Strategy without Design
“Strategy without design is about making room, the limits of which are not boundaries, but the edges where things begin their essential unfolding. Strategy without design is building for the dwelling of things, notably our self amidst other selves and other things. This is what it is to practice the art of the general: not to cover and control life from above, but to bring forth things by cultivating the things that grow, and constructing the things that do not.” ~ Strategy Without Design: The Silent Efficacy of Indirect Action
Design and strategy are often seen as separate entities, with design focused on aesthetics and functionality and strategy focused on planning and execution. However, this separation can be problematic as it fails to recognize the interdependence of these two fields. Design provides a framework for strategy to operate within, and strategy gives direction and purpose to design.
When we think about strategy and design, we can also consider the concept of open and closed systems. Closed systems aim to control and manage everything within their boundaries, while open systems allow for a certain degree of flexibility and adaptability.
In the realm of economics, free markets are an example of an open system, while centralized systems are closed systems. The beauty of a free market is that it allows for individual actors to pursue their own self-interests, which results in the creation of a diverse range of goods and services. This decentralized approach allows for a constant flow of innovation, with businesses and individuals competing to provide the best possible products and services.
On the other hand, a centralized system seeks to control and manage everything, which can stifle innovation and creativity. While it may seem efficient in the short term, a centralized system often lacks the adaptability and resilience to handle unexpected events or changes in the environment.
Open systems allow for a more dynamic and adaptable approach to economics and beyond. Closed systems may appear to be more efficient, but they lack the flexibility to respond to unexpected changes. Open-endedness is crucial for the coexistence and flourishing of diversity. By embracing open systems, we allow for the free flow of ideas, resources, and opportunities, fostering creativity and innovation. Closed systems, on the other hand, limit the potential for growth, innovation, and adaptation.
In a rapidly changing world, it is more important than ever to embrace open-endedness and avoid rigid, closed systems. Open systems, such as free markets, allow for a diversity of ideas and perspectives to flourish, creating a more resilient and adaptive society. By embracing open-endedness, we can build a more interconnected and dynamic world, one that is better equipped to address the challenges of the future.
Today, much of the environment is designed to say ‘everything is ok’, and society’s perception of the world remains unaffected. The trend of reducing risk and increasing efficiency has also resulted in the decline of imagination and intuition as a human condition. For this reason, Architecture should do less of trying to predict how users will interact with a space, but rather produce offerings or fragments of what might make sense and challenge the viewers to interpret or question its meaning. Architects should not produce a definite final object, but can rather create something open and incomplete as a way to inject spontaneity and unpredictability into the world.