@Graz University of Technology, Institute of Architecture and Media

Collaborative Objects as Design Media 

Dissertation Title: Collaborative Objects as Design Media
Dissertation Author: Alexander Grasser-Parger
Supervisors: Urs Hirschberg, Branko Kolarevic
Doctoral School: Graz University of Technology, Austria.
Academic Title: Dr.Techn. / PhD
Rigorosum: 25.10.2024
Link to Dissertation: ︎︎︎ doi.org/10.3217/6b70d-dzz14
Link to PhD Research: ︎︎︎ Research

Dissertation Abstract:
“This dissertation introduces Collaborative Objects as Design Media, a novel design method that emphasizes variation through participation in the computer-aided architectural design process. This method allows multiple distributed individuals to interact in real-time within virtual environments and collaboratively design architecture. The description of this novel approach is structured into three sections, which correspond to the three key aspects of the method: collaborative objects, interactive environments, and social contexts.

Collaborative objects are digital objects capable of storing and processing information such as scripts, functions, and geometries, while supporting continuous interaction through networking capabilities. In other words, they have built-in communicative capabilities, which allow them to contribute directly to the design process. Collaborative objects thus act as dynamic digital design media, promoting real-time design activities and creative collaboration. Interactive environments are virtual spaces that structure the collective design process and provide a framework for individuals to engage efficiently with collaborative objects. The interactive environments presented in this thesis were specifically designed to integrate collaborative objects seamlessly as design media, allowing diverse design intentions to flourish. For the collaboration to work, the social context also needs to be taken into account. It makes a difference whether the design process is supervised or open, whether designers are anonymous or whether they know one another. Social contexts determine in which way feedback, exchange, and communication take place. Together, these aspects can support a flexible, dynamic, and collaborative design process based on bottom-up strategies, while also accommodating top-down objectives. The outcomes range from playful, open-ended design explorations to complex, coherent architectural forms that address the needs of both human-centric and community-oriented perspectives.

This work addresses open questions in architectural research by leveraging digital technologies to promote collaborative design processes and developing innovative approaches that contribute to the discourse of Discrete Architecture and Virtual Design Studios. A central goal of the research is to develop tools for dynamic, interactive design processes, investigate the impact of collaborative objects on architecture, education, and practice, and foster open, participatory digital design processes. The dissertation follows a research-by-design approach, iteratively advancing the research through practical applications in case studies and publications. These case studies demonstrate how the method can be successfully applied in academic and public design projects. This cumulative dissertation presents the research findings comprehensively.

Ultimately, this research on collaborative objects as design media offers a new perspective on architectural design as a collective process. The findings demonstrate the potential of variation through participation and illustrate how individuals and communities, with the right tools and consideration of social context, can be empowered to actively shape their built environment and create socially, culturally, and sustainably responsible architectural outcomes.”