 The research hypothesis was that “A building made in balanced response to natural forces will exhibit differentiation useful for essential orientation in the urban landscape.” Knowles organized the natural forces laboratory at USC, and collaborated with noted architects and educators, including Pierre Koenig, Emmett Wemple, Konrad Wachsmann, Karen M. Kensek and Douglas E. Noble.Knowles taught at USC for 40 years, writing seven books and more than 50 articles.He served as interim Dean of the School from 1973-1975.