In November last year we were discussing topics that could help to ‘Bridge the gap between academia and practice’. During this, already 20th! Expo, we tested the concept of a game created by Kim van Doesburg “Challenges from Practice”, and debated “Ways of Practice” with questions posed by Anna Kozera. We were excited to be hosted by Rotterdam Academy of Architecture and meet in a diverse group of different ages and levels of experience.
In the first part Kim briefly shared her own experiences in practice of challenges she came across herself or saw others deal with, and how this experience made her come up with the concept of this game. With a pile of cards in hand it was time to split into 3 groups, appoint a Challenger and test! Kim asked all participants (the Designers) to respond to the different challenges and explain how they would personally respond, rather than how they ideally would like to. Secretly, Kim had also given every group a different ‘starter challenge’ to change things up.
“Please, one more challenge!” was the first response when Kim tried to round up the testing. In a short review and discussion afterwards, the dynamics between the different groups and how each handled or interpreted the challenges differently became more clear. Overall the responses to the game-concept were very supportive and a confirmation that this is worth continuing to develop. The game could be interesting for students, starters and even professionals who already have some years of experience in the world of practice. Kim closed her proposal with an open call for your input on more challenges, ideas and contacts to continue developing the game. Want to help out or stay updated about the development process? You can fill out this form and stay in the loop!
In the second part we have been sharing stories and ideas for how to connect professional activity with personal values. As urbanists, architects, and any other designers we are often calling our work a “Practice”, that is in definition an application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theories relating to it. Willie Vogel from Studio Inscape shared her experience on how to build a practice without compromises and what kind of advantages and disadvantages follows from that.
Key points from the discussion:
It is increasingly difficult to find a work position that would directly correspond to personal values that stay for inclusivity, diversity and sustainability. Most of the positions demand a lot of compromises.
We should put emphasis on building our networks based on values we have. Prioritising it will make the visibility of values strongest.
Confidence and patience is a key, as looking for best practice is a long process
Women are especially exposed to mechanisms keeping them in non-confident, not-outspoken positions. It is important to keep meeting in discussions like this Expo, to empower ourselves, showing that our opinions and drive for non-compromises is valid
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