From Architecture to Design: A Comparative and Evaluative Study of Professional Practice

Abstract

This research considers the development of design practice over the last decades where a gap between practice and theory can be observed. Apparently, design education failed to follow the pace of change from practice. In this sense, this research tries to unveil the main aspects of design practice as a way of negotiating the gaps between practice and education. Different fields of design are analysed to identify the traits and characteristics that are broadly recognised by the design community. In this context, practitioners arguably do not seem to be aware of the process in which they are engaged; in part, because their education does not provide sufficient knowledge about the design process and its methods, and in part, because of the lack of interest shown by designers in learning or observing their own activity. In this sense, I would include my own experience as an emergent designer where observing the practice and the design process emerged as essential for the development of my own work. This study found that it is not possible to draw a generalized model of how designers work as their methods and techniques may vary. However, it is possible to identify some characteristics of the design process that can always be found especially regarding problem solving. Here besides the obvious areas of art and design, business and management also emerged as essential fields to the practice of design.