Os problemas da pesquisa em projeto de arquitetura e urbanismo

Abstract

This article raises some questions about scientific research in the area of design in Architecture and Urbanism, more specifically about the design production process, when ideas take buildable forms, whether in teaching or in professional practice. First, a general outline of the problem is presented, followed by a brief overview of how scientific research in Architecture and Urbanism was instituted and its impact on the design activity. The Brazilian case is briefly presented, highlighting some remarkable events. Next, Hillier, Musgrove and O'Sullivan's approach to the design process is discussed, focusing on their formulations of the analysis/synthesis and conjecture/analysis paradigms. Then, Donald Schön's ideas about design are discussed, confronting them with the afore mentioned paradigms. Some conclusions are drawn in order to stimulate the debate.