ABSTRACT
Participant observation techniques illustrate how qualitative research methods can be used in studying the built environment, more specifically low income housing in developing countries. Reasons for undertaking qualitative research in this field are various and, while there are shortcomings to the method, modifications of the anthropological research methods can be made to suit the purposes of environmental design research. Fieldwork carried out in Northern India is used to illustrate the technique. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of studying the observer’s own society and its physical environment are discussed.
