Context Conversation: The Importance of Collaboration

1 AIA LU

The conception, design, and operation of buildings and environments is becoming increasingly complex. And yet, there is still the persistent stereotype of the singular brilliant designer / architect, who creates Architecture (with a capital A). In this conception, other people might be necessary to realize the work, but their roles are seen as smaller and less valued. Although the myth of the solo creator may serve the interests of certain kinds of architects, we don’t think this is how contemporary practice works. In fact, we don’t think truly successful work was done this way in the past either. Collaboration – working together to achieve outcomes not possible by working separately – is a skill that is usually required in the practice of architecture and other design disciplines. Design professionals collaborate together, collaborate with clients, and work with countless others in the process of translating ideas into built works. But we don’t typically think about collaboration as a skill, one that can be taught and one that can be developed and improved over time and with practice. A shortcoming of many academic design programs is that, given the emphasis on individual performance and evaluation, teaching collaboration as a skill and practice is completely overlooked. We have found that the projects and buildings we admire often involved special partnerships between design firms, thoughtful work with contractors and craftsmen, and close relationships between designers and clients. Purposeful collaboration between design professionals can result in surprising solutions and is necessary to achieve the high performance outcomes that we need. This presentation and panel discussion will look at collaboration from different angles – with a project case study; within the history of the profession; and within progressive design education. The session will be organized as three short presentations, followed by panel discussion and audience participation. In the printed issue of Context, we tried to start a conversation about collaboration – highlighting designers working together within firms, across disciplinary boundaries, and, of course, with clients. We hope that this seminar continues that discussion and contributes to a larger discussion about our attitudes toward the effective practice of architecture, including our response to the recent changes in our world due to the public health crisis.