The Process: Product Relationship in Architectural Design

Abstract

The thesis encompasses a theoretical and an empirical investigation into the relationship between the architectural design process and the resulting design solution. By way of introduction to the theoretical enquiry a perspective is presented on the nature of process-product relationships in general, and then developed to encompass certain field observations of the work of architects. Several kinds of relationship are hypothesized and a model is developed to represent these relationships. The design process is cited as an example of goal-directed thinking, and various approaches to the psychology of goal-directed thinking and problem-solving are reviewed, with particular attention to the relationship between strategy and performance. Theoretical positions on the nature of the design process itself are next examined. Contemporary claims for an influence of process on product are reviewed. The relationship between problem definition and solution generation as a special case of the process-product relationship is examined, and two major types of relationship - reductionist and non-reductionist-are identified. These alternative views are evaluated and it is concluded that a fuller analysis of the nature of the design process, with particular attention to the sources and origins of design solutions, is necessary in order to gain a full appreciation of possible influences of process on product. Following from this analysis various procedural models of the architectural design process are identified and the relationships amongst them are represented diagramatically. A typology for problems is developed, and empirical research by others which has a bearing on the process-product relationship in architectural design is reviewed in relation to this typology, in respect of the experimental designs used in each case, and in respect of research findings. An elementary model is presented which describes the relationship between 'process factors' and 'designer factors' as they influence the development of a design solution. From this review of empircal research by others two types of approach to the investigation of the process-product relationship are identified and evaluated. The need to identify dimensions along which research settings may vary is noted and some of these dimensions are examined. On the basis of conclusions reached from this examination the development of an architectural design situation suitable for experimental observations is described. This involves the design of accommodation for two families on a large island site. The way in which the experiment was conducted is then outlined. The research and statistical hypotheses are stated. The development of ninety-seven measures of design process character and sixty-seven measures of design product character is described. The redescription of the design process records and design solutions of thirty-six subjects in terms of these measures provides the experimental data on which the statistical technique of factor analysis is carried out. Results from this analysis and from the analysis of correlation coefficients between individual measures of design process and product character indicate that the form or structure of the design process and the character of the design product are significantly related in at least three ways. Further evidence for a relationship between process and product is presented on the basis of an analysis of the information content of the design process with respect to client-specified design requirements, and the functional adequacy of design solutions in respect of these design requirements. Some general conclusions are drawn and issues for further research are noted.