Existential Design Applied in Universal Design Settings

Area of Science:

• Environmental Psychology
• Design Studies
• Architecture and Urban Planning

Background:

• The built environment, encompassing public and private spaces, requires innovative planning and design methodologies.
• Current design processes often overlook the profound impact of designed objects on human existential well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and elaborate on the critical design method for analyzing the built environment.
• To investigate the relationship between fundamental design elements ("designials") and fundamental human experiences ("existentials").
• To illuminate how design processes influence people's existential well-being.

Main Methods:

• Focusing on "designials" as fundamental forms of design being.
• Analyzing how designed objects (buildings, parks, transportation systems) encroach upon "existentials" (fundamental forms of human being).
• Examining the standard conduct of design processes and their effects.

Main Results:

• The critical design method provides a framework for opening up the design brief.
• Demonstrates that designed objects can directly impact human existential states.
• Highlights the connection between design processes and individual well-being.

Conclusions:

• Design decisions in the built environment have significant implications for human existential well-being.
• A critical approach to design is necessary to ensure positive human experiences.
• Further research into "designials" and "existentials" can inform more human-centered design practices.