Participatory Design
When discussing architecture for whom in the realm of healthcare design, it is certainly easy to determine the users. Patients, staff, and family are consistently the target groups you are designing for. After today’s class discussion, it occurred to me that other project types are not as consistent, and might not have the opportunity that healthcare designers have. Patient-centered design is a popular discussion topic at conferences we have attended, and we have seen how defining what population you are designing for actually makes a difference in the end result. We also recently practiced flow diagrams with Greenville Health Systems in which we identified various populations, and created flows of their daily lives. These methods are very helpful in healthcare design by helping us to define the problems in the existing model.
As Alejandro Aravena said, “Participatory design is about trying to find the right question. There’s nothing worse than answering well the wrong question.”
Through these methods we gain a better understanding of who is actually using the building and what their needs include. Personally, I feel that no matter what the building type is, finding the problem straight from the users is the first step to create a successful building.
Photos from GHS Meetings
I think you're right that a lot of other markets in architecture don't have as much conversations with the users as they should. I also think that this definitely depends on the architecture firm and the community that they are serving. In the firm that I worked for this past summer (and hope to work for after I graduate), they have a "Grow" market comprised of education, worship, and other community projects. They make a point to go to schools multiple times to speak with not only the teachers and administrators, but also the parents and kids. It is amazing to hear what ideas kids have about the environments that they want to learn and grow up in. What better people to "design" a creative environment to foster learning than the kids themselves who have boundless imaginations!
ReplyDeleteRachel, if it is not a secret, what is the name of this company?) I am interested)
DeleteThis summer I had an opposite experience. I worked in LA in a good company with research department, they are exploring user-centered design etc. I was developing and conducting research for master plan strategic development for one of their clients. When I proposed that apart from all we also have to have at least preliminary interviews with the users, the answer was: "Well, sure, we need it, but the "interviews" are not listed in our contract. We will not do it for free now."
Ksenia, the firm is called Cuningham Group Architects. They have offices in quite a few locations around the country!
DeleteI was there! I agree that architects should always seek out better understanding of the people who will be using the project. With something as specific as healthcare, the input of staff and patients who are going through the process is very important. Knowing the staff flow, what makes a patient comfortable and so on are specific goals that must be met in a healthcare project. However, in other projects, those goals are not as specific and require less input from those experiencing the building. When designing a library, asking a librarian what her work flow is useful but will not be a major driver in many design decisions.
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree with asking users' need would be the first step in design process. It may seem as a challenge for us but I feel that having it among our first design priorities, will make our design empathic and more compelling.
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