The Citizen Expert
Specialization is the framework for society. The organization of specialties drives our economy, social culture, and environment. The Negotiation of Hope claims that, "the more specialist the knowledge base the 'stronger' - and more exclusive better remunerated - the profession."
The reading goes on to say that, "yet architects will be wary of relinquishing their specialist areas of expertise because they believe this would threaten what sets them apart." Is it really a relinquishing of expertise that Till suggests? Is it possible to quickly and easily translate years of specialized education to the general public? If it were so easy, why would we need architects at all?
I believe that, instead, architects should focus on genuinely utilizing knowledge gained through the participatory process to intentionally integrate the users' input into designs using our specialist knowledge on how best to incorporate these ideas.
The reading goes on to say that, "yet architects will be wary of relinquishing their specialist areas of expertise because they believe this would threaten what sets them apart." Is it really a relinquishing of expertise that Till suggests? Is it possible to quickly and easily translate years of specialized education to the general public? If it were so easy, why would we need architects at all?
I believe that, instead, architects should focus on genuinely utilizing knowledge gained through the participatory process to intentionally integrate the users' input into designs using our specialist knowledge on how best to incorporate these ideas.
I think you make a good point when you ask, "If it were so easy, why would we need architects at all?" The architect still has a role, because he/she is the organizing factor. We may want to (and should) relinquish some of our power to the general public who are the end users of our designed spaces, we are relinquishing this power to a multitude of voices. A unifying voice is needed to consolidate the needs and wants of the community. That unifier is the architect who is educated in consolidating these ideas into one cohesive design.
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