Crowdsourcing architecture: A disruptive model in architectural practice

Abstract

This paper discusses the use of crowdsourcing as a new approach for architectural design acquisition. We will give an overview of the concept of crowdsourcing, and elaborate on its particular application in architecture via concrete projects executed on Arcbazar, a first-of-its-kind crowdsourcing platform for architectural design services. We argue that online crowdsourcing platforms can have an immense impact on smaller-scale design challenges, e.g., home remodeling projects and landscape and interior design challenges, and can potentially carry these often neglected projects into the architectural design sphere. In this paper we will discuss the methods and techniques of architectural crowdsourcing and illustrate the processes and outcomes through a series of projects: a remodeling project for a closet; an interior design challenge for a dining space; and a layout problem for an apartment complex. We will then evaluate the protocol and outcome of architectural crowdsourcing, and convey the professional and popular media response to this new method of architectural design acquisition.