Auditing the architectural design process: an information management approach
Huan Vo-Tran · RMIT Research Repository (RMIT University Library) · 2010
In recent times, we have started to see a transformation in the design process for higher education institutions. Architects and designers are seeing the need to become increasingly familiar with not only the needs of the institution, but also the requirements of its primary users. In order to effectively design these new teaching, learning and office spaces, architects are now required to gather information from a wider range of sources and possess the ability to effectively manage this information. While this information may take on various forms, architectural practices are currently producing and making use of an increasing amount of unstructured data. Unlike structured data, unstructured data does not obey the rigid rules that can be easily interpreted by computer programs and often incorporates both text and images. Which, in themselves, have few formal rules and is often open to different interpretations based on the context in which it lies. Through the use of an information audit this study will provide some insight into how a mid-sized architectural practice, who are currently designing a new academic building for a prominent Australian university manages the vast amount of information created within the initial stages of the architectural design process. The information audit will explore aspects such as: the organizational culture, structure and information flow. In addition to this, an action research methodology will be utilized within the information audit in order to implement any of the required changes to the practice's current design processes. Upon completion, it is anticipated that the findings may include an information management framework, which in turn, may assist architects and other visual-creative industries through their design processes.