Theory of Architecture: Context first, form later (Part 2) - Context is about people and relationships

Send us Fan MailYou cannot take out 'people' from the context. Context is arguably very tangible, as we can assume that form is obviously tangible. Chris Alexander, 1971, said that: form is the design solution whereas, context defines the design problem. Context comes first, form later.  Defining the context well, understanding people and relationships, she is trying to be 'in the user' who is using the space, thus the designer makes sense of the place, connecting people with the existing context, making a 'new context'. Taking into account the old setting, transforming into a new setting. What can an architectural designer do? What can an architecture student do? Are the students limited due to experience? But what if the student understands the quote: Design is a conversation between creativity and context (Low, 2014), and getting it, about the user. How powerful is that? Realizing what architecture is about, giving meaning to forms. Not knowing much, but attempting to actually emphatise the user, you can set the skill earlier on.© 2021 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd YaacobPhoto (artwork): Design thesis section (by Naziaty Mohd Yaacob)Support the showDo subscribe for premium content and special features which will help to support and sustain Talk Architecture podcast on a more in-depth explanation on design thesis and processes. These special commentaries and ‘how to’ explanations are valuable insights and knowledge not found elsewhere!