Operationalising Social Practices Theory for Architecture and Interior Design: A Novel Sensemaking Framework for Inclusive Spatialisation in Resource-Constrained Projects

Abstract

Architects and interior design (AID) practitioners have a professional responsibility to advocate and design for minority occupants, yet it is not always possible to consult with all future users due to commercial project constraints. In lieu of occupant engagement, this paper asks what self-directed inquiry might guide more inclusive strategic decision-making in AID practice? Taking a systems perspective, a novel framework for interpreting the occupant–building system is proposed. By deductively extending Shove, Panzar and Watson’s existing Social Practices Theory (SPT) operationalisation, their omission of space is remedied through integrating Reckwitz’s affective spaces of social practices. The framework changes the unit of analysis from the physical by describing occupancy as a social practice with three elements: material, the physical assemblage including human bodies and space; competences, the rules and habits of using the space; and meanings of space for occupant cohorts. The revised theory elevates the social to equal status of material, thus reinforcing their reciprocal relationship and making this explicit for AID practice. The framework is proposed as an interpretive sensemaking tool for AID practitioners to identify different spatial occupations beyond stereotypical expectations. It also offers a framework for AID practitioners to critically reflect on their agency in stabilising or evolving the spatialisation of culture. Three interpretations are demonstrated for contemporary Australian multicultural and inclusion scenarios. It is argued that this theory offers a framework for practice to enable strategic inclusive outcomes in projects with or without user consultation. Furthermore, in addressing the social practices of the built environment, this organising framework offers broader and holistic future built environment research and education.