Forging a new future.
Power to the people: human-centric design.
There are many lessons the research shared here shows us; but perhaps the most clear is how humans need the natural world to thrive, mentally and physically. There is increasing evidence for the benefits of novel design principles, such as biophilic design, in enhancing both environmental outcomes and wellbeing (e.g., Gillis & Gatersleben, 2015), by conceptualising humans and nature as intrinsically interlinked (Hanna, et al., 2015). Shining examples of where the ‘end-user’ has been involved in the planning and construction of new buildings/building renovations have been shown to be positive for both the individuals and potentially their environmental behaviours (e.g., Gray & Birrell, 2014). However, the built environment industry is still lacking a clear and comprehensive methodology to engage with ‘those who live it’ (now and in the future) in order to fully address the social and environmental challenges we are faced with.
A method to move forward: Participatory Action Design.
Everything discussed in this document has only increased our determination to craft an innovative approach to the built environment process that places true collaboration at the heart of its ethos.
Our Participatory Action Design methodology draws on principles of an established research methodology, Participatory Action Research (PAR), which has been utilised since the 1940s. Participatory Action Research is an alternative to the traditional orthodoxy of research in relation to the ‘expert’ and the ‘participant’. Instead, it offers an approach in which ‘researchers’ and ‘participants’ co-construct knowledge through an interdisciplinary, or transdisciplinary, process of co-learning and collaborative researching (McIntyre, 2007).
“PAR champions experience as a form of knowledge, offering a methodology that celebrates a partnership between ‘experts’ and communities, giving voice to the marginalised, and co-producing research with an ambition for social change.” (Baum, MacDougall, & Smith, 2006)
In addition, drawing on the principles of Participatory Action Research offers our industry a clear route to better understand the social, environmental and contextual elements of individual experiences, informed by (but not simply drawing on) dominant de-contextualised models and precedents. Participatory Action Design will enable individuals with lived experience (e.g., those residing in a development community, using healthcare services, or working in existing offices etc), alongside other stakeholders (e.g., local councils, informal carers, healthcare professionals, company managers etc), to be properly and actively involved in comprehensive ‘participatory processes’ (Buettgen, et al.,2012), not just consulted or considered.
These opportunities would run through all stages of built environment design, construction, handover and occupation… and ultimately, empower individuals and communities to create the lived experience they need to thrive. What’s more human than that?
It's good to talk.
Human-centred design sits at the heart of what we do at Hoare Lea; drop us a line if anything in this document sparks your curiosity.
Diana SanchezBarajas Project Director, ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) DianaSanchezBarajas@hoarelea.com
Dr Paul Hanna Senior Associate, PAD (Participatory Action Design) PaulHanna@hoarelea.com
