You're a sustainable architect looking to improve your problem-solving skills. What's the best way to start?

1 Identify the problem

The first step in any problem-solving process is to clearly define the problem you are trying to solve. This may seem obvious, but often, problems are vague, ambiguous, or poorly framed, which can lead to confusion, frustration, or ineffective solutions. To identify the problem, you need to ask yourself some questions, such as: What is the main goal or objective of the project? What are the constraints and requirements? Who are the stakeholders and what are their needs and expectations? What are the current and future challenges and opportunities? By answering these questions, you can narrow down the scope of the problem and clarify the criteria for evaluating potential solutions.

2 Research and analyze

The next step is to gather relevant information and data that can help you understand the problem and its context. This may include reviewing existing literature, case studies, best practices, codes, standards, and regulations related to sustainable architecture. It may also involve conducting site visits, surveys, interviews, focus groups, or workshops with your clients, users, and other experts to gain insights into their preferences, behaviors, needs, and feedback. Additionally, you may use various tools and methods, such as life cycle assessment, energy modeling, daylighting analysis, or bioclimatic design, to evaluate the environmental performance and impact of your project. By researching and analyzing the problem, you can identify the gaps, opportunities, and trade-offs that can inform your decision-making process.

3 Generate and evaluate

The third step is to generate and evaluate possible solutions to the problem. This is where you can unleash your creativity and innovation, as well as apply your technical knowledge and skills. You can use different techniques, such as brainstorming, sketching, prototyping, or simulation, to explore and visualize various design alternatives that meet the problem criteria. You can also use different criteria, such as feasibility, sustainability, functionality, aesthetics, or user satisfaction, to assess and compare the strengths and weaknesses of each alternative. By generating and evaluating solutions, you can narrow down your options and select the most suitable one for your project.

4 Implement and test

The final step is to implement and test your chosen solution. This involves developing detailed plans, specifications, drawings, and documents that communicate your design intent and requirements to your clients, contractors, and other collaborators. It also involves monitoring and measuring the actual performance and impact of your solution during and after construction, using various indicators, such as energy consumption, water use, carbon emissions, or occupant comfort. By implementing and testing your solution, you can verify its effectiveness and identify any issues or areas for improvement.

5 Learn and reflect

Problem-solving is not a linear or one-time process, but rather a cyclical and continuous one. Therefore, you need to constantly learn from your experience and reflect on your outcomes and feedback. You can use different methods, such as post-occupancy evaluation, peer review, or self-assessment, to collect and analyze data and information that can help you evaluate your problem-solving process and outcome. You can also use different questions, such as: What worked well and what did not? What did you learn and what can you do better? How can you apply your learning to future projects or problems? By learning and reflecting, you can enhance your problem-solving skills and improve your sustainable architecture practice.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?