Manifesto by Laura Carrillo Acosta
CO-DESIGNING OUR SPACE Architecture allows people to be what they want
The University of Melbourne
Master of Architecture
21st Century Architecture
Sem 2 - 20202 | Tutorial 14
In our new prefabricated world, we must help people to design their own reality and understand how change belongs to their own hands. We need to allow people to co-design and give them the power to create again!
CO-DESIGNING OUR SPACE
INTROduction Creating spaces awakens in each person the opportunity to express
their model of life, their preferences, their personality, and the way they interact with others. Just as everyone is unique, the way people live and perform in space is also unique. From an architectural perspective, the manipulation of space transforms the surrounding situation and provides physical, conceptual, and experiential
alternatives in which individuals can experience and redefine themselves. Like a trip, architecture has that transforming power in which everyone has the opportunity to change everything or a part of himself.
INDIVUDUAL EXISTENCE
ARCHITECTURE
What
Programme
Why
Function
When
Time
Where
Space
EXPERIENCE
Architecture is so intertwined with the individual existence that it shapes the reality and adapts as individuals transform while inhabiting space. This diagram show the co-relation between the basic human existential questions and the main architecture variables, which shapes reality and experience.
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CO-DESIGNING OUR SPACE
Having the ability, or at least
colors
personalize the space we live,
with which they express their
providing
the
ability
organizes
to
space
that
personality,
reflects
preferences
and
However,
according to who we really are.
others,
their
identity
by
live.
places that generate confidence and that facilitate the way they interact with them. Likewise, at each stage of life, each person adapts
their
space according to the specific
needs and changes, which is why it is important the space to be flexible.
Currently, the personalization of
the space is done essentially from
the
interior
design,
pre-
which a person could really
objects, placing them in special
and
have
limits or conditions the way in
prioritizing their favorite toys and
transforms
who
function and materiality, which
Children, on the other hand, reaffirm
has
own ideas of distribution, size,
and transform their environment are.
form
built formaccording to their
to try colors, add new objects, they
built
conceived the space and the
afraid to redesign their spaces,
who
them in a layout
generally been designed by
Teenagers, for example, are not
redefine
and
being.
our
needs, allows us to live more
to
textures,
preferences and their way of
allows us to be more ourselves. The
and
in
chooses their favorite objects,
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CO-DESIGNING OUR SPACE
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CO-DESIGNING OUR SPACE
Throughout history the human being has been changing and
evolving. The new thoughts, ideas, and new technological and
architectural advancements have marked important stages in human development; and from each stage, physical evidence
remains commemorating progress. What is undeniable is that change is imminent, unstoppable and infinite, and given that each
person has the ability to shape and decide their own conditions, the possible combinations of joint solutions are infinite.
Even so, architecture is specifically designed, offered and built mainly by "Architects, engineers and builders" following their visions, which
on many occasions do not respond to the real and specific needs of the people who inhabit space. In this sense, the transforming power that architecture has in each individual is relegated, meaning that
the responsibility of the designer becomes exponential since it will affect the life of each individual in unimagined ways. It is important to say that it is natural to delegate certain functions to people with specific knowledge in all areas of knowledge, but ...
Is it useful to fully delegate the design and conception of the way each individual lives? Where, then, is the personal capacity to transform the environment and reality if everything is delegated to others? And how can architecture provide individuals with an efficient transformative vehicle where solutions are truly tailored to personal realities?
These questions lead to rethinking the way architecture develops and the conclusion is simple:
Architecture must be more inclusive! 4
CO-DESIGNING OUR SPACE
Robert Geddes states in his Manifesto that “We design our space
because we need to understand the space around us, its organization and meaning. We need a functional space that protects
us and allows us to carry out the tasks of our lives. (…) We need an ethical environment because what we build is such a powerful agent
of change in both nature and society. (…) Architecture must fit (…) It is engaged with social and environmental conditions. It is profoundly political. It is connected to arts and humanities. It works with sciences
and technologies. It means architecture that is fit for the purpose and fit for the place.”
