A framework for mapping the relationships between architecture and democracy

By Pedro Aibéo 
Supervisor: Günther H. FILZ 

Supervision ended 2023

Abstract

Architectural Democracy is an ongoing doctoral research at Aalto University proposing a conceptual framework for a structured exploration of the relationship between Architecture and Democracy. In the context of this work, Architecture is exemplified as the life cycle of a building, and Democracy is broadly defined as the assurance of every person’s right and freedom, that every person can access information and is able to raise one´s voice in the process of decision making. Architectural Democracy aims at creating a common ground for diverse stakeholders to better

understand the complexity of cities and to participate more actively in the afore-mentioned decision-making processes.

Our method of investigation is mainly characterized by three-step questionnaires: the first, about the relationship between Architecture and Democracy. The second part is a structured set of questions based on a 3 by 3 matrix. In a third part, the same matrix is answered by randomly assembled groups of people who previously filled in the two other questionnaires.

For concept development and testing the usefulness of the proposed matrix , three characteristics for both Architecture and Democracy are crisscrossed as being the minimal possible ones to characterize both, in order to reduce the complexity of the matrix and thus the readability by its users. For architecture these are: its birth (acquisition, design and construction), life (operations) and death (recycling or renovation). For democracy these are: civil rights and liberties, informed citizens and participation. By crisscrossing these, a 3 by 3 matrix arises, in which bilateral questions are asked.