ABSTRACT
In Chapter 2.8, Alexandra Staub interviews Susanne Hofmann of the Berlin firm Baupiloten, a leading developer of participatory design methods in architecture, especially in school design. The interview defines aspects of participation and presents theoretical aspects before presenting specific methods used by the Baupiloten in their work with the community. These include visioning exercises presented as flash workshops, board games to determine priorities and establish building programs, “atmospheric” exercises to suggest spatial qualities, and card exercises to establish desired spatial connections.
A major finding has been that participatory exercises do not increase overall project costs, contrary to popular opinion. On the contrary, increasing participation has proven to increase user satisfaction, making participation a sustainable investment.
