrent views, each of which addresses a specific set of concerns.

1.8 Related Work

I include here only those areas of research that define software architecture or describe software architectural styles. Other areas for software architecture research include architectural analysis techniques, architecture recovery and re-engineering, tools and environments for architectural design, architecture refinement from specification to implementation, and case studies of deployed software architectures [ 55 ]. Related work in the areas of style classification, distributed process paradigms, and middleware are discussed in Chapter 3 .

1.8.1 Design Methodologies

Most early research on software architecture was concentrated on design methodologies. For example, object-oriented design [ 25 ] advocates a way to structure problems that leads naturally to an object-based architecture (or, more accurately, does not lead naturally to any other form of architecture). One of the first design methodologies to emphasize design at the architectural level is Jackson System Development [ 30 ]. JSD intentionally structures the analysis of a problem so that it leads to a style of architecture that combines pipe-and-filter (data flow) and process control constraints. These design methodologies tend to produce only one style of architecture.

There has been some initial work investigating methodologies for the analysis and development of architectures. Kazman et al. have described design methods for eliciting the architectural aspects of a design through scenario-based analysis with SAAM [ 68 ] and architectural trade-off analysis via ATAM [ 69 ]. Shaw [ 119 ] compares a variety of box-and-arrow designs for an automobile cruise control system, each done using a different design methodology and encompassing several architectural styles.

1.8.2 Handbooks for Design, Design Patterns, and Pattern Languages

Shaw [ 117 ] advocates the development of architectural handbooks along the same lines as traditional engineering disciplines. The object-oriented programming community has taken the lead in producing catalogs of design patterns, as exemplified by the "Gang of Four" book [ 51 ] and the essays edited by Coplien and Schmidt [ 33 ].

Software design patterns tend to be more problem-oriented than architectural styles. Shaw [ 120 ] presents eight example architectural patterns based on the architectural styles described in [ 53 ], including information on the kinds of problems best suited to each architecture. Buschmann et al. [ 28 ] provide a comprehensive examination of the architectural patterns common to object-based development. Both references are purely descriptive and make no attempt to compare or illustrate the differences among architectural patterns.

Tepfenhart and Cusick [ 129 ] use a two dimensional map to differentiate among domain taxonomies, domain models, architectural styles, frameworks, kits, design patterns, and applications. In the topology, design patterns are predefined design structures used as building blocks for a software architecture, whereas architectural styles are sets of operational characteristics that identify an architectural family independent of application domain. However, they fail to define architecture itself.

1.8.3 Reference Models and Domain-specific Software Architectures (DSSA)

Reference models are developed to provide conceptual frameworks for describing architectures and showing how components are related to each other [ 117 ]. The Object Management Architecture (OMA), developed by the OMG [ 96 ] as a reference model for brokered distributed object architectures, specifies how objects are defined and created, how client applications invoke objects, and how objects can be shared and reused. The emphasis is on management of distributed objects, rather than efficient application interaction.

Hayes-Roth et al. [ 62 ] define domain-specific software architecture (DSSA) as comprising: a) a reference architecture, which describes a general computational framework for a significant domain of applications, b) a component library, which contains reusable chunks of domain expertise, and c) an application configuration method for selecting and configuring components within the architecture to meet particular application requirements. Tracz [ 130 ] provides a general overview of DSSA.

DSSA projects have been successful at transferring architectural decisions to running systems by restricting the software development space to a specific architectural style that matches the domain requirements [ 88 ]. Examples include ADAGE [ 10 ] for avionics, AIS [ 62 ] for adaptive intelligent systems, and MetaH [ 132 ] for missile guidance, navigation, and control systems. DSSA emphasize reuse of components within a common architectural domain, rather than selecting an architectural style that is specific to each system.

1.8.4 Architecture Description Languages (ADL)

Most of the recent published work regarding software architectures is in the area of architecture description languages (ADL). An ADL is, according to Medvidovic and Taylor [ 86 ], a language that provides features for the explicit specification and modeling of a software system's conceptual architecture, including at a minimum: components, component interfaces, connectors, and architectural configurations.

Darwin is a declarative language which is intended to be a general purpose notation for specifying the structure of systems composed of diverse components using diverse interaction mechanisms [ 81 ]. Darwin's interesting qualities are that it allows the specification of distributed architectures and dynamically composed architectures [ 82 ].

