Methods

Course guarantor:

Jana Zdráhalová

Lecturer:

Lukáš Kopp, Jana Zdráhalová

Tutor:

Lukáš Kopp, Jana Zdráhalová

Supervisor:

Department of Urban Design

Synopsis:

The course provides an introduction to urban research, focusing on the relationships between urban spatial structure, human behaviour and social processes. Students are introduced to the formulation of research questions, the definition of study areas, and the use of qualitative and quantitative research methods in an urban context.

The course is intended for students interested in analytical and research-based approaches to the city and develops skills applicable to both theoretical and design-oriented work, particularly the ability to interpret urban environments based on systematically collected data.

Requirements:

Syllabus of lectures:

01_Research

Introduction to urban research. Formulation of a research problem and research question, definition of the study area, work with context, and structure of a research project.

02_Research methods qualitative and quantitative

Overview of qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Selection of appropriate methods in relation to the research question, combination of methods, data handling and interpretation.

03_Grounded theory

Introduction to grounded theory as a qualitative research approach. Principles of inductive reasoning, data coding, category development and theoretical interpretation.

04_Mental mapping

Mental mapping as a qualitative research tool. Perception and cognition of the environment, interpretation of mental maps, and the possibilities and limitations of the method in studying the image of the city.

05_Observation methods

Observational methods in urban research. Non-participant observation, gate method, tracing people and other techniques for studying behaviour and movement in urban space.

Syllabus of tutorials:

The seminar focuses on the definition and development of an individual urban research project. Students work with a specific study area and gradually formulate a research intent, methodology and interpretation of results.

In the initial phase, students focus on:

defining the study area and its broader spatial context,

formulating a clear and specific research question,

designing a methodological approach, including the selection of qualitative and quantitative methods,

distinguishing between desktop analysis and field survey,

identifying available data sources, maps and information required for the research.

Throughout the semester, ongoing consultations take place, both individual and collective, aimed at refining research questions, methodological decisions and the interpretation of partial results. Emphasis is placed on shared discussion of student work and on learning from different approaches and solutions.

The outcome of the exercise is a complete research protocol, including:

the research question,

a description of the study area,

a justified choice of methodology,

presentation of collected data,

interpretation of the data and answers to the research questions,

a critical evaluation of the entire project (achievements, limitations and learning outcomes).

The exercise concludes with a presentation of outputs and a discussion of the individual projects.

Study Objective:

The objective of the course is to develop the ability to formulate, structure and justify an urban research project, with a strong emphasis on a clearly defined research question and on the informed selection of appropriate analytical methods. The course encourages students to understand research methods not as neutral tools, but as deliberate choices that shape results and their interpretation.

Emphasis is placed on working with different types of data and map-based sources, combining desktop analysis with field research, and selecting methods that correspond to the nature of the research problem. Students are introduced to qualitative and quantitative approaches, with the aim of understanding their applicability, limitations and implications, rather than applying them mechanically.

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

formulate a clear and relevant research question,

design and justify an appropriate research methodology,

work critically with multiple data sources and maps,

reflect on the limitations of methods and data,

interpret research results in relation to their context and underlying assumptions.

Study materials:

Corbin, J., & Strauss, A. (2015). Basics of qualitative research: Techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Dovey, K. (2010). Becoming places: Urbanism / architecture / identity / power. Routledge.

Dovey, K. (2016). Urban design thinking: A conceptual toolkit. Bloomsbury Academic.

Groat, L., & Wang, D. (2013). Architectural research methods (2nd ed.). Wiley.

Lynch, K. (1960). The image of the city. MIT Press.

Whyte, W. H. (1980). The social life of small urban spaces. Project for Public Spaces.

Note:

Time-table for winter semester 2025/2026:

Time-table is not available yet

Time-table for summer semester 2025/2026:

	06:00–08:0008:00–10:0010:00–12:0012:00–14:0014:00–16:0016:00–18:0018:00–20:0020:00–22:0022:00–24:00
Mon
Tue	roomT9:107 Zdráhalová J. 09:00–09:30 (lecture parallel1) Dejvice roomT9:107 Zdráhalová J. 09:45–10:30 (lecture parallel1 parallel nr.101) Dejvice
Wed
Thu
Fri

The course is a part of the following study plans:

• Navazující Krajinářská architektura (elective course)
• Navazující Architektura, urbanismus a krajinářská architektura (elective course)