Who am I as a Designer? - Design Theory
Design theory is the rationale that justifies actions and
outcomes. This is slightly different to a design approach, which is the
original methodology for a design, a way of dealing with something. Design
theory demonstrates that we, as landscape architects, make decisions based on
reasoned theoretical basis, as opposed to personal preference. It is vital to
ensure every choice and action within a project has purpose, helping to guide a
design in a more holistic way and can prevent a designer from becoming too
narrow minded. Design theory is also useful for portraying ideas to other
people, who may not visualise something in the same way – it can be used to
explain exactly what something is, why it is there, and the impact it will
have, helping people understand a design fully.
Whilst I do not have specific design theories that I follow
every project, I have overarching rationales behind every decision I make.
Before I implement a feature into a design, I often question exactly why am I
putting this in? Who or what will benefit? How can I improve it? Analysing the
outcomes I hope to achieve and questioning myself and my actions every step of
the way encourages me to make confident choices that I am sure will have a
positive impact within a space. Most commonly, I will consider the
environmental impact of my actions, choosing materials or vegetation that will
cause the least environmental damage or increase the biodiversity of an area. Human
engagement and connection are other theories behind my design, creating spaces
that are accessible and inclusive, with the aim of forming places that everyone
can enjoy. I question my choices, asking myself if my designs will appeal to a
diverse range of people, and how I can utilise this to help form deep
connections between people and their landscapes.
A design process is ‘the way in which design methods come
together through a series of actions, events or steps’. My design process will
often begin with research, gaining information regarding a site and its genius
loci – the surrounding area, the ecology, the people, the history etc. From
there I will begin to analyse what I have learnt, often using mind maps and
Pinterest boards to visualise my sequence of thoughts. I then begin to develop
these lone thoughts, combing them in concept diagrams and quick sketches of
form, before establishing solid ideas. These ‘finalised’ ideas will often
change many times after as I question the theory behind them, repeating the
steps in my design process to find the best possible outcome.
I utilised this process in my latest design project – the redevelopment of Alney Island, Gloucester. After I had done the initial research I put together two mind maps, one detailing existing elements of the site and one of the potential ideas that resulted.
Mind Maps
This led to a series of conceptual drawings, first studying the form of a willow branch, before experimenting with the ways this could be presented, incorporating my concept of conservation to portray a willow branch, laid out carefully for preservation.
This eventually led to a design that mimicked this form, incorporating the concept of conservation into the design, which was also reflecting at ground level using habitat creation and a less is more approach.
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