The future blueprint: designing for the Super Wicked Problem

Abstract

Architects have a duty to act on climate consequences. All architecture is environmental, and therefore it would be bizarre to ignore it. And yet, architects around the world are arguably slow to move to the level of action required. Climate change is a Super Wicked Problem that is characterised by multiple interconnected causes, uncertainties, and high stakes for future generations. It demands urgent action and long-term thinking, as well as cooperation across different sectors and scales. Architects can contribute to this effort by using their design skills and knowledge to create more resilient built environments.

As potentially the most pressing and complex challenge of human time, architects have an important role to play in responding to this Super Wicked Problem. This PhD aims to explore how architects can respond to climate consequences by using the Research by Design methodology to create and test alternative strategies for these complex problems. Through a series of studies and design experiments, this research will examine how architects can use design as a tool for addressing Super Wicked Problems. The research will move through the reiterative stages of ‘frame’, ‘move’ and ‘evaluate’. Each area will be explored through a set of research questions that aim to identify effective design strategies for dissolve, while also allowing transferability of the findings.

Overall, this PhD research aims to make a significant contribution to the field of architecture by demonstrating how architects and design as a process can respond to Super Wicked Problems. By using a Research by Design methodology, this investigation intends to generate innovative and effective strategies that can be used in other super wicked contexts. The research will also contribute to the development of a more sustainable and resilient built environment that can support human well-being and environmental health for generations of the far future.

Thesis embargoed until 31 July 2024.

Date of Award	Jul 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Sponsors	Northern Ireland Department for the Economy
Supervisor	Nuala Flood (Supervisor) & Greg Keeffe (Supervisor)