Research Nathalie Vallet

Abstract

In a complex society that deals with many contemporary society-related challenges (e.g. social cohesion, multiculturalism, poverty, sustainability and migration) societal awareness has become an important competence for the designer in general and for the interior architect in particular. Triggered by these challenges and influenced by evolutions within the behavioural sciences, there is a growing attention for the interior as 'a social/shared space' and for the 'ethical position' of the interior architect. Both concepts are directly related to the prior more general concept of societal awareness. The central research question of this STIM research project is threefold: to investigate within the discipline of interior architecture (i) what are the alternative meanings of the concept of societal awareness, (ii) what are the implications for the design process of interior, and (iii) what are the required competences of future interior architects to guarantee a societal aware design process? As far as the research method is concerned, we choose for an explorative approach in line with the key features of qualitative research. Four complementary research techniques will be used: (i) an explorative literature study, (ii) a case-study research on a design practice, (iii) a case-study research on an academic design method and (iv) approximately 10 half-structured interviews with academic and vocational experts. This STIM research proposal corresponds with the overall research perspective of the research group Henry van de Velde (HvdV, Faculty of Design Sciences). In particular it does not only relate to recently launched research initiatives of Nathalie Vallet, Inge Somers and Michelle Bylemans, but also to research initiatives conducted over the last five years in several interior design studio's FOW (i.e. research-teaching nexus). Finally, this STIM research proposal corresponds also with the Antwerp University research priorities on the metropole and the social-economic policy and organization. The output of the STIM project consists of a paper voor het IDEC conference (2021), 2 discussion memos, 1 publication in a peer-reviewed journal in the discipline of interior architecture and an input for a FOW proposal Aspirant Fundamenteel Onderzoek (2022).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vallet Nathalie
• Co-promoter: Somers Inge

Research team(s)

• Henry van de Velde

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

URBiNAT focuses on the regeneration and integration of deprived social housing urban developments through an innovative and inclusive catalogue of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) ensuring sustainability and mobilising driving forces for social cohesion. Interventions will be focused on the public space to co-create with citizens new urban, social and nature-based relations within and between different neighbourhoods. Taking the complete physical, mental and social well-being of the citizens as its main goal, URBiNAT will develop the co-creation of healthy corridor as an innovative and flexible NBS, which itself integrates a large number of micro NBS emerging from community-driven design processes, in order to boost environmental, economic and social sustainability and cohesion. URBiNAT consists of a worldwide consortium of academic and business partners around 7 European cities that will act as living laboratories (WP2) to implement healthy corridor solutions in well identified social housing neighbourhoods. These laboratories will also assess the corridor's ecological, cultural, social and economic impacts. From west to east, the cities of Porto, Nantes and Sofia will act as frontrunners based on their demonstrated experience in the innovative use of public space with NBS. From south to north, the cities of Siena, Nova Gorica, Brussels and Høje-Taastrup will share and replicate URBiNAT concepts and methodologies, acting as 'followers' (Figure 1). Each city will be supported by local partners, associations and research centres, as well as by 'horizontal' centres, universities and companies which link between cities. These actors will together create a living lab (WP2), deliver a multichannel strategy for active citizenship (WP3), implement a healthy corridor and an NBS catalogue (WP4), while monitoring impacts (WP5), disseminating knowledge (WP6) and marketing solutions (WP7) as results. Together, they will form an inclusive community of practice (CoP) in collaboration with non-European partners, including in China and Iran, as well as with NBS observers based in Brazil, Japan, Oman and a Chinese city, bringing experiences and an international dimension to the project. HEALTHY CORRIDORS (HC), with a customized NBS catalogue, will be co-created and co-planned for the frontrunner and follower cities, testing an innovative and inclusive urban model to regenerate deprived districts, specifically within and linking social housing neighbourhoods. Participative-design will be the cornerstone approach in achieving new models of urban development, and design thinking process and methods will underpin the creation of Healthy Corridors with NBS. In this sense, URBiNAT sets three major goals responding to three levels of action: 1) at the local level, to promote social cohesion through the activation of living lab and engagement of a Community of Practice [WP2 and 3]; 2) at a transversal level, to achieve new models of urban regeneration through an innovative public space: healthy corridors concept and the NBS catalogue [WP4]; 3) widespread, with the monitoring, dissemination and market replication of the knowledge produced and demonstrated [WP5, 6 and 7]. Finally, URBiNAT will develop business cases based on market potential, as well as policy recommendations regarding best-practice NBS, that provide information about the benefits and costs of NBS. This will include social, environmental and economic impacts, as well as the comparison of different NBS business propositions and alternative solutions. Through the development of solid business cases co-created with the engagement of local communities, URBiNAT will ensure long-term sustainability. Business cases will also include business products for the social and solidarity economy, free-of-charge solutions, and economic growth opportunities for new NBS.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Pottgiesser Uta
• Promoter: Vallet Nathalie
• Co-promoter: Vallet Nathalie
• Co-promoter: Van Acker Maarten

Research team(s)

