In education (particularly within legal/contractual remits) and practice, often you are faced with the question - what is the Architects Role?
(Note; scope of works will define that responsibility but we are addressing the question before that stage).
Often you will observe a 'romantic' or a 'poetic' notion of the architects role; creating a 'canvas' for the client to craft and self express upon their journey through time. Allowing exploration be defined through the medium that is life.
Beyond the impartial and the objective, involvement of an architect does not just simply yield ideas translated into physical intervention (a building etc). In fact resolve may not require or indeed involve a 'building' at all. Of course it may result in a structural or a landscape solution, perhaps a masterplan where necessary but these are not the limits of what the professional can offer. You are tapping into the experience, imagination and intelligence that offers a rational and critical thought process when answering your question(s) or brief. Balancing the efficient and innovative ideas with the pragmatic and practical.
However, sometimes a subtle change is the answer. Perhaps a switch within the business model. Or, a change of components within the operational programme. Design thinking extends beyond the concrete, steel and timber.
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