Considering Complexity + Navigating Change: An Integrative Strategy for Addressing Contemporary Challenges in Architectural Design

Abstract

Our rapidly evolving world, where change is commonplace and often daunting, presents pressing challenges, including resource depletion, environmental degradation, and socio-cultural complexities. Amidst these forces, architectural design urgently demands creative and sustainable solutions (Pour and Sinclair 2015). Design potency, relevance, and fit require critical reassessment, recognizing the built environment’s profound impact on quality of life. While essential across building typologies, these needs are most pronounced in housing design. The cultural pluralism and ethnic diversity of a country such as Canada shapes diverse lifestyles, and therefore necessitates dwellings that are mixed-income, mixed-purpose, agile, adaptable, and sustainable (Kendall 1999).

This paper presents research deploying unconventional design approaches, including the crafting of a novel five- step methodology juxtaposing agility and innovation. This research critically examines notable conceptual frameworks: notably Gordon's 3Ls, Elkington’s Triple Bottom Line, Sinclair's Holistic Framework for Design + Planning, and Imam's Agile Architectural Framework. Ultimately, such models are assessed against prominent architectural landmarks –the new Calgary Central Library (Architects: Snohetta + DIALOG), MacKimmie Tower (Architects: Ron Thom, renovated by DIALOG), and Habitat 67 (Architect: Moshe Safdie). Through comparative analysis, this study identifies deficiencies within aforesaid frameworks, synthesizing findings to develop a hybrid, more efficacious and durable model —the Transformation Framework. This approach necessitates a thorough understanding of these conceptual frameworks and their applicability in the evolving context of architectural design. Rethinking design at a base level broadens its relevance across typologies, with housing as a primary focus yet extending beyond. As part of a larger research agenda, this paper highlights core concepts and proffers strategies underpinning this novel hybrid approach.