1,721,197 research outputs found
From Photos to Real Stores: Context squared
No full textRetail design is design discipline in which designers focus on translating retail and brand values to a spatial program with the consumer in mind. For retail design research, the element of ‘context’ has received quite a different meaning during the last decade. Especially in the case of experimental research aimed at getting more insight in the effects of different store design aspects (e.g., ambient scents, color palette, shapes), there has been an increased appreciation for a ‘designer’s perspective’ (e.g. Cross; 2006) . To illustrate this perspective, we describe a sequence of five related experimental studies on the topic of lighting in supermarkets, in which we gradually shift from the more traditional research approaches to this ‘designerly’ perspective. Comparing the outcomes of these experiments provides an insight into some of the limits and possibilities employing different contexts and emphasizes the potential and the importance of the designerly perspective in future research
The cost of universal design for public buildings: exploring a realistic, context-dependent research approach
No full textPurpose-A challenge in implementing Universal Design (UD) is the perceived additional cost, which acts as a barrier to its widespread adoption. Few studies that have examined the cost for UD apply a theoretical research approach, failing to account for the unique design context that influences construction costs. This article presents a research methodology to calculate the UD cost in a realistic, context-dependent manner. Methodology-To address this gap, 'Research-by-Design' is applied in a case study approach involving twelve cases from three typologies: secondary schools, town halls, and small retail shops. Two scenarios are compared to the existing situation: (1) 'renovating into a 100% inclusive building' and (2) 'building fully inclusive right away'. Findings-Although the methodology is time-consuming, it allows for a fair, realistic and detailed comparison between costs in different scenarios and cases. Findings show how financial implications are strongly related to its scale. Both 'renovation' and 'new build' scenarios involve costs, but these are significantly lower for the latter. 'Circulation' and 'Exterior stairs and ramps' are among the most expensive to renovate, but have almost no additional cost in the examined cases for the 'new build scenario'. Originality-The applied approach distinguishes this study for its ability to provide rich contextual information on actual cost implications for UD. By considering real cases and their unique design contexts, valuable insights are offered into the true costs of implementing UD in the built environment. Research limitation/implications: The research methodology presented in this study is time-consuming, which may limit its feasibility for large-scale cost assessments in diverse contexts. Practical implications: The research methodology proposed in this study provides valuable insights for architects, designers, and stakeholders involved in the implementation of UD. It offers a realistic and context-dependent approach to assess the cost implications of UD, enabling informed decision-making during the design and construction phases.This research project was initiated and funded by the Flemish Department of Equal Opportunities, Integration and Civic Integration and Inter (i.e. Flemish Centre for Expertise in Accessibility and Universal Design). The authors would like to thank the members of the steering committee – I.Van Haelst, J. Vispoel, J. de Coster, W. Metten and K. Polders – who collaborated on this project as well as all the members of the advisory committee
From Photos to Real Stores: Context squared
No full textRetail design is design discipline in which designers focus on translating retail and brand values to a spatial program with the consumer in mind. For retail design research, the element of ‘context’ has received quite a different meaning during the last decade. Especially in the case of experimental research aimed at getting more insight in the effects of different store design aspects (e.g., ambient scents, color palette, shapes), there has been an increased appreciation for a ‘designer’s perspective’ (e.g. Cross; 2006) . To illustrate this perspective, we describe a sequence of five related experimental studies on the topic of lighting in supermarkets, in which we gradually shift from the more traditional research approaches to this ‘designerly’ perspective. Comparing the outcomes of these experiments provides an insight into some of the limits and possibilities employing different contexts and emphasizes the potential and the importance of the designerly perspective in future research
Unlocking wellbeing-affordances in elementary schools initiated by a “natural experiment” caused by Covid-19
No full textIn 2020-’21 Covid-19 rolled over the school landscape as a pressure wave. Elementary schools had
to push through ad hoc changes in their physical structure to succumb to the safety regulations is-
sued after the first lockdown in the Spring of 2020. These physical alterations influenced the organ-
izational structure of schools and the wellbeing of protagonists. Through all the negative, also posi-
tive sparks were noticed, as some changes were appraised positively, inveterate ideas were aban-
doned for an open minded view and teachers at home overthought their functioning and searched
for meaning in their profession. This relevant momentum can be viewed as an opportunity to criti-
