Mangosteen - Confident Empathy
Design and construction projects are often disrupted by problems that are typically seen as risks or interruptions to be resolved and eliminated. However, in architectural practice, such problems often serve as pivotal moments requiring collaborative engagement. These points of irresolution, involving diverse stakeholders, present opportunities for designers to navigate complexity and achieve innovative outcomes. How should designers approach these inevitable challenges to foster productive and empathetic collaboration? My PhD research seeks to develop better strategies for myself and other designers to embrace unavoidable problems and unexpected occurrences during the lifecycle of architectural projects.
My creative practice extends beyond traditional architectural boundaries, embracing a multifaceted approach that includes architecture, sculpture, and installations. This expansive practice allowed me to uncover the critical role of empathy in my project-making. Early in my PhD, I focused on examining my creative practice, identifying how empathy shaped the way I approached problems and collaborations. As my journey progressed, the demands of planning my exhibition provided a real-world opportunity to engage with these themes.
Initially, I collaborated with a dance performer, expecting this partnership to enrich the exhibition. However, as the collaboration’s alignment with my intentions became uncertain, I faced significant challenges, including tight deadlines and budget constraints. Embracing these constraints, I turned to sewing—a practical and personally meaningful solution. This medium enabled me to create relatable and tactile forms, transforming hard architectural concepts into soft toys and a cubby house. The use of sewing bridged my professional and personal life, making the work accessible to my child while reflecting the evolution of my creative practice.
The exhibition, Mangosteen, embodied the concept of Confident Empathy. The softness and playfulness of the medium fostered an inclusive environment, encouraging participation and connection. The collaborative process was enriched by the contributions of my client, colleagues who donated materials, and others who assisted in production, setup, and dismantling. The exhibition became a shared space of creation, reflecting my belief that empathetic collaboration involves not only individual contributions but also collective experiences.
Through this process, I explored how different scales, team sizes, and interaction methods influence the creation of empathetic relationships. Embracing diverse mediums and skills, particularly sewing, allowed me to translate abstract ideas of empathy into tangible forms. This hands-on, collaborative approach deepened my understanding of empathy as a physical and relational practice, offering unique opportunities for connection and engagement.
My research culminated in an approach I call "Confident Empathy," a framework that includes seven key principles designers can use to navigate and transform inevitable challenges into opportunities for collaboration and innovation. These principles provide practical techniques for fostering empathetic, inclusive, and resilient project outcomes. Further details of my thesis are available here: https://hdl.handle.net/2440/142294.
