In the context of design schools, world-building is often understood as a cerebral activity. Models and drawings are certainly produced, however, design spaces tend to prioritize critique and theoretical exploration over the hard-edged pragmatism of engineering disciplines. The so-called “real world,” to which academia sometimes refers, exists largely outside this design discourse. Although there are instances where theories materialize in practical spaces, design products are typically a consequence or reflection of the objectives of economic systems. For example, skyscrapers, suburbs, kibbutzim, and communes all embody specific economic theories about how markets and labor should be structured. As design professionals, it is crucial to account for society’s perception of wealth when exerting our theories of change. At the same time, understanding various forms of service can help designers diversify their portfolios and expand their networks to accommodate different societal needs.
Short term consultation
Whether through freelance work or corporate contracts, consultations operate at the will and discretion of the owner. The capital investment that designers rely on obligates them to meet their client’s needs and desires. While city codes, other consultants, and the public are also stakeholders that influence the process, the chain of command is ultimately defined by a system of deliverables and payments. These form of projects are usually private with well defined boundaries and understanding of ownership.
Participatory economy
In a public context, power is placed in the hands of the people to make decisions. Participatory design builds on this concept by encouraging community members to influence the design of a space or site. In this framework, the designer serves the community, functioning as a tool to organize and represent their input. In a participatory economy, however, community involvement extends beyond providing design input. Members also pool their resources into a collective fund overseen by a committee. Designers can play an early role in this process by helping the community estimate costs and set budgetary goals for the fund. These types of projects are particularly well-suited for shared community spaces, such as religious centers or infrastructure projects like water wells, which provide collective benefits.
Intergenerational growth
While similar in operation, endowments are typically much larger in scale and are accumulated over a longer period. With a public (or universal) mission, endowments are most commonly associated with university and college systems. These funds are instrumental in supporting the expanding operations and evolving needs of a campus. They also provide scholarships, grants, and fellowships, which help attract talent to contribute to the university’s mission. Although private consultants may occasionally develop master plans for a university, a university-employed professional (such as an architect or landscape architect) typically represents the campus administration to ensure quality both internally and externally.
