Designing the Process

Abstract

design as a method to improve the built intervention and transformation. Observations in the world of architectural design that designing the ordinary and planning the design process is alien to the young designer. This discusses ways to create this awareness. future: the it be). In it design to study and research as well as teaching and design. Abstract Design has many meanings and even more interpretations, practical if applied to the built environment, or cultural if applied as a means of cultural expression. This paper looks at the first option, design as a method to improve the built environment by intervention and transformation. Observations in the world of architectural design show that designing the ordinary and planning the design process is alien to the young designer. This paper discusses ways to create this awareness. It first describes design as exploring the possible, yet unexpected future: the expected future does not need to be design anymore (we already know how it will be). In addition it relates design to study and research as well as teaching research and design. Of all design assignments, designing the built environment probably is the most complex of all. The result needs to be coherent on all scale levels, now and in the future. The design directs the construction process, sets the conditions for managing and controlling the resulting built environment, to serve unknown users. The many parties concerned, all with their own interest complete its complexity. This problem is seen and shared by many and many contribute with solutions, from their own background and angle. The concept of Open Building suggest a break down of the built environment in different territories or levels of decision making, such as the urban fabric, base buildings and fit outs, all with their dedicated designs, building contractors and life cycles to serve the decision making parties. The concept of Integral Design was initiated as a reaction on the never ending Babel like confusion of tongues between the architect and structural designer on the one hand and the MEP/ HVAC designers on the other hand. Integral Design advocates the power of the team and suggests ways to communicate in order to create a better understanding between the parties concerned. The concept of Lean Construction aims to banish waste by improving ways to add value and to improve the flow of the construction process. The end product benefits more from trust between partners rather than from precise but lengthy contracts. The introduction to these concepts can help professionals to structure their work, students to better identify their personal goals and adapt their study accordingly and feed the discourse on developments in design.