Columbus was so fortunate to have Rosalyn Cama, FASID in town on Wednesday to speak on evidence based design. This topic is very threatening to the architect. Traditionally, architects have been trained and educated to seek their personal creative expression through design. But, evidence based design asserts a theory that we simply don’t just know best, and encourages the designer to apply a rigorous research component on projects as a foundation for design decision making.

It’s called Programming…and we have been doing it with our buildings for years. But, we have seldom sought to gain any information beyond quantitative information. The fact of the matter here is that the most important information is QUALITATIVE. The quality of the space is what it is all about…and today’s owner and user is demanding a responsive architect who considers their qualitative goals for the project. So, the architect of the future will not simply become an expert and impose their viewpoint on the design.

At WSA Studio, we have employed a process on our projects for years that is based upon design that helps solve complex problems for our clients. And, most of the time, we gain access to solutions to problems through the qualitative programming content. During the early phase of any project, we make it a primary goal to elicit information from the users that will assist in the resolution of complex problems. And, then, through the process, the design actually helps to change the nature of client organizations. We believe that if there is a proper foundation of qualitative data compiled, the design will create positive change…..through design.

Over the next six months, we hope to use this website to roll out case studies that highlight the successful application of design based upon research and complex problem solving techniques. Stay tuned.