JWAJournal of World Architecture2208-34802208-3499Bio-Byword Scientific Publishing Pty. Ltd.10.26689/jwa.v9i2.10315ArticleIntegrating Academic Research Methodologies like Participatory Action Research (PAR) into Design Thinking: A Framework for Group Housing Designhttps://artdesignp.com/journal/JWA/9/2/10.26689/jwa.v9i2.10315KumarTadiboina Samantha,SrikondaProf, Dr. Ramesh2025922025-04-28The integration of academic research methodologies into design thinking processes presents a transformative approach to addressing complex challenges in group housing, fostering inclusive, sustainable, and user-centered solutions. This research explores how methodologies such as Participatory Action Research, post-occupancy evaluations, and Research through Design can be systematically embedded within design thinking to bridge the gap between academic rigor and empathy-driven, iterative design practices. By synthesizing these paradigms, the study proposes a framework for group housing design that prioritizes co-design processes, empathy-based data collection, and participatory evaluation, while emphasizing adaptability through sociocultural insights and user feedback. Case studies analysis demonstrate the effectiveness of flexible, community-driven design, while emerging technologies like IoT-enabled cohousing signal new opportunities for innovation. Challenges, including scalability, long-term validation, and reconciling user autonomy with professional expertise, are critically analyzed. Ultimately, this research advances a hybrid methodology to redefine the conceptualization, implementation, and assessment of group housing, offering actionable pathways to achieve affordable, inclusive, and context-sensitive housing solutions.

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