A critical analysis of the value of prototyping as part of a circular design process in the South African built environment

Abstract

It is clear that within the architectural profession, a linear design process is generally employed, resulting in a lack of adoption of innovative technologies and design processes. However, some architectural firms and research and design initiatives are challenging this notion as well as the architect’s role through more circular design processes. By incorporating digital fabrication and manufacturing, alongside a reintegration of indigenous knowledge systems in architecture, innovation is able to be re-introduced into architectural practice. The integration of these newer technological approaches and design methodologies, as well as alternative building technologies, despite their potential value, are not widely accepted due to the uncertainty regarding their appropriateness. It is proposed in this paper that prototyping is a step in the design and fabrication process that may be a tool for creating more circular design processes that, in turn, generate appropriate innovation. Prototyping may aid in risk mitigation as it is involved in and based on experience and observation of technology, which ultimately assists in the acceptance of innovation on a variety of scales. A mixed-method approach will be employed, incorporating data from literature reviews, interviews, and an existing case study catalogue. Practitioners who actively adopt prototyping in their design process will be interviewed, alongside in-depth case studies of their respective projects, to critically analyse their use and value of prototyping within their specific circular design process and how it is able to extend the role of the architect, in order to aid in appropriate innovation that is valuable for the growth of the construction industry. The expected contribution of the study is to provide a comprehensive framework that highlights the importance of prototyping in circular design processes, demonstrating its potential to foster appropriate innovation and risk mitigation. By offering practical insights and detailed case studies, this research aims to influence current architectural practices and encourage the broader adoption of prototyping as a standard approach within the industry, particularly in the South African context.