THIER + CURRAN ARCHITECTS INC.

Participatory Design

Our design process is very collaborative, always seeking to engage the clients in a dialogue which will translate their needs and aspirations into built form. We believe we must begin the design process by listening – through the direct experience of the building’s occupants and users.

The best results come from a collaborative process where the design team and the clients challenge not just conventional wisdom or accepted solutions, but each other as well.

An open, inclusionary and participatory design process ensures that the most appropriate design is generated, and incorporating the highest degree of input, thought and content from both the client and ultimate users. Working closely with the client group, the design team encourages open-minded discussion, exploratory research, analysis and testing of ideas against the varied experiences and expertise of each participant.

We are also familiar with the use of Design Workshops or ‘Charrettes’, as a useful hands-on, interactive, group idea exploration exercise. Structured with effective leadership, these workshops encourage rapid, creative brainstorming and generate a wealth of ideas, while also involving a wide range of participants.