ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the contribution of a consultant hired to help an architect team win an architectural competition. Drawing on philosopher Jean-Francois Lyotards's notions of phrases and differend, the text presents an attempt to navigate confusion and misunderstandings deriving from epistemological differences. As defined by the architect firm, the task of the consultant was to provide a “truly different” approach to designing based on anthropology. In the form of an ethnographic account, this chapter examines in detail the consultant's strategy to fulfil this task and the challenges involved in handing over what he considered rich and significant insights.
