Synergy of Creativity and Rationality: Iterative Process of Black Box and Glass Box Methods in Designing Architectural Final Projects
Rifqah Raudhatul Firdausa (a,b*)

a. Department of Architecture, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Planning, Trisakti University, Jakarta
b. Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Bina Nusantara University, Jakarta
*rifqah.firdausa[at]binus.ac.id

Abstract

The architectural design process involves a combination of creativity and rationality. The black box method relies on intuition and spontaneous exploration of ideas, while the glass box method focuses on rational and data-based analysis. In the world of education that focuses on using the glass box method, sometimes the black box is still used in the design process. The scope of this study discusses in detail the design process in the final architectural assignment, starting from the site survey, exploration of form and selection of form, layout process, selection of facades and materials, facade concepts, and building concepts. This study aims to explore the application of the iterative process between the two methods in the design of the final architectural assignment and to detail the overall process in using the two methods. The final project taken is a rental office project with a water conservation concept in South Jakarta, due to the high demand for rental offices in the area and the lack of public awareness of the importance of water conservation. The research method used is descriptive qualitative by identifying each step and stage of design, starting from initial analysis, exploration, to technical development in the final assignment descriptively. The results of this study indicate that the black box method is predominantly used in the middle stage of design for exploration of form and aesthetics, while the glass box is applied from the beginning of design considerations to the end (technical development). This study found that these two methods are integrated iteratively during the transition between the glass box and black box approaches. This study also provides new insights into the dynamics of the balanced design process between creativity and technical analysis in architectural education.

Keywords: Black box- Glass box- Metode Perancangan- Iteratif- Tugas Akhir- Arsitektu

Topic: Creation Process of Livable Space