Schedule

Manchester test

Manchester test
COMBINING METHODOLOGIES: TEACHING COMPLEXITY TO IMPROVE STUDENT DESIGN SOLUTIONS
Robert Fryer
7:15 am - 8:30 am

Abstract

The issues facing sustainable architecture are complex, as they derive from relationships and
interactions between elements of systems; systems that stretch across scales; relationships that
may be unseen. Commonly, designs intended to improve systems can spark new, unintended
outcomes. It is difficult to see, let alone understand such interactions; it is challenging to design,
let alone teach how to design in such a context. However, it is essential to find solutions to well-
being, equality, and carbon emissions.
This paper reports on the ability of specific techniques, some of which break disciplinary
boundaries, to enhance understanding and how students think of complex issues to improve

design in studios. For discussion purposes, these are arranged in three topics: think holistically
and dynamically, test rigorously, and adapt transformatively.
To think holistically and dynamically, students used two techniques from disciplines outside
architecture. The first is the Integral Framework, an approach from psychology with the goal of
personal integration. In design, this helps to identify elements that inform or impact the project
holistically. The second is systems thinking, an approach from business, which explores the
relationships between elements to understand behavior over time. These two techniques
together can be very insightful.
To test rigorously refers to iterative simulations to quantify and adjust designs. It is a crucial
component to know if a design is effective. This process must be cyclical and started during the
conceptual stage of the design process to maximize insights and benefits.
To adapt transformatively refers to the need for both design and education itself to adapt. The
focus must be to conceptualize and create resilient proposals with the “capacity to continually
change and adapt yet remain within critical thresholds”.
The use of these techniques over the past years demonstrated an enhanced understanding and
chan

Biography

Robert Fryer is an Associate Professor and Founding Member of the MS Sustainable Design
Program at Thomas Jefferson University. His contributions have won awards from the National
Institute for Building Science and the USGBC. He is also a Senior Research Associate with the
Engineering & Design Institute and a Deputy Director of the Jefferson Center for Injury
Research and Prevention.
Among the courses he teaches, Robert oversees the Thesis Sequence, where students
undertake research into adaptive sustainable high performance design that spans seven
countries. Thesis projects have also led to the creation of over 10 new businesses.
His research interests include sustainable design education, systems thinking applied to
education, performative building and assembly design, and biophilic senior care. He has
presented research at national and international conferences such as PLEA, the Association of
Collegiate Schools of Architecture, the World Symposium on Sustainable Development at
Universities, and Environments for Aging. His personal practice includes the development of
biophilic adult day care centers (with BAU Architects), LEED consulting, charrette facilitatio