Abstract:

In the development of Speculative Urban Design projects there is not a clear, directed method of researching, learning and fabricating a project, In this paper, we plan to demonstrate the framework we have used to develop speculative urban proposals, and how we pursue a collaborative team learning model which utilizes extensive and diverse precedent review across numerous disciplines and then filters to the most relevant data which emerges. then the learning curve to the most relevant skill and how to bring speculative ideas into reality set as a toolbox and pedagogical approach to speculative poetic language.

In this case, we demonstrate the Sound Sponges project developed at the Design Futures lab directed by Professor Nicole Koltick which is a speculative intervention into the built environment focused on the role of audio and designing for all with an emphasis on foregrounding persons with disabilities and the diverse range of accommodations far outside the current landscape. By considering as a primary objective, the use of audio and its role in addressing a range of disabilities in the built environment we set out to develop a novel, beautiful and impactful urban intervention. We detail our approach to project research, initial conceptual ideation and the production of visual and textual artifacts which demonstrates an agile and adaptable toolkit of processes. We utilized low-cost and at-hand tools at our disposal, to explore speculative urban futures by conceptualization and usage of AI generative tools, to CAD software and implementation of speculative ideas mostly for the urban environment with a focus on obstacles and potential augmentations for persons with disabilities. This paper depicts the initial phase of our work. These processes set the stage for the broader idea to begin to develop with the community. It is important that we embark on a thorough educational phase of research so that we can engage in conversations with the community in an educated, respectful and empathetic way. The goal is to facilitate broader discussions and support productive co-design sessions. Starting with a simple yet broad conceptual idea and developing a learning framework as an essential part of the design research process, we demonstrate how these strategies would improve the ideation phase of real world projects, towards low cost technologies for the urban built environment.

Keywords:

Speculative Design Learning Strategies, Speculative Design, Person with Disabilities.