• Henry van de Velde

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The use of references is an important part of artistic and design practice. Nevertheless, references are commonly used as a tool during the creative process and as a means of justificati on or contextualisation in the final creation. However, the exact role of the reference within the creative process remains largely unexposed or inarticulate. Thus, when the reference is used as part of a discourse, it often remains unclear whether the reference actually played a substantial role during the creation or design process (post-rationalization). Both aspects, namely the use of references in both creation and discourse, seem to be somewhat affiliated to the use of scientific references. Given the recent 'academizati on' of the arts, a better understanding seems appropriate. This would already benefit the scientific discourse within the practice, education and research. The architecture faculties are subjected to the same academic process and are currently in search of ways to establish design and artistic values within architectural culture in this new environment driven by the scientific mentality of the Flemish universities. The aim of this project is to uncover the use of references as a part of the artistic process and discourse, to open up the conversation, to describe, analyze, compare, demonstrate and define it. We intend to bring the shared epistemic culture of arts and design to the attention of the academic world (Heintz et al., 2004, Kurath, 2015). To this end, we want to interview six artists, including designers, study their works and describe, analyze, contextualize and indicate their use of references. Another ambition of this project is to explore the possibilities and qualities of non-written output in artistic research and design research in architecture. In this exploratory method, in which researcher and research subjects collaborate on a product that serves as a research object, research and result partially coincide. The methodology consist of five steps with corresponding tools: 1. Inspire by means of a literature study and resource study; 2. Visualize and 3. Analyze by using research subjects; 4. Display -by means of an exhibition; 5. Discourse and debate by means of a symposium. The outcome of the project includes: a bundling and analysis of the research material,an exhibition catalog and a panel discussion report (symposium). The intention is to postpone a follow-up, with this project being considered as a necessary preliminary step to develop a method.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vallet Nathalie

Research team(s)

• Henry van de Velde

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

On the basis of two previously realized explorative research projects, we develop and implement a strategic-spatial blueprint for a (real) IEP-site in the city of Mechelen . This site is focused on the inclusive economic participation of the vulnerable target group of youngsters with a low education level. The economic activities are situated within care industries (e.g. food services, clothing, recycling shops, ...). Besides the blue print the project also implies a test-phase of six months. This project is financed by the ESF.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vallet Nathalie

Research team(s)

• Henry van de Velde

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The Ursulinen Institute in Sint-Katelijne-Waver, the colony in Wortel-Merksplas and the Fortress in Mortsel are public historical heritage sites that have (partly) lost their function over the years. As such, a new destination and function has to be found that takes into account (i) new societal challenges and associated (strategic) policy priorities of local governments, and (ii) the conservation and protection of the historical value . To find such a new destination, the method of research by design can be used. Thus, looking for different design alternatives results in new insights and thus inspirational input for the respective re-design initiaitives. Because of their methodological expertise, researchers of the University of Antwerp (faculty of design sciences, Henry van de Velde research group) will assist Kempens Landschap (public owner off these sites) in search of a suited re-destination of these sites.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vallet Nathalie
• Co-promoter: Notteboom Bruno
• Co-promoter: Van Acker Maarten

Research team(s)

• Henry van de Velde

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research project is focused on the elaboration of alternative design-blueprints or scenarios for a set of open landscapes with a significant historical value, located in the Province of Antwerp. By means of these scenarios, the organization "Kempens Landschap" wants to safeguard the public use and utility of these landscapes. Each scenario consists of different visualizations or 3D-images generated by research-by-design (i.e. methodology), that will inspire the eventually chosen (re)design of the landscapes, as well as the negotiations with potential (network)partners.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vallet Nathalie
• Co-promoter: Notteboom Bruno
• Co-promoter: Van Acker Maarten

Research team(s)

• Henry van de Velde

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Province of Antwerp. UA provides the Province of Antwerp research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vallet Nathalie

Research team(s)

• Henry van de Velde

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The project proposal aims at the development of strategic-spatial design blueprints for urban IEP-sites. The acronym IEP stands for the ultimate goal or ambition, being an inclusive i.e. a (more) complete and high quality participation of socially deprived or vulnerable urban citizens. As the blueprints present alternative choices for (types) of IEP-sites, they are very useful for and applicable by the policy makers of local governments.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vallet Nathalie

Research team(s)

• Henry van de Velde

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand Locus. UA provides Locus research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Paredaens Jan
• Promoter: Vallet Nathalie
• Co-promoter: Vallet Nathalie

Research team(s)

• Henry van de Velde

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The overall objective of the project is to contribute to more efficient and effective policing in the EU, by outlining roadmaps for police forces in each country that lead to enhancement of both individual police force capability and performance and joint European operations.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: van Witteloostuijn Arjen
• Co-promoter: Vallet Nathalie

Research team(s)

• Management

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this research project we focus on the life and political satisfaction of the 70.000 inhabitants of the district of Deurne. In order to do so, we apply a mixture of both quantitative and qualitative techniques. On the one hand we use multilevel models to determine the influential explanatory factors behind satisfaction. In this models we use individual survey data as well as administrative statistics related to the relevant statistical sectors. We will draw a random sample of 700 respondents, proportionally fitted with regard to the statistical sectors. On the other hand we will bring some of those respondents together to discuss some 'critical incidents' that came up in the survey. This way we hope to get a better insight in the processes that lead to dissatisfaction.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Thijssen Peter
• Co-promoter: Vallet Nathalie

Research team(s)

• Media, Movements and Politics (M2P)

Project type(s)

• Research Project