Design Thinking In Architecture:
Creating an architectural work, rep[resents a costly endeavor. It’s also process that demands an understanding of intended outcomes, and questions must be made in regard to what will be produced? Obviously there are many questions, but they must be delineated with a process that completes it with the best chance of success.
I will address these question and present a summary on how design thinking can be utilized to maximize on your investment. Many are not aware of the principles I will be describing. But make no mistake, this is an important and powerful tool. The process itself, engages a wide variety of data and holistically approach that combines the art with the science of puting a project together. Let’s start with some history.
The Renaissance and Design Thinking
During the Renaissance period, architects, artist’s and sculptor’s alike, approached their work in a special way. They created their work with hand drawings, diagrams and prototype models. At the earliest stage of their projects, research and practical knowledge was sought to put together their work in an aesthetically pleasing way.
Design thinking blossoms during the Renaissance period and It influences all disciplines. In architecture it starts with a human-centric approach. The work became a way of thinking that put human beings front and center of their work. The human body was seen a perfect model of proportion, form and related functions. The period, gave rise to a quality of design and work that changed the known world. But this work did not happen instantly. on its own,
Why Design Thinking:
It is interesting to consider how design was utilized and advanced during the Renaissance. It can be said that a design mindset was seen as a necessary tool to encompass the art with the science, Utilizing this tool should be seen as a way to add value, create beautiful solutions and set a design direction. Perhaps most importantly, it integrates a rational thinking process to order an endeavor. However, this doesn’t come cheep. One must apply its principles to achieve the benefits.
In our current world and so called advanced society, so much of our built environment today if it even is designed is more an emphasis on product and commerce and less emphasis on long term value. Perhaps this is why soo many of our cities and towns are poorly designed and unhealthy places to live or work? Little consideration to the human beings who live and work there, and much more emphasis on the material, and quick gain.
Design thinking can be likened a muscle that grows stronger when it is used over time. Design work follows a similar principle and it only broadens your opportunities and adds value as it is carefully applied. Any tool that helps to shape, and form in a meaningful way should be considered valuable. This is never arbitrary, or about creating a pretty picture. Rather this is about producing a work that is authentic and functions well. Where all the parts work together in harmony. Although each project is different, we can learn a lot about these differences and how to make improvements to our built environment by using a design thinking mindset. This approach simply serves to connect as many dots you can and enhances the discovery process. Ultimately, seeking to improving the quality of life.
How Design Thinking Can Be Used in and outside of Architecture:
- Architect directed design thinking process - never leave it to chance
- Align form with functional and establish requirements that work with the aesthetics
- Establish a 'solutions' focused process (divergent and convergent thinking)
- Principle-centered approach in applying due diligence for any project
- Seeks a human-centric solution, not assembly line, status quo
- Evaluating function, program, site and aesthetics in a holistic way. Overseeing
- Architect led process serves as the guide to ballancing the above noted objectives
- A process that evaluates risk and seeks to minimize it.
A Design Mindset Approach:
Design thinking in architecture is not a formula, or a mathematical equation that can be applied to solve for an unknown. This represents a purposeful design process that seeks to understand the needs of human beings.
Our process at Arc Castle Studio utilizes a design thinking approach. We use critical thinking and simple tools like hand sketching, and creating study models. We explore, learn, and discover, how to connect the dots of our journey. We believe this serves to create the client’s story.
Summary:
Design thinking has broad applications, and can serve to solve problems and produce lasting value. Although this is not an easy process, it is a extremely valuable one. When done right, it’s never arbitrary. A good work can be discerned by observing how well its form is suited to its function, and how the aesthetics work in harmony. This represents a design thinking process.
If you want to maximize your efforts to improve your project — utilize a design thinking mindset. Seeking to understand, learn how to change, and apply lessons learned through analysis. Never settle for the mediocrity of the status quo.
