The typological learning framework: the application of structured precedent design knowledge in the architectural design studio

Robert Grover,Alexander Copping,Stephen Emmitt

doi:10.1007/s10798-017-9421-4

Robert Grover, Alexander Copping + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-017-9421-4

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Abstract

In the architectural design process, built precedent can be a valuable resource to shape design situations. Typology, the systematic categorisation of precedent, may act as a means to interpret this information and identify relationships between existing buildings and new design. This work explores the link between typology and the design process and asks how typological thinking may benefit novice designers in the context of the architectural design studio. The research conceptually synthesises theories of typology with design methods to provide a practical framework for the application of typology in design studio teaching. Adopting a stage-based model of design, underpinned by the critical method as a description of individual design cycles, the framework offers a means of guiding project decisions, encouraging ideation and accessing information embedded in design precedents. The research is exploratory in nature and adopts a participant observation approach to develop and test the proposed framework. This is supported by data gathered from case studies, structured interviews and questionnaires. The typological learning framework is supported by the results of the research and considers various interpretations of typology at each stage in the design process, analytical processes required and practical guidance for designers and educators.

Highlights

When dealing with the complexity of architectural design, precedent can be a valuable tool for encouraging ideation and analysing concepts
Adopting a stage-based model of design, underpinned by the critical method as a description of individual design cycles, the framework offers a means of guiding project decisions, encouraging ideation and accessing information embedded in design precedents
This paper proposes a structured framework for extracting knowledge embedded in precedent and tests it in the context of a first year architectural design studio

Summary

Introduction

When dealing with the complexity of architectural design, precedent can be a valuable tool for encouraging ideation and analysing concepts. Studies into case based design (CBD), drawn from research in computer sciences and artificial intelligence (AI), suggest that adapting and combining previous architectural examples produces positive solutions without hindering creativity (Schmitt 1993). Automated systems such as those described by Maher and Gomez de Silva Garza (1997) adopt procedural interpretations of the design process and an assumed mechanised formulation of architectural creation. In Simon’s view, even the most complex of design situations could be broken down into their constituent parts and tackled with traditional problem solving techniques In this paradigm, design could be understood as a process of analysis of the problem followed by synthesis of the solution.

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