Participatory Action Research through Design

Abstract

While Research through Design is a known approach today, it often implies isolation from practice. Participatory Action Research is often rooted in real-life settings but does not consider design as a method. Moreover, many scholars have used Co-design approaches in contemporary research projects, including those in the field of built environment. An example is the recently coined Research through Co-Design approach. Such endeavours are still scarce, spread, and emergent but aim to improve design outcomes by involving multiple actors in design processes. However, a rigorous conceptualisation still needs to be developed for collaborative and actionable research through design in real-life settings. In this study, we aim to answer how Research through Design can be facilitated collaboratively and effectively in the practice of the built environment. Accordingly, we coin the Participatory Action Research through Design (PARtD) conceptualisation based on a critical review and analysis of the Research through Design, Participatory Action Research, and Co-Design concepts. This chapter aims to provide stakeholders from research and practice with a guiding approach of an uncaptured collaborative research- and design-oriented process in the built environment.