Short answer
Design innovation spaces with a deep consideration for their physical and historical context, aiming for flexibility and freedom from past constraints.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- European Spatial Research and Policy (2013)
- Method
- Case Study Analysis
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
The physical characteristics and spatial attributes of innovation environments, such as historic factory buildings or repurposed log houses, play a crucial role in fostering open innovation and regional renewal. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2013 study published in European Spatial Research and Policy. Using Case study analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Design innovation spaces with a deep consideration for their physical and historical context, aiming for flexibility and freedom from past constraints.
Physical Environment Significantly Influences Open Innovation Success
The physical characteristics and spatial attributes of innovation environments, such as historic factory buildings or repurposed log houses, play a crucial role in fostering open innovation and regional renewal.
European Spatial Research and Policy · 2013
Key Findings
- 01Spatial attributes of innovation venues are more critical than their function as mere platforms or containers for social action.
- 02Environments free from historical functional or institutional constraints (e.g., old factory buildings, repurposed log houses) act as effective exploratory spaces.
- 03Open innovation and living lab approaches can be challenging to implement successfully, requiring structured information and purposeful action.
Application
Design takeaway
Design innovation spaces with a deep consideration for their physical and historical context, aiming for flexibility and freedom from past constraints.
How to apply
When planning or designing a new co-working space, innovation lab, or community project, analyze the existing physical site for its potential to foster or hinder collaboration, considering its history and any existing functional constraints.
Project actions
- 01Consider how the physical location of your design project might influence user behavior and idea generation.
- 02If your project involves a physical space, think about its history and how that might be leveraged or overcome.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a nuanced perspective on the role of physical space in innovation.
- +Uses compelling case studies of unique environments.
Limitations
The specific historical and spatial characteristics of the studied locations might not be replicable elsewhere. The definition of 'successful coping' can be subjective.
Reliability & validity
The validity is strengthened by the use of distinct case studies. Reliability might be a concern due to the qualitative nature of the findings and the specific context of the cases.
Think critically
To what extent can the 'unlocking' of historical physical spaces be replicated in new, purpose-built innovation environments?
Design Principles
"The physical environment is an active participant in the innovation process, not just a passive backdrop."
Designers and researchers often focus on digital platforms for open innovation, but this research highlights the tangible impact of physical spaces. Understanding how these environments facilitate or hinder collaboration and idea generation is key to creating more effective innovation ecosystems.
What This Means for Your Design
The place where you do your design work matters a lot for new ideas. Old buildings that aren't used for their original purpose anymore can be great places for innovation because they don't have old rules holding them back.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the importance of context and environment in your design process, particularly if your project involves a physical space or aims to foster innovation.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The physical environment significantly influences the success of innovation initiatives. Research by Karppi (2013) indicates that unique spatial attributes, such as repurposed historic buildings free from functional or institutional lock-ins, can act as potent exploratory spaces, fostering open innovation and contributing to regional renewal. This highlights the importance of considering the context and physical characteristics of a design space when aiming to facilitate creativity and collaboration.
Source
European Spatial Research and Policy
Open Innovations and Living Labs: Promises or Challenges to Regional Renewal
journal · 2013
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about physical environment significantly influences open innovation success?
- Design innovation spaces with a deep consideration for their physical and historical context, aiming for flexibility and freedom from past constraints. Evidence: European Spatial Research and Policy (2013).
- Why does "Physical Environment Significantly Influences Open Innovation Success" matter for design?
- Designers and researchers often focus on digital platforms for open innovation, but this research highlights the tangible impact of physical spaces. Understanding how these environments facilitate or hinder collaboration and idea generation is key to creating more effective innovation ecosystems.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Design innovation spaces with a deep consideration for their physical and historical context, aiming for flexibility and freedom from past constraints.
- What were the main findings?
- Spatial attributes of innovation venues are more critical than their function as mere platforms or containers for social action.. Environments free from historical functional or institutional constraints (e.g., old factory buildings, repurposed log houses) act as effective exploratory spaces.. Open innovation and living lab approaches can be challenging to implement successfully, requiring structured information and purposeful action.
- What research method was used?
- Case Study Analysis.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2013 journal from European Spatial Research and Policy.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When planning or designing a new co-working space, innovation lab, or community project, analyze the existing physical site for its potential to foster or hinder collaboration, considering its history and any existing functional constraints.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focuses on two specific case locations, which may not be generalizable to all regional renewal contexts. The 'success' of coping in a competitive environment is complex and multifaceted.