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Design principles of form, function, sustainability in architecture
Passed 22 of 22 test cases with the skill, and 20 of 22 without it.
2 fixed20 passed either way0 still failing0 broke
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One of 2 test cases the skill fixed. Same model, same prompt, with and without the skill.
What daylight factor percentage target across at least 80% of occupied area is standard for high-performance office design evaluation?
| Checked | Without skill | With skill |
|---|---|---|
| Specifies a daylight factor target greater than 2% | Missed | Passed |
The instructions your model reads when the skill loads.
Architectural research spans the technical, aesthetic, social, and environmental dimensions of the built environment. From structural engineering and building physics to urban theory and computational design, the discipline demands integration across multiple domains. Academic architecture research increasingly focuses on sustainability, computational methods, and evidence-based design -- areas where rigorous methodology is essential.
This guide covers the core principles that inform architectural research: the interplay of form and function, structural logic, environmental performance, and human experience. It also addresses the computational tools (BIM, parametric design, simulation) that have transformed how architects investigate and validate design decisions.
Whether you are conducting research on building performance, urban morphology, computational design methods, or the social impact of built environments, this guide provides the frameworks and tools to ground your work in established architectural theory and current best practices.
Classical framework (Vitruvius, 1st century BCE):
FIRMITAS (Structural Integrity)
- Structural systems: load paths, material behavior, safety factors
- Building physics: thermal, acoustic, moisture performance
- Durability: service life, maintenance, resilience to hazards
- Modern addition: seismic, wind, and climate resilience
UTILITAS (Function)
- Program: spatial organization, adjacency requirements
- Circulation: movement patterns, wayfinding, accessibility
- Flexibility: adaptability to changing uses over time
- Modern addition: Universal design, inclusive environments
VENUSTAS (Delight)
- Proportion, rhythm, scale, materiality
- Light: natural and artificial, atmosphere, perception
- Cultural meaning: symbolism, context, identity
- Modern addition: Biophilic design, multisensory experience
Contemporary additions:
SUSTAINABILITY (since 1990s)
- Energy performance, carbon footprint, resource efficiency
- Lifecycle assessment, circular economy principles
- Passive strategies, renewable energy integration
test cases passed, vs 20 / 22 without
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