Machine for Experiential Urban Learning: Interdisciplinary Design Research

This co-edited book presents and evaluates the Machine for Experiential Urban Learning (MEUL); inter-disciplinary and experiential approaches to design impacting on people and built environments - in this instance architecture and graphic design. MEUL argues for a shift from object- to process-led design priorities, based on testing of a proposed place-based design framework in live environments bringing together the disciplines of architecture-urban design and graphic design. The book is published by PLACE Ltd (Planning, Landscape, Architecture, Community, Environment), Northern Ireland’s Architecture and Built Environment Centre. It is distributed through an international network of architecture centres, universities, and professional and government bodies. The Foreword is by internationally award-winning architect Liza Fior, muf architecture/art.The presented collaborative projects and research involved over 200 people (future professionals, existing practitioners, business and government representatives, and local people in Belfast). During a series of public workshops, multi-media installations, and exhibitions throughout 2011-2012, data was gathered including archival mapping and photographic surveys with qualitative feedback from interviews and anonymous survey returns. Several co-authored peer-reviewed publications and international conference presentations in the UK and Ireland support this output and contribute to MEUL’s co-authored Introduction and Conclusions. Golden, in a sole-authored chapter examines gaps in architects’ skills and knowledge and proposes how architects’ tacit design knowledge can positively influence local regeneration initiatives.