Short answer

When designing in culturally diverse or globalized contexts, actively research and critically integrate relevant local and global cultural themes, rather than relying on generic or imitative approaches.

Field: User-Centred Design
Source: PRISM (University of Calgary) (2013)
Method: Key informant ethnographic approach (interviews)
Sample: 5 participants
Evidence: Moderate effect

Practicing Jordanian architects actively engage with both historical and contemporary local and global cultural contexts to inform their design decisions, moving beyond mere imitation. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2013 study published in PRISM (University of Calgary). Using Key informant ethnographic approach (interviews) with 5 participants, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing in culturally diverse or globalized contexts, actively research and critically integrate relevant local and global cultural themes, rather than relying on generic or imitative approaches.

Study

User-Centred DesignHigh ImpactModerate effect

Architectural design in Jordan navigates globalization by critically integrating local and global cultural influences.

Practicing Jordanian architects actively engage with both historical and contemporary local and global cultural contexts to inform their design decisions, moving beyond mere imitation.

PRISM (University of Calgary) · 2013

Key Findings

01Architects critically reflect on and inquire into historical and contemporary local and global contexts and cultural influences.
02The changing role of the architect and the relationship with the real estate development industry are significant factors.
03Globalization presents challenges in mediating between local and global influences, requiring more than superficial replication.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When undertaking a design project in a new cultural context, conduct in-depth research into both the historical and contemporary cultural landscape, and engage with local stakeholders to understand how to best integrate these influences.

Project actions

01When researching cultural influences, look beyond surface aesthetics to understand the underlying values and historical context.
02Consider how your design choices might be perceived by different cultural groups.

Method & Evidence

AimTo explore how Jordanian architects integrate local and global cultural themes into their design thinking and architectural practice post-1990.

MethodKey informant ethnographic approach (interviews)

ProcedureInterviews were conducted with five expert Jordanian architects to understand their approaches to incorporating local and global cultural influences in their designs.

Sample5 participants

ContextProfessional architectural practice in Jordan

Variables

IVIntegration of local and global cultural themes

DVArchitectural design thinking and practice

CVPracticing Jordanian architects, post-1990 context

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Focuses on expert practitioners, providing in-depth insights.
+Addresses a gap in research regarding contemporary architectural practice in Jordan.

Limitations

The small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings to all architects in Jordan.

Reliability & validity

The qualitative nature of interviews provides rich data but may be subject to researcher bias. Triangulation with other data sources could enhance validity.

Think critically

How might the economic pressures of the real estate industry conflict with the nuanced integration of cultural influences in architectural design?

Design Principles

"Cultural Synthesis: Design solutions should thoughtfully integrate relevant local and global cultural elements through critical inquiry and reflection."

Understanding how cultural influences are mediated in architectural practice is crucial for designers working in diverse globalized environments. It highlights the need for a nuanced approach that respects local identity while embracing international trends, impacting user experience and the built environment's cultural resonance.

What This Means for Your Design

Architects in Jordan are finding ways to mix old local styles with new international ideas in their buildings, but they are thinking about it carefully, not just copying.

How to use in your project

1.Use this research to justify the importance of cultural context in your design process, especially if your project has a global or cross-cultural element.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This study highlights that contemporary architectural practices, exemplified by Jordanian architects, engage in a critical synthesis of local and global cultural influences. This process involves deep inquiry into historical and contemporary contexts, moving beyond superficial imitation to create designs that resonate culturally. Understanding this nuanced approach is vital for any design project aiming to navigate diverse cultural landscapes.

Source

PRISM (University of Calgary)

Cultural Influences in Jordanian Architectural Practices: Post 1990

journal · 2013

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about architectural design in jordan navigates globalization by critically integrating local and global cultural influences?: When designing in culturally diverse or globalized contexts, actively research and critically integrate relevant local and global cultural themes, rather than relying on generic or imitative approaches. Evidence: PRISM (University of Calgary) (2013).
Why does "Architectural design in Jordan navigates globalization by critically integrating local and global cultural influences." matter for design?: Understanding how cultural influences are mediated in architectural practice is crucial for designers working in diverse globalized environments. It highlights the need for a nuanced approach that respects local identity while embracing international trends, impacting user experience and the built environment's cultural resonance.
How can designers apply this research?: When designing in culturally diverse or globalized contexts, actively research and critically integrate relevant local and global cultural themes, rather than relying on generic or imitative approaches.
What were the main findings?: Architects critically reflect on and inquire into historical and contemporary local and global contexts and cultural influences.. The changing role of the architect and the relationship with the real estate development industry are significant factors.. Globalization presents challenges in mediating between local and global influences, requiring more than superficial replication.
What research method was used?: Key informant ethnographic approach (interviews) with 5 participants.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2013 journal from PRISM (University of Calgary).
What should I do differently in my next project?: When undertaking a design project in a new cultural context, conduct in-depth research into both the historical and contemporary cultural landscape, and engage with local stakeholders to understand how to best integrate these influences.
What are the limitations?: The study is limited to the perspectives of five architects in Jordan and may not represent all architectural practices in the region or globally.