The Role of Design Artefacts in Architectural Decision-Making and Collaborative Planning Processes
Architectural design processes involve complex interactions among multiple stakeholders, including architects, planners, engineers, and institutional decision-makers. Within these processes, design documents function not only as technical representations but also as visual artefacts that shape communication and negotiation. This study examines how specific architectural design artefacts influence decision-making, particularly during moments of conflict where different perspectives must be reconciled. By analyzing how these artefacts operate within collaborative planning environments, the research highlights their role in structuring and guiding design decisions.
Design Artefacts as Mediators in Architectural Practice
In architectural workflows, drawings, diagrams, models, and digital visualizations serve as mediating objects that facilitate communication among diverse actors. These artefacts translate complex design ideas into tangible representations that can be interpreted and debated by stakeholders with different expertise. The study emphasizes that design artefacts actively participate in the negotiation process by framing problems, revealing alternatives, and enabling stakeholders to reach shared understanding during design deliberations.
Theoretical Foundations: Actor-Network Theory and Practice-Based Research
The research draws on theoretical perspectives from Actor-Network Theory to examine the interactions between people, design tools, and material artefacts within architectural practice. Actor-Network Theory conceptualizes both human and non-human elements as active participants within decision-making networks. The study also builds on ethnographic approaches in architectural research, which analyze how professional practices unfold through everyday interactions, tools, and collaborative activities.
Integrating Problem Structuring Methods and Boundary Objects
To further understand decision-making processes, the research connects practice-based analysis with Problem Structuring Methods, which emphasize participatory approaches to addressing complex planning challenges. Within this framework, design artefacts operate as boundary objects—shared reference points that allow different stakeholders to interact and negotiate despite differing perspectives, knowledge bases, and objectives. These artefacts facilitate dialogue and coordination during complex design discussions.
Mapping Architectural Practices Through Artefact Interaction
Methodologically, the study proposes a mapping approach that traces how design artefacts circulate and influence interactions throughout the design process. By documenting how drawings, diagrams, and visualizations are introduced, interpreted, and revised, the methodology reveals how artefacts guide the progression of decision-making. This mapping process enables researchers and practitioners to better understand the dynamic role of design documents in shaping collaborative outcomes.
Contributions to Architectural Research and Organizational Studies
The study offers three key contributions. First, it advances theoretical understanding of the performative role of design artefacts in architectural decision-making. Second, it introduces a methodological framework for mapping design practices and artefact interactions. Third, it presents an interactive visualization tool that helps illustrate how design artefacts influence the development of complex planning projects, such as the masterplanning of urban university campuses. Together, these contributions provide valuable insights into the relationship between design representation and collaborative decision-making in architecture.
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