Abstract
This paper explores the role of the aesthetics in Group Decision and Negotiation (GDN) practice, specifically how it affects the methods and the cognitive processes in the architectural field. We intend aesthetics as “scientia cognitionis sensitivæ”, a particular process and way of knowing and experiencing the problem through senses, imagination and empathy. We argue that (a) aesthetics and aesthetic features can (and do) convey knowledge about the problem; (b) we can distinguish between two kinds of aesthetics, one of the process and one of the product and (c) the aesthetics can contribute to create a “plural subject”. The issue is investigated through a decision problem about the transformation of an iconic building in the centre of Turin (Italy), in two ways: (1) by merging the Strategic Choice Approach (SCA) with architectural design and (2) by approaching the same issue with Storytelling, as a method for problem-based instruction. Considering the aesthetics as a specific form of language, the paper offers innovative considerations about the role of representation and visualisation tools and models—drawing, scheme, diagrams, but also video and text—as support for group decisions and negotiations, in the construction of knowledge within decisional processes.
Highlights
Decision processes with at least two participants and both a common interest and conflicting individual goals can be framed in the field of Group Decision and Negotiation (GDN)
In every step knowledge exchange through aesthetics is very linked to temporality and to the process: there are a number of cyclical moments of common knowledge and of reuniting the individual intentionality in the common “plural subject”
The aesthetic feature of ST contributes to form a kind of knowledge which deals with the particular event or object narrated
Summary
Decision processes with at least two participants and both a common interest and conflicting individual goals can be framed in the field of Group Decision and Negotiation (GDN). Such processes are complex and include discussion, proposals and choice; communication and knowledge creation (Tavella and Franco 2015; Eden et al 2017) are key to GDN processes. Support for these dynamics is central in the field. The practice of facilitated workshop to approach group dynamics’ difficulties and limits is well-established and used (Franco and Nielsen 2018), to help group engaging in productive discussions and enabling a change in perspectives (Phillips and Phillips 1993)
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