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Function and creativity in architecture

A value management perspective

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Conclusion

The process of setting objectives, function definition and function evaluation, as introduced in a value analysis workshop, could be the breakthrough in redefining architectural conceptions of function. Moreover, by bringing all key role players into the group, social, economic and design aspects can be evaluated holistically. Likewise, creative techniques commonly used in value analysis such as morphological analysis, brainstorming and random word technique could be valuable in transforming the identified priority functions into a new reality.

This approach stands as a considerable challenge to the traditional model of the designer as creative genius,12 but the challenge has already been posed to this way of thinking in key areas of the discipline. Only by introducing radically different techniques can these shortcomings be substantially and satisfactorily addressed.

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Fitchett, A. Function and creativity in architecture. Urban Forum 9, 271–278 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03033054

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