Choosing Topics & Formulating Questions

Entry #1

    This week we were tasked with reading chapter 3 of Undergrad Research in Architecture: A Guide for Students. One quote that stuck out to me in the reading about research projects is, "It absolutely should be something uncertain, risky, or challenging - something that takes you from familiar practices and assumptions to new and surprising ones." This stuck out to me because even though we have only just begun our research project, it is most definitely unlike any other challenges I have faced in my academic career. The reading also discusses how if the questions we are posing for our research can be answered quickly, then it is not adequate for studying. I also found this reassuring because the topics I have taken into consideration I am unsure of how to answer right now, which makes me feel as if I am on the right path in my research process. 

    This blog will serve as a written record and timeline of my research for my architectural capstone. As of right now, two of my main topics of interest is studying the correlation that can be seen in Christianity and architecture, as well as the correlation that can be seen in music and architecture. My faith and love for music is something that is very important to me and because of that, I feel like the love I have for both could really drive my research process. As a result of my research, I want people to be able to show people that architecture can bring about deeper emotions that relate to those brought about by religion and music. 

     What I got out of this week is to trust the process. I am not supposed to have my entire capstone figured out by now nor am I supposed to have a singular topic of interest. I have learned that even though it might feel stressful to not know in this moment what exactly my research will be, that it is helping me keep my mind open to new opportunities and will allow for the topic to reveal itself overtime as we continue this research process. 

Comments

  1. Amanda BenzenhaferJanuary 27, 2025 at 8:08 PM

    Hi Ashley, I find myself in a similar headspace right now. Your topics of interest are really intriguing, and I see an interesting parallel if you choose to explore it. Given your devotion to your faith and your love for music, it could be fascinating to examine how these two passions intersect in architecture. For example, exploring the role of music in religious spaces and how that influences design choices could lead to some compelling discoveries. I am excited to see what path your research takes.

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  2. Skye LucasJanuary 28, 2025 at 10:24 AM

    Hi Ashley! I am really interested to see how you work out your topics, as your presentation last week stuck out to me. I think Amanda made a great point mentioning the possibility to mix your two passions together, and I feel like with some thought you could come up with something very interesting. I feel like you could approach this using the freewriting exercise from the reading, focusing on both topics. Your takeaway to trust the process is a great reminder, as I keep getting ahead of myself and stressing out over my topic. I look forward to seeing where you go with this!

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  3. Noah GravesJanuary 28, 2025 at 12:13 PM

    Hey Ashley. You mentioned a curiosity in the capability of architecture to instill deeper emotion in those who experience it. I think that your choice of topics are certainly beneficial in aiding you towards this discovery of emotional response in the built environment. As I have explored my own topics and the questions that can be drawn from them, I have thought frequently of a culmination of art forms to evoke emotion. I am intrigued by the possibility of architecture inspired by the qualities of music. Faith also provides potential for that emotional response and I am interested in the development of this connection. Your topic selection and the questions that you have considered remind me of my own progress and I am excited to see what direction your research takes.

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