Scenario-based design: New applications in metamorphic architecture

Abstract

Architectural design targets mainly humans, the lives of whom are dynamic and continuously changing. Consequently, the conventional design methodologies that deal with buildings as static entities do not always represent the proper method to generate user-friendlybuildings. This paper presents a methodology that deals dynamically with the changing settings of buildings and their associated systemic configurations. This method is scenario-based design, in which scenarios represent essential tools for exercising various role playing and exploring potential “what-if” settings. In this method, a scenario structure aims to develop knowledge about each setting's compatibility to a set of prescribed expectations and quality criteria. To test the applicability of the proposed methodology, an experiential studio project is implemented. The project is orchestrated to illustrate the methodological use of scenarios and to gain in-depth understanding and predictive insights into the real-world architecture from various users’ perspectives. The method presented and discussed in this paper uses scenarios to analyze, develop and evaluate architectural design solutions that aim to achieve specific performance attributes, such as the flexibility, modifiability, transformability, adaptability, extensibility, functionality and operation of building components. The project that demonstrates the proposed method in action is illustrated by examples. The reflections about themethod and its implementation seem to encourage its adoption as an alternative design processing tool that fits strongly within emergent typologies such as metamorphic, interactive, responsive and kinetic architectures.

Key words： Scenario-based design; Computer-supported design; Design methodology; Kineticarchitecture; User-centered design