Words and Images for exploration and communication in the early stages of design task

Abstract

The problem with the design process when carried out collectively is, on the one hand, the linguistic barriers that make interdisciplinary dialogue difficult, and on the other hand, the diffuse conception of the future artefact on the part of the actors during the early stages of the process. From this perspective, the process of designing is regarded as a transition from a diffuse sphere of concepts towards a sphere of concepts of more concrete character. An abrupt transition from the verbal formulations of those commissioning to the architect's graphic representations may hinder, or be the reason why, the participants are not able to develop their own comprehensible images and visions. One means of eliminating this unsatisfactory state of affairs is to construct a dialogue able to be carried out between the actors involved, before the architect comes into the process. This article deals with the development of a method that uses images or pictures for discussing aspects or phenomena considered to be important for the situation in question. The objective is to provide a richer content for the commission, and a good point of departure for a stimulating dialogue with the architect.