Much is discussed about the collaborative process inside architectural firms, where technological development and software allow a solid connection between all design phases. However, the concept should also expand to a broader philosophy to be understood as a collective view, where collaborative design thinking could include an interdisciplinary approach inside the design processes, aligning different points of view to understand and solve the possible problems.
The possibility of connecting different creative minds can enrich the architectural process, not only the need to include professionals inside the construction field, but also other professionals capable of understanding the society’s personality alongside the clients, users, and other actors inside the community. The architect should be able to hold off of their individuality inside the office and be capable of including and orchestrating the design processes and incorporating different perspectives to enhance the possibility of a successful design.
Understand that as soon as the design envelope is done, it will be used by a societal network, where different users will interact and interpret the environment following its beliefs and life history, the architecture can be understood as a public factor. Inside the architectural office, the architect often holds the position of problem solver, capable of unrevealing the environment and its interests and proposing different solutions, however, holding this position strictly inside the architectural view can be delicate, as his perspective within the world and its problems, can be distant from its actual reality.
Holding collaborative architecture as a design philosophy can be a possible solution to involve different perspectives and transform the architect as a director of the project, capable of mixing and organising the ideas, opening the attention to the actual social life present in that construction site and its environment.
The Importance of Breaking Down the Architect Office Individuality
The architectural processes can be described as listening, viewing, learning, and exploring ideas as capturing the dreams and aspirations of a client and transforming them into floor plans, sections, and technical views. Even in the office claiming and collaborative design process, many times it is integrated only inside the office’s internal processes, by connecting architects, engineers, and MEP professionals, capable of aligning the workflow and success of that construction.
The individuality of an architecture office is capable of maintaining its name, and aesthetic while ensuring it follows the adopted agenda. However, considering breaking down individuality can bring certain benefits to the design process and environment. While the architect can be able to understand the social interest, it mostly aligns with the client’s perspectives, many times asking the ‘how’s’ during the design process instead of the ‘why’s’
Being able to understand the reasons you are choosing certain design choices can bring more assertive solutions, and align the possible questions of the client, and internal and external users. As questioned by the architect Giancarlo De Carlo, architecture could and should be viewed as a public factor, as it is mostly produced for more than one person, and should be distanced from the view and perspective of a single individual.
The Architect as an Orchestrator of the Project
Distancing the architectural process of the individual processes, and opening doors to different professional fields capable of understanding society and its intrications, can help to explore the why’s of its proposals. Opening the design process to a collaborative architecture philosophy, understanding the building inside a collective view, while connecting with different creative minds can enrich the urban environment and guide to transformative design solutions.
To achieve that, the architect can adopt the title of an orchestrator capable of guiding the project’s discussions, being able to articulate and interpret different points of view, and adopting interdisciplinary processes, distancing itself from the individualist view of problem solver. Not to question the architect’s capability of understanding social problems, but also to organise and lighten the process of retaining the knowledge of building technology, sociology, materials, drafting, management, digital representations, and finally as the environment’s hero.
Architecture as a Public Factor
The architect Giancarlo De Carlo brings important discussions that should pertain to the actual moment in history. His perspective of how architecture should be viewed as a public factor connects deeply with the social fabric and collective needs of the community. In general, De Carlo advocated for participatory design processes where the voices of all stakeholders – clients, users, and the broader community – are part of the architectural process. Democratising the design framework while ensuring that the built environment will align and create a deep connection with the local community.
Expanding this philosophy to the view of collaborative design processes, the design should include a sensitivity and perspective of the lived experiences of those who will truly experience in that environment daily. By embracing a collaborative and interdisciplinary design philosophy, architects can break free from individualist thinking and incorporate opinion and knowledge from various fields, such as sociology, psychology, urban planning, and environmental science. This interdisciplinary perspective can lead to inclusive and innovative solutions while addressing complex social issues and creating space for true inclusivity and local sustainability.
As mentioned above in this article, the architect can assume the position of orchestrator of dialogue and creativity, allowing the integration of different viewpoints and expertise. This role includes not only solving problems but also asking critical questions that can challenge the conventional forms and explore the deeper ‘whys’ behind the design decisions. Adopting a collaborative design philosophy, architects might create environments that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also culturally and socially meaningful.
Understanding architecture as a public factor means designing with awareness and responsibility for social dynamics and cultural narratives that shape each community. It calls for a change from seeing architecture as a production of an individual, or an individual personality, to understanding it as a community and public interaction, nevertheless, that should be treated as so since the brief of the project. By fostering inclusive participation and interdisciplinary collaboration, architects and designers can create spaces that align with the public aspirations and culture, enhance the quality of life, and promote a sense of belonging and community.
References:
De Carlo, G. (2005) ‘Architecture’s Public’, in Peter Blundell Jones et al. (eds.) Architecture and Participation. London: Spon Press
Comments