METHODOLOGY | The methods and techniques applied during this academic internship are outlined, to give a more depth view of how processes and principles are helpful in shaping the design process in different cultural environments.
PROBLEM BASED LEARNING Problem based learning is a method used to clarify and focus the approach to analysis, conceptualization and design of a given task – in this case applied to different cultural contexts. This implies establishing a set of initial guidelines, of which the most important is formulating a problem. Regarding to this study, the problem is formulating the scope and is reflected through an extensive, but in the same time, specific question:
methods and process used to design responsible in different cultures. The first two phases are concentrated on analysis, but are branched out to frame, much better, the fields of re-searching: the cultural context analysis and the physical environment analysis. Moreover, the third and four phases consist in framing the design approach by interpreting the existing meaning of the places and by presenting the result in the way of selling the idea. Thus, after grounding the existing situation conclusions, based on the potentials and opportunities from the analysis phases, the following principles are illustrated for guiding the whole design process: - enhancing the identity of the places by cultural restoration
SCOPE: How cultural differences define the approaches of the further urban&landscape design? In turn, the problem statement evolves, after careful considerations, into a vision, as a coherent answer, for the ongoing process and development, by integrating theoretical and practical aspects, thus managing to synergize the approach. This method is used not only as a continuous process, but also as a constant looping, adjusting and tweaking the different variables to be able to obtain a well-rounded dynamic and comprehensive narrative. (AAU.DK, 2010)
INTEGRATED DESIGN PROCESS The integrated design process establishes the need for an interconnected and multilayered approach to a project, incorporating everything from maping and analysis tools, to engineering, technical and aesthetic design techniques (Knudstrup, 2005; 1329). In the case of this ‘Re-search’, this meant taking each project through several iteration phases in order to formulate a general structure that can be XI
DEPARTURE
- creating a durable design by enhancing the connection between people and places - increasing the life quality by balancing and correlating the antithetic duality between natural and urban, in order to create a complex character of the new developments.
RESEARCH THROUGH EXPERIENCING This method of studying was introduced to amplify the contextual base of defining a general Designing Formula. Being a process in continuous development, two important methods were chosen to investigate more about the cultural differences, as: interviews and documentaries. The using of these methods creates a solid research material, that is useful as a base for understanding and taking into consideration the characteristics of the debated areas and in the same time it can illustrate a general equation that can be use for a wider porpose (‘ The Designing Formula’).