UniCon [ 118 ] is a language and associated toolset for composing an architecture from a restricted set of component and connector examples. Wright [ 5 ] provides a formal basis for specifying the interactions between architectural components by specifying connector types by their interaction protocols.

Like design methodologies, ADLs often introduce specific architectural assumptions that may impact their ability to describe some architectural styles, and may conflict with the assumptions in existing middleware [ 38 ]. In some cases, an ADL is designed specifically for a single architectural style, thus improving its capacity for specialized description and analysis at the cost of generality. For example, C2SADEL [ 88 ] is an ADL designed specifically to describe architectures developed in the C2 style [ 128 ]. In contrast, ACME [ 57 ] is an ADL that attempts to be as generic as possible, but with the trade-off being that it doesn't support style-specific analysis and the building of actual applications; rather, its focus is on the interchange among analysis tools.

1.8.5 Formal Architectural Models

Abowd et al. [ 1 ] claim that architectural styles can be described formally in terms of a small set of mappings from the syntactic domain of architectural descriptions (box-and-line diagrams) to the semantic domain of architectural meaning. However, this assumes that the architecture is the description, rather than an abstraction of a running system.

Inverardi and Wolf [ 65 ] use the Chemical Abstract Machine (CHAM) formalism to model software architecture elements as chemicals whose reactions are controlled by explicitly stated rules. It specifies the behavior of components according to how they transform available data elements and uses composition rules to propagate the individual transformations into an overall system result. While this is an interesting model, it is unclear as to how CHAM could be used to describe any form of architecture whose purpose goes beyond transforming a data stream.

Rapide [ 78 ] is a concurrent, event-based simulation language specifically designed for defining and simulating system architectures. The simulator produces a partially-ordered set of events that can be analyzed for conformance to the architectural constraints on interconnection. Le Métayer [ 75 ] presents a formalism for the definition of architectures in terms of graphs and graph grammars.

1.9 Summary

This chapter examined the background for this dissertation. Introducing and formalizing a consistent set of terminology for software architecture concepts is necessary to avoid the confusion between architecture and architecture description that is common in the literature, particularly since much of the prior research on architecture excludes data as an important architectural element. I concluded with a survey of other research related to software architecture and architectural styles.

The next two chapters continue our discussion of background material by focusing on network-based application architectures and describing how styles can be used to guide their architectural design, followed by a survey of common architectural styles using a classification methodology that highlights the architectural properties induced when the styles are applied to an architecture for network-based hypermedia.

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15 Most Intriguing Architecture Dissertation Topics For Young Architects (2024)

18 min read

October 31, 2022

Table of Contents

What is an Architecture Dissertation?

An architecture dissertation is a research paper that explores a specific topic in this field, completed by students as a part of their graduation requirements. It is written by students pursuing an architecture degree and is a graduation requirement. It allows students to demonstrate their knowledge of the subject matter and their ability to conduct independent research. The topics for architecture dissertations vary widely, but they generally focus on a particular architectural aspect, such as design, history, theory, or technology.

If you're seeking inspiration for your architecture dissertation, we’re there to help you. In this blog, we have curated a list of 15 interesting dissertation topics spanning urban architecture, public spaces, hospitality structures, religious edifices, and more.

How to Choose a Dissertation Topic for Architecture?

Before going through the list of our architecture dissertation topics, let us understand the key measures to keep in mind while choosing your topic:

1. Identify Your Interests

Choose a topic that interests you the most. This will help you stay motivated throughout the research process.

2. Explore Current Trends

Look for the latest trends and developments in the architecture field. This can help you identify gaps in the industry and come up with a unique topic.

3. Consult with Your Advisor

Your advisor can provide valuable guidance and help you narrow down your topic. They can also suggest relevant literature and research methods.

4. Consider Your Resources

Ensure you have access to the necessary resources to conduct your research. This includes access to libraries, archives, and other sources of information.

5. Brainstorm Ideas

Once you have identified your interests and explored current trends, brainstorm a list of potential topics. This can help you identify the most promising ideas and narrow down your focus.

Most Intriguing Architecture Dissertation Topics

We have compiled a list of 15 architecture dissertation topics that are intriguing and relevant to the architecture field. These topics cover various categories, from public to religious architecture and more. Take a look below:

1. Temple Complex of the Future |Religious Architecture

Temples have always held central importance around the world and can be active sites of cultural confluence. Possible areas to explore in your architecture dissertation topics are the uses of sustainability in creating religious structures, materials used, analysing the cultural significance of the architectural elements in structures, and classifying their types and historical context.

