New Order or Disorder?


Architecture is too important to be left to the architects. Architecture is a participatory practice that must be designed for the users. We’re at a junction in the lineage of architecture that is rapidly evolving in terms of participation. Spaces are becoming increasingly dynamic, flexible, and adaptive to the participant occupying the space. This can be alluded to architects understanding the effects of users altering the context and applying the necessary means for participation to occur. I’m particularly interested in where the line is drawn between a new participatory order and over designing for engagement to the point where things become disordered. A chaotic set of moving elements seeking to engage participants seems like a horrific opportunity for disorder. I think an architect's duty is to lay down a clear foundation and rules for participation to occur, giving order to the disorder. It's a complex ideal because it's not cut and dry, but something that often occurs organically. The attached project is by UNStudio, and I believe this is a great example of an architect laying down the foundation for participatory ideals to flourish.


UNStudio - Van B Residences, Munich



Participatory Design "Plug ins"





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