Useable space

A study was carried out to explore methods for improving the understanding and practice of design as a means of self-discovery, intersubjective dialogue and cultural development. Using the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a laboratory and case study, a series of interventions and observations were conducted and recorded. Key concerns were the dialectical relationships between individuals and organization, freedom and language, play and structure, dialogue and community, design and technological systems. The hypothesis was that the pervasive effect of post-structural thinking in architectural theory and design education have created an environment that does not adequately prepare students to explore, engage and communicate personal values in their work, particularly in relation to the immediate contexts in which they find themselves. It also posited that an emphasis on technological systems rather than tectonic and social skill building becomes an additional obstacle to dialogical self-expression and cultural development. The indeterminacy of this hypothesis lead to a series of participatory design proposals with the intent to impact the community context of the Institute.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Architecture.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2005

Author dc:creator

• Francisco, B. Scott

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Mark Jarzombek.

• Architecture.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/33741

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/33741