The form language of almadesign
a study on context, syntax and semantics
- Name
- André Castro
- Year
- 2018
- Institution
- Lisbon School of Architecture Universidade de Lisboa
- Supervisors
- Rita Almendra, José Marcelino
- Discipline
- Product Design
- Scope
- Form
- Taxonomy
- Phenomenology
- Type
- Theoretical
- Language
- English
- Wordcount / Pagecount
- 115,500 / 330
- Joint supervision
- No
Form language development in design
Research Process (8 methods)
x
AlmaDesign history (1997-2017)
Experimental study with master design students
Keyword analysis
Keyword comparison of AlmaDesign and Other studios
Professional designers of AlmaDesign
Client/partners perception of form language semantics
WINNER bus design; INTRAIN interior comboio; LIFE aircraft interior
| # | Name of Method | Research Phase | Research Approach | Researcher Role | Object of Study / Participants | N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Literature review | Exploratory | Qualitative | x | x | x |
| 2 | Document analysis | Generative | Both | x | AlmaDesign history (1997-2017) | 1 |
| 3 | Experiment | Generative | Qualitative | Participatory | Experimental study with master design students | 15 |
| 4 | Content analysis | Generative | Both | x | Keyword analysis | Unspecified |
| 5 | Content analysis | Generative | Both | x | Keyword comparison of AlmaDesign and Other studios | Unspecified |
| 6 | Workshop | Generative | Qualitative | x | Professional designers of AlmaDesign | 14 |
| 7 | Questionnaire | Generative | Qualitative | x | Client/partners perception of form language semantics | 16 |
| 8 | Case study | Evaluative | Qualitative | x | WINNER bus design; INTRAIN interior comboio; LIFE aircraft interior | 3 |
Knowledge Transfer & Exchange
Knowledge Exchange (PhD Process): Exchange with community
| IK&T | Academia | Design Practice | Society |
|---|---|---|---|
| Context | No | No | No |
| Vision | Yes | Yes | No |
| Means | No | No | No |
Recommendations (4)
Conduct a deeper analytical study using at least ten case studies in order to further develop the understanding of Form Syntax and Form Semantics, including the evolution of Form Language over time.
- Scope:
- Macro
- Time Horizon:
- Long
- Evidence Strength:
- Indicative
- Feasibility:
- Medium
Collect and analyze feedback from final users, especially in transport products used by large passenger populations, in order to complement the views of clients and partners.
- Scope:
- Macro
- Time Horizon:
- Medium → Long
- Evidence Strength:
- Indicative
- Feasibility:
- Medium
Introduce an outside-the-studio research perspective in order to compare findings and reduce the bias inherent in a study conducted by someone deeply involved in the studio’s processes.
- Scope:
- Macro
- Time Horizon:
- Medium
- Evidence Strength:
- Exploratory
- Feasibility:
- Medium
Apply the proposed Form Language Model to other design studios in professional or academic environments in order to test its transferability and comparative value.
- Scope:
- Macro
- Time Horizon:
- Long
- Evidence Strength:
- Indicative
- Feasibility:
- Medium