Prozesse reflexiven Entwerfens – Entwerfen und Forschen in Architektur und Landschaft

11-14 | Umsetzung der Reliefs, CAD Zeichnung | Realisation of the reliefs, CAD drawing
A given set of tools and routines are associated with the hope that the earlier proven
success of an approach can also be applied to the assignment at hand. Familiar routines,
such as the creation of analysis sketches and work models, are often used as an
introductory approach to a new task. In later design phases, digital or analog detailed
models enable the examination of spatial disposition, material use and connections. When
applying routines, however, it is also possible to overlook problems and opportunities.
Abraham Maslow provides a reminder that proven tools are also often used when other
work methods would be more suitable. 16
OPTIONS AND REPERTOIRE Over the course of the design process,
the designer can make use of the aforementioned methods. Depending on experience,
repertoire and budget, they can be combined or used sequentially. At the beginning of
the examination, various approaches are developed and pursued in parallel. Horst Rittel
suggests the creation and variation of options. 17 For Rheinberger, the repetition and
modification of routines is an important method of gaining knowledge. 18 According to
Ahrens, the experimenter must attempt to “maintain a ‘sphere of vagueness’ [...] that
on the one hand prevents pure frenzy and on the other hand does not drift into being
machine-like.” 19 For certain periods of time it remains unclear “which signals should be
strengthened and which should be weakened.” 20
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The working method described here is understood by Rheinberger as ‘researching design’. It
does not distinguish between scientific and artistic practices. “The thoughts of inventors
and scientists are directed, like artists, not towards the knowledge of the existing, instead
their notions concentrate on future possibilities.” 21 In the experiment, it is possible that
“commonly used tools [...] take on new functions” and that “unanticipated events” occur. 22
Experimental setups therefore allow the creation of knowledge. Depending on the means
used, involving teams enables an additional probing of options or more in-depth approaches
to solutions. However, if these co-designers are not attuned to each other or are on
different wavelengths, this process can also be very unproductive and fruitless.