Embedding design knowledge in the design intent

Abstract

The architectural design process consists of the designer seeking a design intent through a design process, moving from the initial conceptual idea to detailing and materialising the architectural design. Along the process, design knowledge is embedded to develop the architectural design further. The designer uses particular design tools to develop the architectural design, requiring instrumental knowledge of the said design tools. By focusing on the elements that define a design process, the dissertation research explores different design process methodologies designers opt for in their architectural design practice. The dissertation adapts and expands Cutajar’s (2016) and Kloft’s (2010) theoretical discourse to propose a framework to analyse and define design process methodologies. Following an overview of a historical timeline, discussions redirect towards the design process methodology and flow of design information in the seminal historical periods. In this way, the research addresses how design process elements have evolved into contemporary architectural design practice. The dissertation concludes that digital design’s current placement in contemporary architecture is the product of several social and technological changes contributing to the change in design process elements. The architectural practice continuously experiences change considering a long history of architectural design precedes the digital era.