Architecture as Social Design. The Social Nature of Design Objects and the Implications for the Profession
by Lubomir Popov
J. of Design Research (JDR), Vol. 2, No. 2, 2002

Abstract: This paper presents an argument in favor of the social nature of design construed in terms of the social aspects of design objects, problem solving and knowledge base. The scope narrows down to the field of architecture. The conceptualization proposed will facilitate the reinterpretation of architectural design, educational practices, customary responsibilities of designers and client expectations. The area of concern is related to several domains of design studies: the philosophy of design, the nature of design activity, the design object, design education and curriculum, the scope of design knowledge and skills and the definition of the design profession regarding responsibilities and competencies. The range of these issues as well as the current interest in the social impact of design make the topic of this article an important one to be developed within the field of design. In this paper we have adopted a theoretical approach. Based on the analysis of the object and process of design we develop an argument for the social nature of architectural design. The paper is organized in three sections. The first of these develops the ontological basis for the ensuing argument. It presents a model of the design object that explicates the social underpinnings of the complex relationships that comprise the architectural artifact. This conceptualization creates a reference basis for the ensuing argument. The second section models the structure of the design process in terms of informed decision-making. The third section discusses the implications of the ontological interpretations for construing the architectural process as social design.

Online publication date: Wed, 10-Aug-2005

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