Inter-faith traditions are spreading across the world, and this can and has given rise to new ideas. The Lotus Temple in Delhi is an excellent case study on the same - with a marvellous, nine-sided circular shape embodying the central the central tenets of the Baha’i’ faith. It receives 20 percent of its electricity from solar panels. While the structure may look delicate, it can withstand an earthquake of up to 8 on the Richter scale. Wondering how? Because each of its nine petals has been individually constructed and fortified. It is also one of the foremost examples of biomimetic architecture in the modern world.

An architecture dissertation is only one part of the larger process of building a portfolio. Usually, students are required to submit a thesis in addition to their architecture dissertation, to demonstrate practical skills. You can also call it a rite of passage! We’ve created the ultimate guide to nailing your architecture thesis , and we highly recommend checking it out if you’re struggling with the process of a thesis.

2. Community Centre |Public Architecture

Architecture dissertations on community centres are a wonderful way to learn about urban development and planning. Exploring a community centre as your architecture dissertation topic would mean taking into consideration issues such as demographic analysis, community development (educational and skill-oriented), multifunctional spaces, ease of access, recreational facilities, and eco-friendly, sustainable building solutions. You can also look to design spaces that foster social relations and harmony within a local community while incorporating their culture and preferences, alongside performing case studies.

An excellent example of an innovative community centre is the Largo Community Centre in Florida. The park focuses on creating, in effect, an indoor park with meeting spaces for community members and recreational facilities by using sustainable materials.

A community centre is also an excellent project to showcase in your architecture   portfolio , essential to developing your skills and practical knowledge. Read more tips to create an incredible architecture portfolio.

Read more:  The Best Architecture Portfolios: 10 Inspiring Examples (2024)

3. Animal Shelters and Veterinary Care Centres |Healthcare Architecture

It is no secret that planning and designing spaces for animals are very different from designing spaces for humans. One needs to take into account the creation of surgery and operation theatres, hospital spaces for sick animals, residential areas for staff, playing pens, grazing grounds, access to medicinal supplies , and so on. Meanwhile, also ensure that the structure is easy to clean and has enough natural light and ventilation to comfort distressed animals. Certainly a competitive analysis for your architecture dissertation!

The Veterinary Clinic Masans in Chur, Switzerland is an excellent case study for this. With 1145 m 2 of space, cutting-edge medical technology, and designed to house 17 staff members, this veterinary centre is Southeastern Switzerland’s go-to medical facility. Its partially underground structure features a green roof, serving as both a garden and playground for neighbouring residents. The interior boasts a predominantly white palette and the rooms are strategically arranged for optimal natural light, creating a calming environment. Diagnostic equipment is showcased along corridor ceilings, maintaining the clinic’s technical vibe, while the key rooms are constructed with soundproof glass fibre. Now that’s what we call a unique structure, providing tremendous design and research scope.

This structure is certainly a competitive analysis for your architecture dissertation!

4. Mass Rapid Transit Systems Design |Transportation Architecture

MRTS includes the design structure of trams, buses, metros, monorails, and commuter rails. The challenges in this unique field include mapping strategic routes, conducting population demand and density analysis, interchange zones, and so on. All the while, ensuring that the MRTS design is in line with civic and environmental goals, goals, property development, population growth, and appropriate land use. This makes it a very stimulating architecture dissertation topic.

A fabulous example is the Shinkansen (tr. in Japanese: ‘new railway line’) in Japan or the bullet train system. It connects major Japanese cities, and in the 50+ years of its operation, there has not been a single fatality, collision, or derailment. Now, that’s something!

5. Multi-Functional Urban Spaces |Urban Architecture

By 2030, it is estimated that the world’s population will stand at a staggering 8.6 billion, with the 10 most populated cities seeing over 400 urban million dwellers! This makes multifunctional spaces in urban cities an increasingly important concern for developing countries. Moreover, factors like preventing urban sprawl and overcrowding, taking care of waste management, and finding more sustainable ways to build structures are taken into account while planning multifunctional cities . This must be done without a decline in the city’s living standards and with attention to issues such as mobility and equity . It is exciting and highly futuristic for your architecture dissertation topic.

