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Creative process and experiences leading to creative achievement in the case of accomplished architects

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Abstract

This study has identified factors stimulating creative ideas, transforming creative ideas to products, and continuing creative performance in the field of architecture based on interviews with 10 creative and successful architects. Having a penchant for liberal arts and reading books on a broad range of topics on arts, humanities, social sciences, and engineering were two major sources of creative inspirations for these architects. The interview data showed that creative inspirations occurred with a variety of artistic and cultural experiences outside the field of architecture, while it got blossomed in forms of creative architecture by means of architectural knowledge and skills, commitment with efficient problem solving and interpersonal skills, and great mentors in the field. Constraints imposed on by architectural regulations and other people, including clients, had a positive impact on creative productivity. Despite constant challenges and difficulties, the architects showed psychological strengths and positivity that enabled them to stay and survive in the field.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea Grant funded by the Korean Government (NRF-2014S1A5A8019613).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Education, College of Education, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, South Korea

    Seon-Young Lee

  2. Department of Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea

    Ghang Lee

Authors
  1. Seon-Young Lee
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  2. Ghang Lee
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Seon-Young Lee.

Appendix: List of interview questions

Appendix: List of interview questions

Personal attributes

Motivation and persistence

  1. (1)

    How did you first begin your career as an architect?

  2. (2)

    What makes you keep working as an architect?

Challenges and resilience

  1. (1)

    When do you feel challenged as an architect?

  2. (2)

    How did you overcome the challenges and obstacles?

Architectural attributes

Collaboration

  1. (1)

    How important is collaboration in architecture and why?

  2. (2)

    Do you have any skills/knowhow in collaborating with staff members, co-workers, clients, etc.?

Communication and presentation skills

  1. (1)

    How do you communicate with people with whom you have to collaborate?

  2. (2)

    Do you have your own way of presenting ideas, plans, and products for clients?

Social and environmental attributes

Artistic and critical experiences

  1. (1)

    What experiences inspire you most in generating creative ideas for architecture work?

  2. (2)

    Tell us about any critical events or experiences that had a great impact on your work.

Family and mentors

  1. (1)

    How did your family support you when you started your career as an architect?

  2. (2)

    Tell us about your mentor(s) or anyone who has (have) influenced you/your work.

Education

  1. (1)

    Did your college education help you to build your career as an architect?

  2. (2)

    Did liberal arts education help your creative design? If so, why and how?

Work environment

  1. (1)

    Tell us about your preferred work environment and the reasons.

  2. (2)

    How did it influence your architecture and creative work?

Favorite architecture

  1. (1)

    Tell us about your favorite architecture so far and the reasons for choosing it.

  2. (2)

    How did you get the ideas in designing your favorite architecture?

Philosophy and beliefs

  1. (1)

    What are your personal philosophy and/or beliefs in designing your architecture?

  2. (2)

    What does architecture mean to you?

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Lee, SY., Lee, G. Creative process and experiences leading to creative achievement in the case of accomplished architects. Asia Pacific Educ. Rev. 18, 253–268 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12564-017-9489-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12564-017-9489-2

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