cally question the rather cumbersome design type of elementary schools, and to provide more at-
tuned spatial affordances to teachers and pupils. The aim of our study was thus twofold: first, to
get a grip on the values and needs that teachers and pupils had (re)attached to the functioning, and
positively appraised changes in the school organization and environment. Second, we aimed to
combine the gathered data and explore design strategies to design wellbeing related affordances
inspired by the “natural experiment” caused by Covid-19. To conclude, the paper discusses the
‘flourishing affordance’ in school architecture
Designing human-centred palliative environments
No full textBackground: The palliative environment (PE) can influence various users’ experiences of palliative care. Hence, architects could incorporate human-centred recommendations into their designs of PE to support such users (i.e., patient, family, caregiver, volunteer) in multiple dimensions of their wellbeing (i.e., physical, emotional, social, and spiritual). However, the impact of research in this field on architectural practices seems little so far. Architects seem to be hampered in using evidence-based knowledge to design PE because the research is usually considered difficult to access, rarely targeted at architects, and challenging to integrate into design. In such cases, architects usually use their intuitive knowledge. However, since PE are generally not commonplace buildings, a possible discrepancy between architectural practice and users’ needs and wishes can occur. To increase the impact in practice, it is necessary to consider which and how ‘spatial aspects’ affect users’ experiences and wellbeing with(in) PE.
Method: A scoping review on users’ experiences and wellbeing with(in) PE was performed to define spatial aspects; but, from an architectural perspective, some aspects were still missing. Performing fieldwork as a volunteer in two PE enabled data collection through qualitative methods (i.e., participant observation, case study analysis, and photo-elicitation interviews).
Results/conclusion: Users’ experiences in PE can differ quite extensively, yet research in this field rarely takes a multi-user perspective. In our project, we explore the impact and interconnections of spatial aspects on users’ experiences and wellbeing in PE while integrating multiple users’ voices. Knowledge of these various users’ experiences was linked to spatial aspects and then categorised into five main themes. These results provide insights, ideas, and support for (re)designing and researching human-centred palliative environments
Designing human-centred palliative environments from a multi-perspective approach: communication challenges between end-users, researchers, and designers
No full textThe growing need for palliative care and increasing expectations from various end-users regarding the provision of high-quality palliative care makes it illogical to draw the same lines over and over again when the world keeps moving. Assuming that the physical character of a palliative environment (PE) can (when well-designed) positively impact the experiences of its various end-users (residents, family, caregivers, and volunteers), the adoption of a human-centred architectural approach is recommended. Implementing this approach in the design process can be characterised as the ability to “look through the eyes of various end-users” or “share and understand end-users’ state of mind”. However, it is hypothesised that ethical and practical factors prevent architects from engaging directly with end-users in PEs and that current academic research in this field seems to remain confined to academic discourse. In addition, a preliminary literature review revealed a need for a multi-perspective approach in which residing, visiting, working, and volunteering end-users in various PEs are heard. Our study, therefore, focuses on (i) collecting “architectural-rich end-users’ experiences” with(in) a hospice, a daycare centre, and a palliative care unit in Belgium and (ii) disseminating these experiences to architectural practice. In this research study, we consider experiences ‘architectural-rich’ if they can generate empathy and inspiration by triggering the architects’ curiosity, personification, and imagination during the design process of PEs.
Communication appears to be our biggest challenge in the dialogue between the participant and researcher, and the researcher and designer.
- First, there is a tension between ensuring that research in this field meets its purpose and is applicable in architectural practice and ensuring that it does not place unnecessary burdens on the participants. For example, end-users of PEs (particularly the residents) have arguably limited opportunities to experience the benefits of this research in future practice. Moreover, when approaching the end-of-life, taking part in research may also mean 'losing precious time with loved ones'. These concerns ask for attention to issues such as trust, empathy, comfort, and flexibility in the design and approach of research methods. Furthermore, getting an architecturally rich specification is an additional challenge. Interests in (interior) architecture do not usually play a primary role in the last phase of life. Apart from interest, most participants do not master the 'architectural language' and rarely share the same background and experiences with the researcher, making it sometimes difficult to express their experiences (that are affected by spatial aspects) using only words.
