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RESEARCH GUIDES

Architecture: Design Research

This guide covers how to identify relevant and reliable sources for research, how to navigate online and in-person resources at the University of Maryland, and how to cite sources within a research product.

Types of Journals

Scholarly/Peer-Reviewed

Scholarly/peer-reviewed journals provide reports of original research: in-depth analyses of issues related to the academic discipline. Such articles are written by scholars or researchers in the field and use the most focused sources, get right to the interesting points, and yet have rich background as well. Articles undergo peer review before acceptance for publication to insure research reported is of high quality and validity. They are always documented by formal citation of sources.

Examples

Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians

​ARQ: Architecture Research Quarterly

Design Journal

Environment & Planning

Journal of Architecture

Journal of Architectural & Planning Research

Journal of Urban Design

Journal of Planning Literature

Places

Town Planning Review

What does a scholarly/peer-reviewed article look like? 

Trade/Professional

Trade/professional journals are written for those in a profession. They provide industry news, trends & product information, and career news. Articles may be written by experts or paid writers, and most are not peer-reviewed. They may contain some references and interviews but not formal citations. They usually contain advertisement and may be in a newspaper format.

Examples

The Architectural Review and American Builder's Journal

Architect

Architectural Record

Building

Building Design & Construction

Blueprint

Detail

Interior Design

Innovation

What does a trade/professional journal look like? 

Popular Magazines 

Popular magazines are written for the general public, to sell products, and to entertain or educate the reader. They provide news on current trends, events, and popular culture. Articles are usually short, rarely cite any sources, contain many advertisements, and are written by staff writers. They are not peer reviewed.

Examples

Architectural Digest

Casabella

Dwell

House Beautiful

Marg

Old House Journal

Wallpaper

What does a popular magazine look like?