Notification

A contextual analysis of site and situation via a historical, environmental and sociological framework

Typically, site analysis is conducted to assess existing physical conditions within a given boundary, to determine the financial undertaking and to survey environmental circumstances. However, it could be argued that this level of information has masked the significance of those that inhabit and experience the spaces that are created.

As a result of advancements in technology and dependance on the media “we live in a world, where the more information, the less the meaning” (Proto, 2003, p.2-3). A decline in meaning with respect to architectural implementation has the potential to sequentially damage individual identities and ideologies.

This principle analyses the relationship between ‘philosophy, mission and value’ and ‘physical stimuli/ambient conditions’ of the identification triad theory. To ensure these values are maintained, it is imperative that this development remains sustainable. In doing so “A key question is to address the temporal, historical, spatial, value-led and multi-scale aspects of sustainability in places and (re-)connect people to place” (Horlings, 2016, p.35)

Collating the conscious understanding of place and the analysis of phenomenological factors, a ‘socio-environmental’ (Fig.6) foundation can be established to reinforce identity. Architect Steven Holl connected with this form of phenomenological observation with regards to place perception, stating that it is a way to “stimulate both inner and outer perception; to heighten phenomenal experience…in response to the particularities of site and circumstance” (Holl, Pallasmaa and Perez-Gomez, 2007, p.42). This interpretation suggests that in order to gain an insight into the experiential and perceptual qualities of place, an adaptive approach must be applied that allows contextual distinctions to manifest themselves.

Fig.6 Steering the socio-environmental system (Musters, de Graaf and ter Keurs, 1998)

A ‘socio environmental’ system can be defined as; “a system consisting of a relatively small number of subsystems and being part of only one higher-scale system” (A. Simon, 1962) which encompasses “social as well as biophysical aspects” (Musters, de Graaf and ter Keurs, 1998, p.254). The system in question, with regards to its consideration within the design process, is the place in which identity is formed. An accurate delineation of the concept cannot be given as the analysis of environments evaluates this definition with respect to individual place identities.

A four stage process has been outlined to interpret individual socio-environments (Fig.7). First step is identifying the “system in space and time” (Musters, de Graaf and ter Keurs, 1998, p.251). Taking into account historical factors and time dependant qualities. Once a background has been established then comes an “assessment of the people involved” (Musters, de Graaf and ter Keurs, 1998, p.251) and those affected by the changes. A level of cooperation will then be determined.

Next comes the ‘delimitation of the system’, which assesses “the outer boundaries, the level of resolution of the information, and the boundaries of the context of the system” (Musters, de Graaf and ter Keurs, 1998, p.251). Finally, the system is then defined by its “subsystems, values, and constraints.” (Musters, de Graaf and ter Keurs, 1998, p.250). Once a formalised consensus has been determined, a socio environmental definition can be affirmed.

During this initial four stage process, analysis of the following 5 elements of national identity should be integrated into the development of a definition; - Psychological: consciousness of “ forming a community. - Cultural: sharing a common culture. - Territorial: attachment to a clearly demarcated territory. - Historical: possessing a common past. - Political: claiming the right to rule itself. (Mohammed Qasim Abdul Ghafoor, 2013, p.934) “ The coalescence of this investigative process and the exploration of these key elements will provide a more intimate framework for place. As part of the study involves public appraisal, this can start to develop a more communally governed interpretation of place; as opposed to a singular vision that is merely based on a misguided perception.

Fig.7 Steps for defining a socio-environmental system (Musters, de Graaf and ter Keurs, 1998