M.

ARCH (Sustainable Architecture) Thesis 2018-19

THESIS SYNOPSIS STRUCTURE

A synopsis must explain the following:

A. What you are proposing to do.

B. How you are planning to find answers to what you are proposing;
what strategies will be adopted.
C. Why you have selected the topic & the proposed strategies.

A synopsis structure must contain:

1. Title
2. Subtitle
3. Building Typology, Building Use and Land Use Classification
1. Abstract/ Introduction
2. Background Study & Problem Identification
4. Need of the Project
5. Feasibility of the project
6. Sustainability Component in the Project
7. Project Uniqueness in terms of Sustainable Architecture
8. Aim
9. Objectives
10. Scope (Architectural and Allied)
11. Limitations
12. Description of the research work
13. Probable Case Studies
14. Probable Desktop Studies
15. Proposed Site/ Sites
16. Uniqueness of the Project
17. Source of Literature Review identified
18. Preliminary Design Ideas/Concepts/Inspirations
19. Preliminary Thesis Project Methodology*
20. Work schedule (Optional)

Some of the above mentioned points are elaborated below. However, these are indicative
guidelines and not restricted to only these; the student in consultation with guide might come up
with other unique requirements which specifically suits the project. Students can (at any stage of the
thesis) bring study models (physical/ software generated) for better understanding and explanation.

INTRODUCTION

• An overview of the main area under study: Briefly explain the

Architectural/technological/social relevance or significance of the
research work of your thesis topic. Describe how it is relevant to
sustainability as a whole and which sustainability aspect is intended to
be focussed upon. Be precise and include only relevant background
material in the introduction.

• A historical perspective relevant to the study area: Provide information

on similar studies done on the topic by way of giving appropriate
references.

BACKGROUND STUDY & PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

• Develop further on the background material provided in the introduction

and bring the subject of thesis in the chosen area of research in to focus.

• Emphasize, based on the content status, the importance of the research

problem identified. Should broadly indicate the existing drawbacks and why
further research is required to eliminate the drawbacks and find new
sustainable architectural solutions.

• State precisely the research questions for which the answers are sought
through this thesis work.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

• The aim of the thesis clearly defines the research and architectural design
topic in one sentence. The sustainable and architectural scope is stated
while mentioning the sustainability focus.
 [Eg: ‘Designing aVernacular school building in cold climateof India with focus
on thermal performance of traditional walls’, ‘Studying the Occupant
Behavior to Retrofit a High-rise Residential Building in Mumbai’]

• Objectives are the steps to be taken to achieve the aim of the thesis. Thy
should be minimum 4-5 in number and should be clearly stated and specific
in nature.Each objective should delineate only one issue. Use action-oriented
verbs– ‘to determine’ ‘to find out’ ‘to quantify’ etc.
[Eg:
i. To study the design characteristics in cold climates.
ii. To analyse the vernacular architecture of cold climate areas.
iii. To quantify the thermal performance of the traditional walls.
iv. To determine the design solutions of a modern school building
using traditional techniques.]

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

• Clearly list the steps to be taken to complete the thesis. Explain how each of
the objectives would be fulfilled as actions to be taken under scope.

• List the conceptual, analytical, experimental and/or methodological

boundaries within which the exercise will be carried out.Admit with clarity the
limitation of such a research and difficulties involved. Problems related to
logistical details, availability of data, securing permission from the agency to
carry out research, or any other aspect of study must be clearly mentioned.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RESEARCH WORK

Describe the method or procedure you plan to use to answer your research
questions or objectives. It should be written clearly, if someone else wants to
follow the proposed procedure, s/he will be able to exactly as you would
have done. Define with clarity the detailed methodology to be adopted that
will lead you towards the sustainable findings & architectural solutions.
 • Detailed explanations of the drawbacks/problems identified for which you
are seeking possible architectural solutions. Keeping in mind the limitations
and difficulties, identify the precise architecturally relevant area and extent
of research that is attempted by you.
• Clear the role of literature studies/ observations/ experiments/ questionnaires
in your research.
• Explain in detail how the case studies will help in resolving the
drawbacks/problems identified.
• List the measurement procedures and describe the instruments or tools that
will be used in your study. Briefly describe what analysis procedure will be
adopted or how data will be processed.
• Explain how sampling will be done (if applicable) as a part of research
surveys.
• Briefly describe the study area where you want to conduct the study. [Profile
of the project, location, climate zone, scale, use etc.]

CONCLUSIONS/SUMMARY OF THE WORK

• Highlight major conclusions you are working towards. Clearly state the
advancements in architectural sustainability you are seeking through this
Thesis work.
• If there are no conclusions at the moment, then explain the possible
contributions of the work in the field of sustainability.

LIST OF CASE STUDIES:

• List the probable Case Studies and the relevant areas of study possible in
them. Mention how the sustainability aspect in focus can be studied in detail
that case. (Eg- Lighting/Cooling/Waste Management/Retrofitting, etc)
• Indicate clearly why you have chosen the particular case for study.
• Mention the ease/difficulty of approach and obtaining information from the
case studies.
• Give the time frame required for each case study.
LIST OF REFERENCES/LITERATURE STUDIES FOR THESIS RESEARCH WORK

• List the publications/books you have already identified for your literature
study. List only published or accepted books/papers study in an appropriate
referencing style (eg. APA style).
[Never claim contents of the publications/books as your own. Always give
credit where it is due.]

IDENTIFICATION OF PROJECT SITE

• Identify a possible and suitable site for the proposal where the research
conclusions and solutions can be carried out. The project site may or may not
be a live project but should definitely be suitable for the chosen project.

WORK SCHEDULE (OPTIONAL)

Set yourself dates as you need to complete the thesis within a

stipulated time-frame.

List the various operational steps you need to undertake and indicate
against each the date by which you aim to complete the task.

emember to keep some time towards the end as “cushion” in case the
research process does not go as smoothly as planned.

Prof.K.Mohan [Director], Bandan Mishra [Thesis Coordinator], Meghna Mallick [Thesis Co-coordinator]