An interesting example of this is the Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, which turned from one of the foremost cultural and economic hubs of the city to a barren land between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. Its revival after the fall of the Berlin Wall occurred when the government announced a design competition for the plaza, which turned it into one of the largest building sites in Europe, with clearly demarcated territories of commercial centres, cultural centres, and leisure zones.

Increasingly, urban designers and architects have realised that to construct the most efficient structures for urban living, they need to use technologies such as BIM. BIM helps all stakeholders in a project stay up-to-date with the latest developments and collaborate effectively. You can read more about the best architecture firms in India that have capitalised on BIM here.

You can read more about the best architecture firms in Bangalore for internships here .

6. Co-Living Housing |Residential Architecture

Urban migration for work is an extremely common phenomenon in the current day and age. Co-living housing, statistically, is popular among young professionals who want to save funds and not take up the hassle of hunting for houses, flatmates, and furniture. A co-living unit usually comes pre-furnished and costs less than an apartment. An architecture dissertation that focuses on co-living spaces would need to take into account successful case studies, shared spaces between residents, affordability and energy efficiency, suitable privacy, and the changing trends within co-living structures.

An excellent case study on this topic is Roam Co-Living in Bali, which comes fully equipped with modern amenities a young professional would need and offers enough privacy. This unique centre has often been described as “a model of a micro-society”.

7. Sustainable Architecture

Sustainable architecture is an increasing concern all around the globe for acquiring long-term environmental, economic, and social viability. An architecture thesis on sustainability needs to include research on various sustainable practices and their materi als, for instance — sol ar power, wind power, biomass, materials such as bamboo, and recycled plastic, among others. Sustainable architecture is a large field and, therefore, requires a narrowed-down focus on the kind of structure you are analysing, be it a hospital, a factory, or a school. It would also need to be lined up with case studies on local environmental factors and population analysis.

An excellent example of the same is Kohinoor Hospital in Mumbai. More than 40% of the resources used to construct this hospital are made of recyclable materials. In addition, the hospital focuses on water conservation. Thi s is just one of many examples. The number of structures one can explore for architecture dissertation topics on sustainabil ity is endless .

8. Urban Campus |Educational Architecture

Designing and researching a university campus is similar to building a small town. It accommodates student housing, dining halls, libraries, classrooms, laboratories, recreational facilities, university administration offices , and more. In addition, it also needs to be representative of the university’s ethos and cultural identity. For students, it needs to promote a sense of well-being. Energy efficiency and pedestrian safety are also essential considerations, making it a very stimulating architecture dissertation topic.

Case studies on this topic need to be extensively researched and curated. An excellent case study example is the University of Washington’s campus, with its clear demarcations, easy-to-navigate routes, libraries, and recreational facilities. On the campus, several buildings have been constructed and renovated with sustainability in mind. The university has also implemented green building standards such as LEED(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), in many of its construction projects.

The University is recognised as a national leader for its deep commitment to sustainability on our campuses and in the community.

Read more: Passive Design Architecture Examples Around the World

9. Reinventing Villages |Residential Architecture

Reviving villages often means rebuilding lost traditions and folklore that have been displaced or disappeared. This may occur due to economic changes , migration patterns, technological changes, and environmental degradation. Factors that need to be accounted for in an architecture dissertation on this topic are a regional historical analysis of the mentioned factors, in addition to demographic analysis for your case studies. Analysing building structures for technological progress, education, and employment generation, studying the architecture of existing structures, and focusing on the preservation of local historical monuments are some ways you can approach this topic for your architecture dissertation.

An excellent case study for the improvement of village structures is the revival of Kumbalangi fishing village by the government of Kerala . Focusing on eco-tourism, developing transportation routes, and improving the building structure for water access were some ways in which the government aided the Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village project.

10. Redefining Hotels and Resorts (Hospitality Architecture)

An architecture dissertation on hotels and resorts has several interesting offshoots to explore. Hotels and resorts, apart from being hubs for tourists and vacation venues, can also provide historical relevance and embody local traditions. An architecture dissertation on this topic can focus on the adaptive reuse of buildings, technical and cultural redevelopment, the relationship between the psychology of space and hospitality, eco-tourism, and sustainable development of hotels.

