Difference in similarity: interpreting the architectural design process

Abstract

Depending on discipline, models of the design process tend to focus on one of three general concepts: representation, form, and structure. We hypothesise that aspects of each concept will be found when studying designing from one particular discipline and that, in the case of architecture, the three concepts can be combined to produce a general model of the architectural design process. To show this we have developed a ‘difference in similarity’ methodology-studying individual differences through general behavioural patterns—to carrying out a study of five architects varying in experience from six to fifteen years. Our results support our hypothesis and also suggest that as designers gain both general and specific experience of architecture they are able to quickly generate a problem paradigm, or coherent grasp of a set of issues in a particular design situation. We observe distinct patterns of reasoning in all designers and present a general model of the architectural design process.