Creativity in Spatial Design Processes: Establishing a Non-Routine Design Approach
DS 66-2: Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Design Creativity (ICDC 2010)
Year: 2010
Editor: Taura, T and Nagai, Y
Author: Rahmann, Heike; Jonas, Marieluise
Section: Short Presentation C
Abstract
This paper explores the implications of a process-based design approach for creativity in spatial design, with focus on landscape architectural design practice. While spatial design is often concerned with deriving ideas and concepts from the existing inventory for the production of site-specific outcomes, more research is needed to investigate other means of creative exploration to generate new and unexpected results. In this paper, a case study is presented that analyses design responses by students to a larger spatial problem through a series of abstracted smaller design tasks. Setting the smaller design tasks deliberately in a not site-related situation and using metaphors allows the designer (the student) to de-contextualise the ideation process. It is argued that through the multi-levelled experiences the process of designing itself can inspire creativity, which contributes to the generation of unexpected outcomes.
Keywords: creativity, process-based design strategy, spatial design, landscape architecture