Performativity of Architectural Design Artefacts in Decision-Making Processes

Architectural design is not only a creative activity but also a decision-making process shaped by interactions among diverse actors, tools, and representations. This study investigates how specific design documents, understood as visual artefacts, actively influence decision-making by mediating perspectives and resolving conflicts at critical moments. By focusing on the performative role of artefacts, the research addresses a gap in architectural design studies that has traditionally emphasized practices without sufficiently examining the agency of individual artefacts within those practices.

Paradigm Shifts in Architectural Design Research

The paper situates itself within broader paradigm shifts in architectural and engineering research, particularly those influenced by sociological and anthropological studies of professional practice. While previous research has examined how architects and planners work and how design practices unfold over time, it has rarely connected the specific qualities of design artefacts to their concrete effects on decision-making outcomes. This study builds on these traditions while extending their analytical scope.

Theoretical Foundations: ANT, PSMs, and Artefacts

Drawing on Actor-Network Theory (ANT), the research conceptualizes design artefacts as active participants within networks of human and non-human actors. This perspective is complemented by Problem Structuring Methods (PSMs), which emphasize interaction, negotiation, and sense-making through artefacts. Together, these frameworks provide a robust theoretical lens for understanding how visual documents mediate complexity, align viewpoints, and structure collective decisions.

Artefacts as Boundary Objects in Design Practice

The study engages with organizational studies that frame artefacts as boundary objects capable of bridging disciplinary, institutional, and professional divides. Architectural drawings, diagrams, and models are examined as boundary objects that enable communication across heterogeneous stakeholder groups. Their performativity lies in their capacity to stabilize discussions, translate abstract ideas, and facilitate agreement in contested planning contexts.

Empirical Case: Masterplanning an Urban University Campus

Empirically, the research focuses on the development of a masterplan for an urban university campus. Through close observation of architectural design practices, the study traces how specific artefacts influenced discussions, reframed problems, and guided decisions. The case demonstrates how visual documents can shift power dynamics, foreground certain issues, and enable consensus in complex urban planning processes.

Contributions: Theory, Method, and Visualization

The paper makes a threefold contribution. Theoretically, it advances an understanding of the performativity of architectural design practices and artefacts. Methodologically, it proposes a mapping approach to trace interactions between actors and artefacts over time. Practically, it introduces an interactive visualization tool that makes these dynamics visible, offering a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners interested in reflective and evidence-based design decision-making.

Architecture Engineers Awards

🔗 Nominate now! 👉 https://architectureengineers.com/award-nomination/?ecategory=Awards&rcategory=Awardee 🌐 Visit: architectureengineers.com 📩 Contact: contact@architectureengineers.com Get Connected Here: ***************** Instagram :  https://www.instagram.com/architecture_engineers_awards/ Facebook :  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576995475934 Tumblr :   https://www.tumblr.com/architectureengineersawards Pinterest :   https://in.pinterest.com/architectureengineersawards/ Blogger :   https://architectureengineers.blogspot.com/ Twitter :   https://x.com/Architectu54920 YouTube :  https://www.youtube.com/@Architechtureengineer LinkedIn :  https://www.linkedin.com/in/architecture-engineer-01a044361/