All Design Is Creative Problem-Solving.
All design is creative problem solving. When I graduated college many years ago, this simple motto helped me face that challenging question: Am I talented enough? By thinking of design as problem-solving, I worried less about my own artistic talent and focused instead on refining the skills needed to understand and define the unique set of problems associated with architecture. This relieved me of the pressure to be brilliant. My objective was not, then, to satisfy my own ideas about what architecture should be, but to apply my creative skills for the benefit of the project. I just needed to solve each project’s problems. And what I soon realized was that the identification and articulation of these problems is an inherently creative process.
As I continued in my career, it became clear there is not a single design process that does not try to solve some kind of problem. Even if the concerns are esoteric ones of expressing the views of an individual artist, there is always a problem to be solved. Furthermore, I began to see creativity in what I had assumed were non-creative mundane tasks. I learned that even simple mundane tasks are a solution to some problems and that there is a ‘why’ behind every decision. The reality is that creative problem-solving is everywhere, and it’s what defines us as humans!
So, how does one apply this essential skill to architecture? The first step is, of course, to define the problem. For a building, there are many distinct problem types—functional, aesthetic, cost, time, logistics, operations, return on investment—the list goes on. For each project, certain aspects will be more important than others, so prioritization is crucial. And when it comes to articulating these priorities, simple statements are always best.
Once a project’s most fundamental problems have been identified, the process of finding its solutions can begin. The best solutions, like the best solutions to a complex math problem, are those that achieve their goal in the fewest steps. And, all the individual solutions should fit together in a unified whole. The best solutions will appear simple and obvious, but almost always they require the most effort, diligence, focus, and teamwork.
To be clear, nothing about this ideology is meant to suggest there is a singular, or objectively correct, design answer. Architecture is—and always will be—an art. As such, it will always require the application of personal insight, perspective, and talent. But architecture is also a team endeavor, and for a team to achieve success, it must have clearly defined objectives and rules. With these structures in place, each team member is then able to contribute their unique skills to a project.
In short: when we approach design as creative problem-solving, we replace the ego of the artist with the needs of the project. By removing pressure on the individual architect, this ideology fosters better teamwork, ensures a better building, and satisfies all its unique design objectives.