This
has
been
the
conclusion
after
a
century
of
great
experimentation and architectural progress where styles, theories
and experiences of all kinds of projects have shown that architecture is not only the art of building new forms, but the art of molding presents and futures.
Pruitt-Igoe demolition
Architectural works promote the development, but they do not solve human structural problems such as poverty, violence, inequity, among others. Is there when architecture must combine with other fields and knowledge to offer integral solutions to humanity
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CO-DESIGNING OUR SPACE
There is no doubt that innovative
The dark side of this reality is
revolutionary
longer
architectural
proposals ideas
that urban development is no
and
have
ethical
mental
technological, aesthetic, urban
that
the
and
the
environ-
conditions of the
planet.
best example to illustrate the
humanity
problems,
deteriorating
Architectural modernism is the
advance
social
quality of life, delving into
and have driven development.
social
on
needs and on improving the
transformed social paradigms
and
focused
Problems like sand trading,
experienced
uncontrolled CO2 emissions
throughout the 20th century.
and
overpopulation
expose
future political, ecological, and social challenges.
Even so, it showed that artistic &
architectural expressions alone does not solve the structural
problems of the human being as
The direction that architecture
of projects to satisfy individual
commercial
is
seen with Pruitt-Igoe This inability needs
directly
essential
architecture:
threatens
the
improve
the
function
to
taking
in
this
primarily
scenario
is
worrying if the architect tends to
of
follow
the
commercial
dynamics, designing spaces that are not always ideal for
quality of life of the human being.
human life.
Today, architecture is largely
governed by economic interests
It
measured by their ability to
not monetizable could cease
those
ideas
promise high returns/profits.
that
social
to be important, which could
monetize and investments are in
implies
aspects and needs that are
where successful projects are
made
also
result
that
in
inequality.
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greater
social
CO-DESIGNING OUR SPACE
Architecture as an agent of change ... Part of the current architectural debate revolves around these issues and the way we integrate with nature. Factors such as technology, the economy, ecology, ethics, communications, and society shape
our projects considering that now we are more aware of the real impact of architecture on human development and on the ecosystem. The need for interdisciplinarity, cooperation, flexibility
and relevance are increasingly evident, meaning that architecture encompasses and impacts so many human aspects, and that the
most responsible way to generate it is communally, because in the
end it is not only about building monuments and projects that exalt human greatness, but about shaping the conditions that modify and affect the existence of each individual.
From this philosophical vision of architecture in society, and taking
advantage of new technologies, and communications, I propose an architecture that focuses on the synergy and co-design between the
expert and the experimenter, between architect and individual. Just
as everyday people make decisions that create their present, architecture must adjust to personal realities and be created
together. In this way, the power to create will not only be in the hands
of the architect, the state or the economic sector; but in the people, families
and
communities
that
inhabit
the
space,
actively
participating in the design, construction and regeneration of systems, that change as their members change.
Architecture is a canvas where people live their art ... their own being
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CO-DESIGNING OUR SPACE
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CO-DESIGNING OUR SPACE
CO-DESIGn Considering the previous ideas, I propose to link communities or
individuals in the design process of architectural projects. This means that people would become co-designers of their space with the architect and therefore share the ideas, the intellectual property and
the design itself. This goes beyond the typical architect-client relationship where the client describes their needs and the architect
proposes a space. This translates into a joint design work where the individual proposes concrete solutions, materials and spaces specifically designed for their real needs and the architect guides the process from his expertise.
This obviously raises important challenges such as the joint work
methodology, the lack of knowledge of the client and the real will that
the client and the architect may have to jointly create a space; but it
could result in projects with high degrees of relevance and adaptability.
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CO-DESIGNING OUR SPACE
These types of ultra-customized projects are rarely seen in conventional practice as it is rare for a client to engage in the design
process to that degree. Even so, we can observe the success of self-creation when architects design their own houses, where the
arrangement of space, furniture and materials fully respond to the lifestyles and needs of the inhabitants of the house.