- Second, to increase the limited uptake of research outcomes among architectural practitioners, there is a need for more tangible traces of actual experiences of end-users with(in) PEs to increase empathy and be inspiring. However, the relative lack of visualisations in current research studies contrasts with this purpose.
During this symposium, we want to share our insights by focusing on the methods applied in this in-depth Belgian study, such as participant observations, photo-elicitation interviews and empathic design. In doing so, we try to encourage an interactive discourse with the audience to share their insights on communicating about palliative care, experiences, and design
Drie kwalitatieve onderzoeksmethoden in palliatieve zorg: inzichten van een architect-onderzoeker
No full textInleiding: Er heerst een groeiende behoefte aan palliatieve zorg die gepaard gaat met toenemende verwachtingen van patiënten en naasten. Veel mensen hopen de laatste levensfase te kunnen doorbrengen in hun vertrouwde thuisomgeving. Toch overlijdt tegenwoordig driekwart van de Belgen in een (palliatieve) zorgomgeving, vaak omdat de zorg thuis te zwaar wordt, of de fysieke omgeving niet altijd geschikt meer is. Het is dus belangrijk om palliatieve zorgomgevingen te creëren die ervaren worden als een vervangende thuisomgeving door de fysieke, mentale, sociale en spirituele dimensies van het welbevinden van alle betrokkenen te ondersteunen. Hiervoor zou de architect door de ogen van verschillende patiënten, naasten, zorgverleners en vrijwilligers in palliatieve zorgomgevingen moeten kunnen kijken. Helaas zijn er praktische en ethische barrières die architecten hierin belemmeren. Daarnaast lijkt academische kennis in dit domein moeilijk door te stromen naar de architectuurpraktijk.
Methoden: Ons onderzoek stelt de 'Designerly Scoping Review' (DSR) voor als een methode om de kloof tussen onderzoek en architectuurpraktijk te overbruggen. Deze methode combineert 'Designerly ways of knowing’ met de systematische aanpak van een 'Scoping Review'. Scoping Reviews richten zich op het verkennen, in kaart brengen, samenvatten en synthetiseren van expliciete kennis in een bepaald interessegebied. ‘Designerly’ refereert hier naar een mensgerichte benadering waarbij ‘empathisch denken’ architecten inzicht geeft in de noden en ervaringen van (een) specifieke doelgroep(en), om deze vervolgens te gebruiken bij het genereren van innovatieve ideeën en ontwerpoplossingen. In tegenstelling tot traditionele Scoping Reviews, die kennis op een abstracter niveau formuleren, gebruikt de DSR de gevalideerde gegevens uit verzamelde studies die aan de basis liggen van deze kennis, zoals citaten en foto's. Het doel is om academische kennis tastbaarder te maken voor architecten, om zo de doorstroom van informatie naar de praktijk te verbeteren en het ontwerpproces te ondersteunen.
Resultaten: We voerden een DSR uit naar architectuurrijke ervaringen in palliatieve zorgomgevingen. Hieruit bleek dat er een gebrek is aan kennis in de bestaande literatuur over de ervaringen van patiënten, naasten, zorgverleners en vrijwilligers die ook relevant zijn voor de architectuurpraktijk. Om deze uitdaging aan te pakken, hebben we een kwalitatieve, participatieve studie opgezet. Deze studie omvatte enerzijds 23 dagen participerende observatie en anderzijds 31 ‘foto-elicitatie’ interviews met allerlei betrokkenen in een hospice, dagcentrum en palliatieve eenheid in Vlaanderen. Als architect-onderzoeker, werkzaam binnen deze palliatieve zorgomgevingen, reflecteer ik over de sterktes, uitdagingen en innovatieve inzichten die deze drie onderzoeksmethoden bieden met betrekking tot participatie en/of praktijkimplementatie.
Conclusies: Als architect-onderzoeker, werkzaam binnen deze palliatieve zorgomgevingen, reflecteer ik over de sterktes, uitdagingen en innovatieve inzichten die deze drie onderzoeksmethoden bieden met betrekking tot participatie en/of praktijkimplementatie
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