Architect-Researcher as a Model Combination of Research and Design Practice on Examples
Authors: Fross Klaudiusz 
Published: February 2022

In response to the architectural market and the need for further development of the traditional approach to design, propose a model of architect - researcher. Created definition of architect - researcher. Architect - designer - researcher or researcher, the model designer, in which the person or under his direction engaged in a necessary pre- design research (qualitative observation) objects with similar features. On this basis, draw conclusions and formulate guidelines for design. After completing the object continues to evaluate and observations in order to verify design decisions and to draw conclusions for new projects. This model extends the designer's interest in the use phase of the designed work. This complements the traditional approach to the design of the use of research. Architect - researcher is equipped with two proprietary methodologies proceedings. The first concerns the pre-project studies " in 8 steps ", which help in gaining knowledge of programming and design. The second - the use of qualitative research designed object " in 7 steps ", the verification of design decisions and the source of knowledge to new projects. The methods illustrated in the diagrams , and tested in a few years' design practice. For examples of projects or the author demonstrated the benefits of applying the methods in practice. It also showed the need for a research approach to architectural design. The paper is based on the knowledge gained through a variety of tests: performed on objects, interviews, surveys, list of mistakes made by investors. The main group consisted of qualitative research expertise and observation of existing buildings (more than 40 buildings with different functions). Complementary role of several evaluations of objects of various functions performed by the students of architecture in the design classes. Performed qualitative assessments of projects and the implementation of the author with a similar function as full pre-design (design and implementation). Important source of information were interviews with the managers of buildings and real estate, made ​​with selected people in Poland and abroad. On the basis of research identifies the most important conclusions for the design. In the design of the traditional common purpose personal designer - creator is the most important, while in the design as determined by the author's research and investment objectives of the investor and user needs are paramount. The built environment and its users are an important source of knowledge for the design and field testing, and completed buildings are a permanent record of success and design errors. By using different research methods and tools can be gained knowledge of the built environment and its users. Capitalizing knowledge through research object allows you to avoid past mistakes and the use of proven solutions. Qualitative research in use are proven methods allowing to determine the actual state and condition of the object - there is nothing to hide. Using the built environment research increases the chance of achieving the investment objectives, meet the expectations of the users, for high- quality facility, the proper functioning of the building now and in the future.