v. design
The previous chapter outlines the exploratory processes of attempting to design a design strategy based on a traditional design approach. These explorations remained in the design problem / design solution dynamic. As function was already omitted as the “design problem” there was an attempt of redirecting the parameters or limitations to guide the solution from a different lens. This setup condition inherently led to the failure of these studies. While exploring through form, site, and material principles, there was not a clear decision yet of having to design a system. However, a systemic approach is necessary, an equation of sorts allowing for an input and an output. Defining formal categories, generating randomized site condition, and controlled material explorations were initial attempts, however, these were not specific enough and still had too many undetermined factors. Naturally the unresolved conditions led to inconsistent results. Rather than defining categories, and generating designs responding to categorical parameters, the final system was designed as a process. Rules at each stage, changing only one factor at the same step, allowing for consistent, and therefore relatively comparable results.
The implementation of a system complemented removing function as a design parameter. Since designing for function was not an option, the original explorations relied on intuition. While intuition is a necessary design skill, relative to this thesis, the degree to which intuitive design had to be emphasized was ultimately considered to be inhibitory. It was necessary to disconnect the unique design objects to a degree from the designer. Thus, the new design approach would be to design a system.