Rietveld Schrรถder House
Constance Perkins House
Richard Neutra was able to approach this concept with his work methodology, where he extensively interviewed his clients and
observed them in their daily dynamics until he holistically understood their real needs. Projects such as the "Constance Perkins House"
showed that the degree of customization of each project allowed the client to use their spaces as extensions of their selves. This house in particular, was co-designed with its owner and complemented her
lifestyle in such a way that she claimed that the house had allowed
her to be what she wanted to be. The Rietveld Schrรถder House, is
another project that was co-designed with its owner and resulted in a flexible space that revolutionized the concept of "home" and family dynamics.
The ideas and possibilities are endless when we co-create!
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CO-DESIGNING OUR SPACE
CO-DESIGn Co-design should be adopted as a methodology where the architect
understands that the work dynamics are different from the traditional ones, since he must include in his planning extensive work
sessions with the client in order to identify needs, guide the design and finally produce something together. Below are the general steps to co-design a space between an architect and his client:
Initially, the architect must interview the client extensively to try to understand his way of being, thinking and acting.
Then he must try to identify their dynamics and patterns of life, preferences and needs.
Observing the client in his current home or environment
also provides the architect with more tools to understand the inhabitants of the space.
After having a solid idea of what the client is like, the architect can meet with the client to draw ideas, establish design preferences and general agreements.
At this point the architect can create a base design to start working with the client.
From the base design, the architect and the client can sit down to redesign each space, adjust the spatial
relationships, distribute the budgets, customize the forms,
the furniture and create a well-tailored space for its inhabitants
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CO-DESIGNING OUR SPACE
CO-DESIGn A co-created world could be an inclusive, efficient, and human space where each person contributes and implements relevant solutions.
Opens new possibilities in architecture and explores new
forms
or
solutions
derived
experiences and new points of view.
from
daily
It allows to integrate local knowledge, cultures, customs
and
methods
discourse, expanding it.
to
the
architectural
It goes against overcrowding, excessive urban density,
monumentality
architecture.
and
unsustainable
Promotes social creativity and development as individuals become active agents of change
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CO-DESIGNING OUR SPACE
Due to the complexity of the framework, this model could be applied by those practices and architects who are interested in creating relevant and personalized projects, enhancing the development of
the individual; that is, architects committed to lifestyles and the improvement of human conditions. Also, this model could be
targeted to those clients who enjoy uniqueness and are committed to their own life style, identity and experience, and where there is a
strong commitment to share ideas and work together. At a
community level and especially in urban planning, this concept takes a lot of relevance. Cities, neighborhoods, and public spaces are
designed without involving communities. Simple observation is not
enough to understand social dynamics and as a result, projects lack the relevance they should have and do not generate the impact that they could generate.
Communities know what they need and can propose creative and innovative ideas, but above all relevant!
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CO-DESIGNING OUR SPACE
Bibliography COMAROFF, Joshua. "Built on Sand: Singapore and the New State of Risk," Harvard Design Magazine: Wet Matter, no. 39, Fall/Winter 2014. COMERIO, Mary. “Pruitt Igoe and other Stories”. Journal of Architectural Education, 1981, 34:4, 26-31. CONRADS, Ulrich. “Programs and manifestoes on 20th-century architecture”. The MIT Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1971. DONALD, Alastair; WILLIAMS Richard. “MANTOWNHUMAN Manifesto: Towards a new humanism in architecture”. URL: http://futurecities.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/mth-manifesto1.pdf FRIEDMAN, Alice. ‘Southern California Modern: The Constance Perkins House, by Richard Neutra’ in Women and the Making of the Modern House, New York: Harry N Abrams, 1998 GEDDES, Robert. “Fit: An Architect's Manifesto”. Princeton University Press, 2013. JACOBS, Allan; APPLEYARD, Donald. “Toward an Urban Design Manifesto” in Journal of the American Planning Association. Volume 53, 1987. OVERY, Paul. “The Rietveld Schröder house”. The MIT Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1988. RATTI, Carlo; CLAUDEL, Matthew. "OSArc (Open Source Architecture)," and "Building Harmonies: Toward a Choral Architect), in Open Source Architecture, Thames & Hudson, 2015, pgs. 122-126 & 96-111
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