An incredible example of a re-conceptualized hotel is the Harding Boutique Hotel , designed by the firm, Anarchitect. It combines the modernist style of acclaimed architect Geoffrey Bawa with traditional Sri Lankan architectural elements. It is located 30 minutes from the UNESCO heritage site Galle Fort , which makes it part of Sri Lanka’s prime cultural avenue.

11. Waste Management Centre (Industrial Architecture)

Waste management is an urgent concern in the modern world. An architecture dissertation topic of this nature would need to explore aspects such as recycling waste as construction material. This would involve analysing different kinds of waste, such as — electronic waste, industrial waste, sludge waste, and organic waste) and how they can be repurposed. It would also include studying public policy and by-laws for waste management , among other factors.

A great case study on waste management is the Holmene islets of Copenhagen . These are nine man-made islets, and their unique design combines fossil-free energy production. And the most unique part? The biowaste and waste water from Copenhagen’s 1.5 million residents are turned into clean water and bioga s!

12. Eco Museum |Cultural Architecture

An eco-museum is a structure that uses a location's historical and cultural identity for tourism and heritage appreciation. Local communities usually run eco museums which are a way for them to participate in and preserve their heritage. Sustainable development is a major factor in eco-museum construction and development. An architecture dissertation on the same would have to delve into the concept of heritage, restoring old buildings and sites, and ideating eco-friendly methods for conservation and future preservation.

A case study of a successful eco museum is the Flodden 1513 Eco Museum , which is situated on the northeastern border between Scotland and England. It was the site of a battle between English and Scottish forces in 1513 and caused the death of many noblemen and King James IV.

13. Disaster Relief Housing |Residential Architecture

Asia and the Pacific islands are the most disaster-prone areas in the world. Over 45% of natural disasters occur in this region. This makes disaster relief architecture a very urgent concern in the area. An architecture dissertation on disaster relief housing would need to consider aspects such as the design of emergency shelter centres, sanitation access, and indexes of low-cost, weather-resistant, and easily recycled materials that ca n survive diffic ult circumstances.

An excellent case study on disaster relief housing is architecture firm Designnobis’s all-inclusive emergency shelter, Tentative. It is a disaster response tent that can adapt to almost any climate.

14. Retracing the Identity of a Crematorium (Public Architecture)

Understanding funerary architecture is a unique topic for an architecture dissertation. One must understand the spatial needs of a funeral with respect to the culture and religion of the deceased person. There are many kinds of spaces to consider - cemeteries, crematoriums, tom bs, towers of silence, and so on. The significance of the materials used concerning their cultural symbolism and functional qualities is also important. Another interesting factor to explore is the environmental consequences of funerals.

An interesting case study of funerary architecture is the Parsi Tower of Silence. It is a circular, raised structure made of three concentric circles with an almost flat top. According to Zoroastrian rituals, the bodies of men are left in the outermost circle, those of women in the middle circle, and those of children in the innermost circle for scavenger birds as an act of charity to nature.

Read more: The Connection Between Art And Architecture: The Beauty of Synergy

15. Revitalising Local Markets |Commercial Architecture

Markets have historically been a central location for shopping, trading, social gatherings, and more. In addition, they also often contain locally significant structures such as mosques and temples. When you consider revitalising local markets as part of your architecture dissertation, you have to take into account factors such as the different kinds of markets (street, enclosed, open) , their layout , spatial features , and whether they are permanent, or weekly.  In addition, you must think about their function, history, local demographics and future possibilities to understand the context of revitalisation to have a fruitful architecture dissertation on this topic.

An interesting example of a revitalised market is the Denpasar City traditional markets , where problems such as neglect in spatial planning and an increasing number of traders caused a decline in the market’s trade.

Final Notes

That concludes our list of the most interesting architecture dissertation topics you can pursue! A dissertation is an important stepping stone to the professional world of architecture. The field is rapidly changing, and the emergence of processes and digital tools has allowed students to push the technological boundaries of the kind of projects they wish to go after. Definitely, being in touch with the latest developments in the AEC industry will give you an edge while crafting your architecture dissertation and thesis.

Novatr offers courses on the most in-demand skills in the AEC industry– BIM Professional Course for Architects V2.0 . This is your opportunity to learn under the guidance of industry experts with years of real-world industry experience. Learn 15+ BIM software and workflows and also get the chance to work on challenging capstone projects, which will undoubtedly be good additions to your portfolio. If you want to know more about BIM and parametric modelling, our Resources page has plenty of informative reads!

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