The quanities or relations which are assumed to be given in any problem

The purpose of this blog, is to begin articulating my vision of what I am calling the 'Datum Line Equation', a framework  to support architectural designers.

As an outcome of over 20 years of the daily practice of architecture, mentoring designers just beginning to practice professionally and 7 years of engaging hundreds of students through teaching, I came to ask myself two fundamental questions:

"what is occurring within designers, when we enter into the process of designing?"

&

"Is there a clear, comprehensive framework that contains the core factors, which reside within each unique design?"

I asked these two questions in an attempt to clarify and understand the nature of designing and therefore to set a reasonable datum line for the measurement of the success or failure of a given design. I then mapped what I saw are the 12 core factors into a systematic diagram that captures the breadth of what resides in any given architectural design. These core factors have variable weights of influence, which affect the designer's attitudes, decisions and expression and manifest into the design product. The Datum Line Equation is meant to be a permeable membrane, which acts as a filter for the multiple complex issues and variables we encounter during the design process, and are required to sort, organize, manage and then

 synthesize into a design.

When this equation is examined and integrated, the synergy increases, which allows for each point and line that comes forth through our hands to flow with the least resistance, then the potential for a successful design increases dramatically.

It is my belief that there is no one absolute solution for any given problem, but that an integrated solution of quality will emerge once the limitations and priorities of each of the factors with their associated weight of influence are clearly established and defined, and from here, a synthesis can be formed, which holds a holistic solution.

The goal of my investigation is to advance a simple, yet comprehensive 'Awareness' of what we are doing and what we need to hold within our minds when we engage in the process of designing. Through my experience of this dynamic non-linear process, which we consciously and unconsciously hold within our minds, I formulated a guide that might help sharpen our focus on the essentials, so that one idea, solution or stroke of the hand incorporates as many of the factors as possible, if not all. This is the goal. With the least wasted creative energy as possible. The guide is there to lead the process forward, so that we can design from a place of clarity, efficiency and therefore

sustain ourselves as practical dreamers.

I believe that each one of us as a 'designer' share the fundamental quality of wanting to make a physical 'offering' to the world, with the intent that this offering will have a positive impact, in supporting the needs and desires of the individual/s and the community at large and therefore contribute to a better world for all.

We need to expand our thinking of sustainable principles to include sustaining ourselves as designers.

We need to strengthen each other, foster collaboration, share our knowledge and insight, provide guidance for each other as well as the next generation of designers.

We live in a constricted, challenging and fragile time that demands our full attention and cooperation. This blog represents my desire to share these ideas.