IN-PERSON London. Section B

Abstract

Evolutionary human design can be seen sustainable if integrating evolutionary theory and research on socio-economic systems can lead to a better understanding of the mechanics of changes and adaptation in the urban realm and to positive interventions for a more sustainable Anthropocene. Following the biological idea of characteristic changes in populations over successive generations, evolutionary design uses defined principles to generate and refine design solutions that meet specific criteria. However, applying evolutionary methods to architecture is challenging because of the qualitative nature of the field of architecture. Therefore, evolutionary design in architecture could ideally help to generate also qualitatively optimised and creative design. Examples of such qualitative areas include place, type experience, change, movement, type, and social innovation. Social innovation thrives to solve social challenges and is crucial for actual internalised sustainable principles. It takes place through, for example, creative spatial programming, settings enabling sustainable lifestyles, trans-disciplinary collaboration projects, urban regeneration, adaptive reuse, placemaking, and high-quality affordable housing. The experimental part of this research mobilised students in Aalto University’s Urban Design and Planning Capstone Project (2023) to produce socially innovative designs for two sites: Tervasaari Island in central Helsinki, Finland, and Ethelburga Estate in Battersea, London, UK. The students took carefully specified steps following a qualitative evolutionary method, including participant interaction, artificial intelligence, and design exploration. The results indicate three meaningful types of evolving qualitative directions in architecture: 1) type – building and block types, 2) mission – targeted qualities, and 3) site-specific features.