Community perceptions and experiences of built heritage are essential in understanding the built heritage and effect in individual and community wellbeing. Subsequently, local perceptions of built heritage directly influence the conservation and heritage-led interventions. This study investigated local perceptions of built heritage in Erbil by assessing responses of 414 participants using a questionnaire survey aiming to identify how built heritage is perceived by the various group samples, exploring local perceptions’ (in)consistencies. Significant differences were found between architects’ and non-architects’ perceptions and related wellbeing. As the groups attribute different values, the results suggest that heritage buildings do not contribute to the wellbeing of non-architects as much as to architects. A contradicting result was found between modern and heritage buildings. This study contributes to the notion of human-centrality of the built environment by assessing local perceptions of built heritage, that, when implemented in urban planning and heritage management, can contribute to the city’s socio-cultural sustainable development.@en

This research aims to reveal and discuss state-of-the-art research addressing the relation between built heritage and individuals’ subjective wellbeing (SWB). Through a systematic literature review, fifty-one studies were analyzed. Even if limited, past research confirms the substantial relation between built heritage and subjective wellbeing, and six primary factors and other sub-factors were identified. This paper's originality is found in its focus, being the link between built heritage and subjective wellbeing seldom addressed, and the definition of a six-factor model deduced from the state-of-the-art, as a theoretical framework to support further research. This paper contributes to the ongoing notion of human-centrality in the built environment and the growing trend to give importance to the human experiences within the built heritage context. The results are valuable for academics and policymakers, contributing to a tailored and place-based sustainable urban development.@en

The Network of Applied Design Research (NADR), established in 2016, has played a crucial role in shaping the field of Applied Design Research. The specific role of Applied Design Research was discussed during the Dutch Design Week 2018, under the theme "Applied Design Research as a Catalyst of Change.” The discussion centered around four key questions: What has been designed? What has been investigated? What was the realized or intended change? What was the role of the Applied Design Researcher? While these questions may seem straightforward, they reveal the complexity of Applied Design Research, emphasizing the intricate interplay between design, research, and implementation processes. When examining the various tasks, roles, and activities undertaken by Applied Design Researchers, seven distinct roles were identified – 1) Developer, 2) Discoverer, 3) Initiator, 4) Change Manager, 5) Networker, 6) Interpreter, and 7) Reframer. The role of the Developer (1) focuses on creating new solutions, encompassing the design and development of products, services, materials, games, apps, and production methods. The developer's primary objective is to bring about something entirely new. The Discoverer (2) engages in research activities spanning ergonomic and usage studies, human behavior research, technical exploration, material studies, and investigations into new production and design methods. Their core function is to understand the world and seek objective facts and new insights. The Initiator (3), often described as an open-minded opportunity hunter, collects and combines various ideas and possibilities to create new initiatives and projects. They operate as drivers and motors of innovation, converting ideas into tangible projects. The role of the Change Manager (4) involves coordinating and organizing practical aspects to achieve anticipated results within the agreed-upon time and budget. Additionally, the change manager acts as an organizational change agent, aiming to implement new solutions within the involved organizations. The Networker (5) serves as a connector and gatekeeper, linking people, organizations, and ideas across different professional networks. They play a crucial role in developing support among stakeholders and managing mutual expectations. The Interpreter (6) focuses on connecting different concepts and contextual frameworks, serving as a bridge between theoretical models from science and practical experiences from design practice. They contribute to creating a common vocabulary to manage mutual expectations. The Reframer's (7) role is to show the significance of achieved results by adopting a different perspective on outcomes that others might perceive as irrelevant or self-evident. This role is vital in interpreting and giving new significance to facts, reframing problems, and contributing to the uniqueness of Applied Design Research. Overall, the analogy of the Applied Design Researcher as a catalyst of change is apt, akin to a catalyst in chemistry. The Applied Design Researcher acts as a connector, bringing people together, ensuring understanding, fostering common goals, and achieving meaningful results.@en

The Network of Applied Design Research (NADR), established in 2016, has played a crucial role in shaping the field of Applied Design Research. The specific role of Applied Design Research was discussed during the Dutch Design Week 2018, under the theme "Applied Design Research as a Catalyst of Change.” The discussion centered around four key questions: What has been designed? What has been investigated? What was the realized or intended change? What was the role of the Applied Design Researcher? While these questions may seem straightforward, they reveal the complexity of Applied Design Research, emphasizing the intricate interplay between design, research, and implementation processes. When examining the various tasks, roles, and activities undertaken by Applied Design Researchers, seven distinct roles were identified – 1) Developer, 2) Discoverer, 3) Initiator, 4) Change Manager, 5) Networker, 6) Interpreter, and 7) Reframer. The role of the Developer (1) focuses on creating new solutions, encompassing the design and development of products, services, materials, games, apps, and production methods. The developer's primary objective is to bring about something entirely new. The Discoverer (2) engages in research activities spanning ergonomic and usage studies, human behavior research, technical exploration, material studies, and investigations into new production and design methods. Their core function is to understand the world and seek objective facts and new insights. The Initiator (3), often described as an open-minded opportunity hunter, collects and combines various ideas and possibilities to create new initiatives and projects. They operate as drivers and motors of innovation, converting ideas into tangible projects. The role of the Change Manager (4) involves coordinating and organizing practical aspects to achieve anticipated results within the agreed-upon time and budget. Additionally, the change manager acts as an organizational change agent, aiming to implement new solutions within the involved organizations. The Networker (5) serves as a connector and gatekeeper, linking people, organizations, and ideas across different professional networks. They play a crucial role in developing support among stakeholders and managing mutual expectations. The Interpreter (6) focuses on connecting different concepts and contextual frameworks, serving as a bridge between theoretical models from science and practical experiences from design practice. They contribute to creating a common vocabulary to manage mutual expectations. The Reframer's (7) role is to show the significance of achieved results by adopting a different perspective on outcomes that others might perceive as irrelevant or self-evident. This role is vital in interpreting and giving new significance to facts, reframing problems, and contributing to the uniqueness of Applied Design Research. Overall, the analogy of the Applied Design Researcher as a catalyst of change is apt, akin to a catalyst in chemistry. The Applied Design Researcher acts as a connector, bringing people together, ensuring understanding, fostering common goals, and achieving meaningful results.@en

Beelden van Applied Design Research. Onderzoekers bestuderen de wereld zoals die is. Ontwerpers willen de wereld veranderen. Applied design research is een vorm van praktijkgericht onderzoek waarin beide benaderingen worden geïntegreerd, om nieuwe kennis op te doen én om praktische oplossingen te ontwikkelen. Maar hoe doe je dat, aangezien ontwerpen en onderzoeken sterk verschillen en beantwoorden aan verschillende standaarden? Dit boek is geen receptenboek, maar het biedt wel een kijkje in de keuken van 22 lectoren aan diverse hogescholen. Ze passen applied design research toe op diverse gebieden, variërend van de gezondheidszorg tot aan retail. Elke bijdrage biedt een ander perspectief en demonstreert dat met illustratieve voorbeelden. Géén geeft een volledige uitleg, maar samen bieden ze een rijk beeld van wat applied design research is, hoe het toe te passen en wat je ervan kunt verwachten.@en