Symbiosis. Architecture and User Organisation

The course objective will be to explore the relations between a building, the workspace and the individual worker seen in relation to new trends in organization development and architecture / design. A basic assumption is that all organizations are comprised of four elements; knowledge management, ICT, organization and physical environment.

The course will give training in working with users, defining objectives, activities, working processes and relations, and make proposals for relevant architectural concepts and solutions. The users and the use of the building or work space will therefor be in focus.

Emphasis will be given to studies on how to facilitate workplaces and spaces regarding activities and work processes. The project assignments might be development of new office solutions, new concept for health services etc.

The student will have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the relationship between the physical environment and the users, and how an architect can relate to an organization's vision, objectives and working methods.
The student will have knowledge and skills on how to deal with an organisation´s vision, objectives and typologies of work, and how you as an architect can develop architectural concepts and solutions supporting this perspective. The student will also be able to apply knowledge about methods and tools for programming and evaluation, and use this in a constructive manner in the design. The student will be able to communicate and disseminate the project in a good way.
The student will have an understanding of different user perspectives and needs and be able to relate to this with respect and integrity, but also to propose new solutions according to their knowledge, understanding and from an architectural professional perspective.

Lectures, seminars and workshops. Exercises are accomplished individually or in groups.