Design Theory Group (DTG)

The principal aim of the DTG is to investigate design as a way of creating knowledge. In keeping with our location in the Division of Landscape Architecture, we are concerned with the methods, tools, and pedagogy of that discipline. In our research and teaching activities, we explore concepts such as the aesthetics and creativity as well as the values, perception and usage of various landscapes.

DTG is also a forum for exploring the methods and practices of ‘design thinking’ across fields, cultures, and scales. We advance knowledge in these areas through a variety of research, teaching, and outreach projects, and use this knowledge to interrogate and improve the educational and institutional settings around us.

Some of the questions that interest us are:

• What habits, methods, and practices characterize design, in general and within landscape architecture?
• What is the nature of design when considered as a form of scientific inquiry?
• What is the role of design thinking in the modern university?
• How is design taught, particularly within the field of landscape architecture?
• How are new technologies changing the design process?
• What settings, physical and social, foster design learning and teaching?
• What are the tensions between design as universal impulse and design as professional competence?
• How do people experience the design of various places and spaces? What qualities and functions are of importance?
• How can design theory be applicable in landscape architecture practice?

We explore these and other questions using a variety of methods, both qualitative and quantitative. Pedagogy is an integral part of our research activity, and we avoid rigid distinctions between ‘teaching’ and ‘research’, ‘theory’ and ‘practice’. We strive instead to foster a culture of collective knowledge creation where diverse methods and approaches can flourish and enrich one another. Our innovations flow to the public via many channels including peer-reviewed scholarly journals; trade and professional periodicals; online venues; and outreach.

If you want to know more about DTG, please contact Helena Nordh.

Members of the Design Theory group:

• Andrea Conti – Link to Andrea Conti’s CV-page
• Tomas Eriksson – Link to Tomas Eriksson’s CV-page
• Malin Eriksson – Link to Malin Eriksson’s CV-page
• Kani Ava Lind – Link to Kani Ava Lind’s CV-page
• Marina Queiroz – Link to Marina Queiroz’ CV-page
• Vera Vicenzotti – Link to Vera Vicenzotti’s CV-page
• Helena Nordh - Link to Helena Nordh's CV page