VECTOR UNIT – Critical discourse via design

AP Dr Khairul Anwar Mohamed Khaidzir

A workplace is typically viewed as an institution consisting primarily of physical workspaces and facilities that support socio-capital activities. However, it is increasingly viewed as an ecosystem that houses specific communities of practitioners or employees. 'Home/housing' and 'workplace' are often treated as two distinct places. However, the boundaries between the two are increasingly blurred in terms of etymology (meaning), function, requirements, and physical appearance. This may coincide with the introduction of new and novel ways of working that accompany rapid changes in personal lifestyles and the extensive development of social activities, computers, and technology. The integration of lifestyles and work styles has led to new paradigms, configurations, and typologies in building design. How will this new way of living, thinking, and work affect or be affected by building design? How might such a development affect social activities? To what extent do issues and prevailing problems and context affect design initiatives? What may be the realm of the Neighbourhood of Practice and Enterprise?

A 'workplace' is an environment where people use their special skills, acquired knowledge, innate potential, and physical talents to earn a living. Most people work out of necessity to support either their growing families or their demanding lifestyles, or even both. However, there are also people who work out of pure conviction and dedication to fulfill certain life principles that they adhere to. Regardless of the motivations, we agree that the work environment ultimately means involvement in a 'community of practice' and in other communities. Communities survive, 'learn', evolve, and change because of their 'resilience' in their immediate environment.

The idea of bringing communities of practice together depends on an innovative and creatively organized architectural brief and the process of deriving programs and solutions through design. 

But what is will be the appropriate configuration and typology of intervention?