Digital Processes to Conscious Innovation in Built Environment

Abstract

Some 15 years ago, the world’s urban population surpassed the global rural population, an unprecedented shift in how and where we live. It is believed that by 2050 more than two thirds of the world’s population will be living in urban settings. How can, and should we integrate such a population into the project methodology, aiming at their participation? There has been a growing interest in increasing user commitment in conception design processes for built space, moving against fully top-down approaches. In turn, Research Centres have become increasingly interested in the potential of computational technologies of AI, as well as digital fabrication, in design research projects. However, it should be noted that such research is limited in its social impact and influence over decision-making processes, namely in social, environmental, and urban settings. Furthermore, lack of more systematic information on emerging digital technologies, generating new forms of social innovation, is an obstacle to developing more conscious design strategies. In this context, this paper sets out to develop a set of European pilot projects produced in laboratories of technology and architecture, focusing on two guidelines: i) conscious innovation ii) inclusive participation. From this revision, a set of insights will result, which call for driving forces towards social cohesion, by implementing solutions based on digital technologies.