Reviewing Design Process Theories

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Frontmatter

2. Chapter 1. Rational and Empirical Theories

   Systematic and Cliché or Intuitive and Creative Approaches Mahmud Rezaei

   Abstract

   Until the modern period, design theorists seldom feel responsible for coming up with a methodical design process. The strategy to reach a methodical or rational design by Jean-Nicolas-Louis Durand was established in his book in 1802 titled Précis des leçons d’architecture données à l’École royale polytechnique. The next record on this topic was by Viollet-le-Duc when he talks about a step-by-step design creation in his 1875 book titled Histoire de l’habitation humaine, depuis les temps préhistoriques jusqu’à nos jours.

3. Chapter 2. Procedural and Substantive Theories

   Mahmud Rezaei

   Abstract

   Substantive views in designing elaborate on the physical essence of built environment and products. These views in architecture and designing form and space also include dealing with building materials, structure, geometry, environment and end users. This view is more concerned with explaining the whys of designing.

4. Chapter 3. Normative and Positive Theories

   Mahmud Rezaei

   Abstract

   Some design theories judge and evaluate design works such as architecture and reveal some norms or values about the environment. Normative or commendatory views deal with the dos and don’ts; therefore, take certain standards into consideration. These theories are usually coded into declarations, charters, principles and rules.

5. Chapter 4. Design Scopes

   Mahmud Rezaei

   Abstract

   ‘Design’ is the common ground among fine and applied arts. Apart from architecture and urban design, which are categorized as ‘applied arts’, most ‘visual arts’ such as painting, graphic, collage and sculpture contain design. The design scope might be considered from different aspects, for example, from the aspect of design-related professionals, academic disciplines through theoretical or practical approaches, individual or group views and other similar dimensions.

6. Chapter 5. Design Participation Theories

   Mahmud Rezaei

   Abstract

   The level of the designer’s and user’s engagement in design processes has always been one of the most significant challenges. With respect to the wide scopes of design, the designer’s role can have diverse domains. On the other hand, participatory design is an approach that tries to involve citizens and users in the design process. Historically, in primitive local design or architecture without architects, settlers expanded their eye-catching architecture with local materials and prevalent local construction methods. In his famous book titled ‘Architecture without Architects’, Bernard Rudofsky introduces a collection of this kind of architecture.

7. Chapter 6. Paradigms in Form and Space Creation

   Mahmud Rezaei

   Abstract

   For architects, or any designer, the stage of form-producing process, form-generation process and form-finding or creating space is an inevitable end. However, theories on architectural design process rarely elaborate on the methods of creating the final form in the works of designers

8. Chapter 7. Efficient Tools and Sources in Design Process

   Mahmud Rezaei

   Abstract

   Representational tools for architectural or design works have made great progress so far. Words, phrases, architectural drawings, freehand sketches, photography images, model making and computerized 3D tools have all been at the service of visualization and representation of architectural space.

9. Chapter 8. Place and Non-place Theories

   Mahmud Rezaei

   Abstract

   Design theories can also be viewed based on place and time. Christian Norberg-Shulz has well-famed writings on space and place. In a short essay titled ‘Place’ (1979), beautifully and artistically, he based his philosophical discussions of ‘place’ on the poem, ‘A Winter Evening’ by George Truckell, which had previously been employed by Heidegger to describe the nature of language, and he viewed on life as it mingled with the aspect of place.

10. Backmatter