International design firm Perkins Eastman and EwingCole announced the release of their new joint white paper “Where Are We Now?: Elevating Design Practice through Design Research.” The paper is co-authored by Emily Chmielewski, EDAC, Associate and Senior Design Researcher at Perkins Eastman, and Nicholas Watkins, Ph.D., Director of Research at EwingCole.
The paper takes an in-depth look at the current state of the design research field, dissects the many challenges researchers face, and contemplates broad solutions for advancing the practice of design research for the overall betterment of the architectural design field.
In March 2016, the Perkins Eastman and EwingCole research teams, led by Chmielewski and Watkins, developed and instituted a comprehensive online survey of 29 questions, in partnership with the Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA). The survey was available online for three weeks and was completed by a mix of students, educators, designers, and design research professionals. The results of that survey were then presented at the 47th Annual EDRA Conference (EDRA47), in Raleigh, NC.
The value of credibility of design research, research methods, and knowledge, sharing, and sustainability of design research in practice are a few of the topics the survey’s questions focused on.
At EDRA47, the teams engaged in conversation with various conference attendees about the many challenges related to conducting design research as well as solutions for promoting the incorporation of design research in design delivery. The survey’s findings, combined with input from the EDRA conference, informed the content produced for “Where Are We Now?”
According to Watkins, “A key challenge for all researchers in practice is to communicate our studies’ findings in such a way that attracts the attention of designers and clients, as well as conveys insights that can effectively impact the design industry. One of our intentions in writing this paper was to help our industry peers in tackling those challenges, and consequently, finding more receptive audiences for their important work.”
The entire white paper is available for free download at www.perkinseastman.com/white_papers and EwingCole - Where Are We Now Whitepaper.
Related Stories
Designers | Dec 25, 2023
Redefining the workplace is a central theme in Gensler’s latest Design Report
The firm identifies eight mega trends that mostly stress human connections.
Contractors | Dec 22, 2023
DBIA releases two free DEI resources for AEC firms
The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) has released two new resources offering guidance and provisions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) on design-build projects.
MFPRO+ News | Dec 22, 2023
Document offers guidance on heat pump deployment for multifamily housing
ICAST (International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology) has released a resource guide to help multifamily owners and managers, policymakers, utilities, energy efficiency program implementers, and others advance the deployment of VHE heat pump HVAC and water heaters in multifamily housing.
Sustainability | Dec 22, 2023
WSP unveils scenario-planning online game
WSP has released a scenario-planning online game to help organizations achieve sustainable development goals while expanding awareness about climate change.
Giants 400 | Dec 20, 2023
Top 160 Apartment and Condominium Architecture Firms for 2023
Gensler, Humphreys and Partners, Solomon Cordwell Buenz, and AO top BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest apartment building and condominium architecture and architecture/engineering (AE) firms for 2023, as reported in Building Design+Construction's 2023 Giants 400 Report.
Giants 400 | Dec 20, 2023
Top 90 Student Housing Architecture Firms for 2023
Niles Bolton Associates, Solomon Cordwell Buenz, BKV Group, and Humphreys and Partners Architects top BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest student housing facility architecture and architecture/engineering (AE) firms for 2023, as reported in Building Design+Construction's 2023 Giants 400 Report.
Healthcare Facilities | Dec 19, 2023
A new hospital in Duluth, Minn., is now the region’s largest healthcare facility
In Duluth, Minn., the new St. Mary’s Medical Center, designed by EwingCole, is now the largest healthcare facility in the region. The hospital consolidates Essentia Health’s healthcare services under one roof. At about 1 million sf spanning two city blocks, St. Mary’s overlooks Lake Superior, providing views on almost every floor of the world’s largest freshwater lake.
Government Buildings | Dec 19, 2023
New Pennsylvania State Archives building holds documents dating back to 1680
Work was recently completed on a new Pennsylvania State Archives building in Harrisburg, Penn. The HGA-designed, 146,000-sf facility offers numerous amenities, including computers, scanners, printers, a kitchenette with seating, lockers, a meeting room, a classroom, an interactive video wall, gallery, and all-gender restrooms. The features are all intended to provide a welcoming and comfortable environment for visitors.
Urban Planning | Dec 18, 2023
The impacts of affordability, remote work, and personal safety on urban life
Data from Gensler's City Pulse Survey shows that although people are satisfied with their city's experience, it may not be enough.
MFPRO+ News | Dec 18, 2023
Berkeley, Calif., raises building height limits in downtown area
Facing a severe housing shortage, the City of Berkeley, Calif., increased the height limits on residential buildings to 12 stories in the area close to the University of California campus.
