Strategic Design, A Case Study:
This article will focus upon an unusual design of an ancient ‘city gate’. It represents a story that came to light, as part of an archeological dig that occurred in Israel. It represents a fascinating design that was unlike any city gate of its day. It also provides some interesting parallels about how design was and continues to be used today. And it also provides an historical perspective on how design thinking was used in this ancient city.
In the 9th century B.C., the city gate had become such an important feature in the ancient world, that it became a necessary part of building a city. However, over time, the city gate soon became the weak link and no longer served to protect. However this story shows how design thinking was utilized to change all that.
The Megiddo Gates, A Case Study:
The ancient city I am referring to, is the discovery of the City Gates of ‘Megiddo’. Through detailed records of the archeological dig, a plan was revealed in which the design of the gate system entailed an enclosed passageway that included internal chambers. Special chambers that served to provide added protection.
The design of the ‘Megiddo Gate’ (sketch depicted above) reveals the actual floor plan of the ancient ruins. As the details emerged this gate system included much more than a single gate, but also became a place of civic governance and commerce that occurred at the gate itself. In addition, the structure was built with a substantial foundation and long lasting materials. In addition, the wall structure was built to include an internal passage way with chambers, designed to be within the thick walled structure. In turn the walled gate became a fortified building structure that also housed diverse functions while also protecting the city gate. The design fundamentally changed the typical operation of the city entrance gate and influenced the way the city gate functioned. It was as though the city gate itself had become a symbol of royal governance.
This ancient city gate revealed a design mindset, that incorporated an understanding of the various challenges of its day, not to mention, how it transformed the city. The new Megiddo gates provided a novel and life saving approach for its time. It represent a solution that created several large multi layered walled systems of large blocks that made it difficult to enter or traverse the passage for nefarious reasons. An apposing army that did dare to attempt to break through the first gate, was soon overwhelmed by the multi-gate system and battle ready stations on either side of the passage way. In addition, it was a very tight corridor of articulated rock walls and internal chambers which were easily supplied by a network of internal passage ways behind solid masonry walls. In addition, the slope of the passage way was also inclined. In time of peace, various systems were provided to allow for passage of goods and materials to traverse the passage.
The Essence of Strategic Design:
In consideration of the above noted case study of the ‘Megiddo city gate’. We see a solution that moves well beyond the typical inherent weakness of the known city gates of its day and provided advanced functions and operations that dramatically improved the city on many levels. The design solution clearly represented advancements over the status quo, and boldly moved beyond the status quo; providing an extensive array of enhanced functionality and value to its citizenry. The new gate system also advanced an innovative approach in how it solidified the city as a royal seat of governance. No longer would the fortified gate here be taken for granted. Interestingly, the Megiddo city gate advancements did not use new material, or technology, but rather demonstrated its innovation with a design mindset. It used existing materials in new ways. And it utilized wisdom over a reliance upon brute force, or other such physical advancements of the day.
Great Challenges Can inspire Good Design:
The genius of the Megiddo city gate plan, is found in its ability to completely transform the single gate system of its day into a multifaceted ingenious solution. (King Solomon, a man of great wisdom) discovered ways to significantly improve upon the design and architecture. This represent a critical aspect component of design thinking. Having identified the problem, they worked through solutions in plan and then proceeded to building a prototype. This allowed further refinement and testing of the final structure and design. In addition, the new gate became an identifying feature of this city. It also worked in a new way, to create a civic function, serving as a place for the judicial courts. Thus, it represented both a security feature as well as a seat of governance. Not to mention improved functionality of space, and how it embodied an ordered path that protected its people..
From a modern perspective, the design of the Megiddo city gate, depicts a fascinating account of what design thinking looks like even in this ancient city. Solving major challenge’s of its day by thinking far along a path and looking to provide valuable and effective solutions. The case study delineates a way of how advancing viable solutions, can add substantial value, benefits and vital functions for human beings. It’s much more than a fancy facade or skin deep solutions.
Modern Day Applications:
Utilizing a strategic design methodology, can be applied to any project. From designing homes and places of work, to areas outside of architecture. Not only as city gate mind you — we can and should utilize the principles of strategic design to realize solutions and seek to transcend the problems of our day. Much can be accomplished with this methodology . The City gates of the ancient city of Megiddo depicts a real-life example of an outdated city gate that used strategic design to make substantial improvements, as well as provide a new culture of change. And this is just one example from an ancient city gate that occurred almost 3000 years ago!
Summary:
- Megiddo’s city gate system provides an example of a strategic design methodology that can be applied today
- Improving function, creating order, enhancing operations and creating substancial value.
- Provides an holistic approach to developing any project
- A powerful design tool that created a prototype solution that could be applied to other cities.
- Serving as the progenitor for solving an identified problem
- Advancing solutions that enhance functionality, and create order
- Strategic Design represent both the art and the science,
- Multi-faceted methodology to enhance and improve the staus quo
- Make effective improvements to infrastructure,
- An excellent feasibility analysis tool.
- Seeks to minimize risk and unintended consequences while making imprements.