Creative cycle: attitudes and actions

A good designer will find another solution if their previous one has been demonstrated as unworkable. It is not only the means by which buildings are built, it is also a vehicle for solving problems, experimentation, improving skills and communication of new ideas. It is important to remember that neither the process of design nor the course of a design project follow a neatly linear course. A good idea is never really wasted. It can also be read by stage: each section provides information and advice on typical activities undertaken in that stage of the design project. One project may start with client, another with site. Project: Young Vic Theatre Location: London, UK Architect: Haworth Tompkins Date: 2006
Night-time view of renovated theatre auditorium, showing the relationship between the site context and the materials chosen by the architects. Challenge: the architect must either question the status quo or redefine the problem in order to understand it and make an innovative proposal. The design project is common to both architectural education and practice. It helps to remember that decisions made during the design process only really exist on paper and that it is possible to explore an alternative option later. In accordance with the non-linear nature of design, this chapter can be read in at least two different ways. Architectural communication is usually in the form of drawings, models or words. Communication is the first step in helping a proposal to become real. The architect needs to be ready to make mistakes during the design process. It can be read by architect: interviews and examples of work from five architects enables a comparison of their distinct approaches to design. Complexity: this inspires or provokes the response that will improve the designer’s understanding of an architectural problem. This chapter of the book divides the design project into five, roughly chronological parts, starting with the client and ending with their occupation of the finished project. Design might progress to a particular stage and then return to another, or even miss out a stage. Confidence: it is important to retain confidence that the process will lead to a proposal. Creativity: the architect must be open to new ideas. At others, the letting-go of previous knowledge or presumptions can be uncomfortable and difficult: it is essentially a deliberate loss of control. There are different attitudes and activities that an architect must adopt in order to follow an innovative and creative process of design. Certain parts of a design might be at the beginning while others are already advanced. Communication: once a proposal has begun to form, its meaning and idea must be communicated so that others can understand it and the architect can reflect upon it. It will either be adaptable or useful for another project.