AD HOC STRATEGIESIN THE DESIGN OF THEBUILT ENVIRONMENTHeuristic Reasoning in Architectural Design Approaches

Heuristic Reasoning

Heuristic method or reasoning is particularly used to rapidly come to a solution thatis hoped to produce ‘optimal solution’ in a problem solving process.

Ad Hoc Design

Ad hoc design is generally associated with design strategies for a specific problem,and which cannot be adapted to other purposes.

In this case, ad hoc design is being seen from the study of post-disaster rebuildingprocesses which involved various parties from the built industry in the redevelopmentof the built environment.

Natural DisasterBanda Aceh, Indonesia, 26 December 2004

Situation

In this situation, the architect is being faced with a problem-solving process which isunknown beforehand whether a particular design strategy will yield a solution or not.

Design Knowledge

Rules of Thumb

General Theories

Concept of Situation*

* The concept of Heuristic Reasoning in this context bears a resemblance to MauriceMerleau-Ponty’s concept of Situation

Concept of Situation

The context of Banda Aceh after the tsunami has led the architect to see situation inthe terms of ‘involvement in circumstances’.

Situation Demands

Active Concerns withSets of Natural, Cultural,

or Human ProblemQuick Response

Learn How To Act

In the creative process of architectural design in responding to disaster, attemptsshall be made to overcome the complexity and contradiction of the situation andmake some sense out of it.

Rapidness Cost EnvironmentalImpact

Culture Religion

Social LaborCapacityBuilding

CommunityInvolvement

Sustainability

Technology MaterialHuman

BehaviourAccountability Safety

Process of Selection

Design Decisions

All design decisions were made through a process of identifying some of the mostcritical problems and attempted a set of action that would lead to a more specificproblem solving strategy.

Examples of Design Considerations

Planning: Safety and accessibility

Layout: Privacy and social interaction

Height: Lifestyle and climate

Weight: Mobility

Size and Space: Milieu of social practice

Shape: Efficiency and stability

Openings: Ventilation, view and comfort level

Structure: Easy, strong and safe

Materials: Climate consideration and durability

Detailing: Simple and easy

Color: Climate and visual connectivity

Basis of DesignMethods and Decisions

Design Approach(looking at problems)

Logical Structure/Heuristic Reasoning

(underlying basis)

Conclusion

Reference

1. Rowe, Peter (1987). Design Thinking. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press.

2. Merleu-Ponty, Maurice (1962). Phenomenolgy of Perception. (translated by Colin Smith). London,

UK: Routledge and Kegan Paul.

3. Mallin, Samuel (1979). Merleu-Ponty’s Philosophy. New Haven, Connecticut: Yale University Press.

4. Amirrol, Hafiz and Zubir, Syed Sobri (2006). Architecture of the Unsettlement. Southampton, UK:

WIT Press.

End