Presentation and discussion of the outcomes of KAEBUP’s research on market opportunities for evidence-based practices in architecture, urban design and planning.

This presentation is in the context of the research project titled ‘Knowledge Alliance for Evidence-Based Urban Practice’. The presentation aims firstly at introducing the primary research executed in the context of the project and secondly at discussing business opportunities regarding the practice and adoption of evidence-based design.

The first part of the presentation provides a definition of Evidence-Based Design (EBD), what it is, how it is done and what it takes to be implemented. In this part, the presentation will elaborate on the driving forces that either hinder or contribute to the implementation of EBD into practice. To understand these factors and their level of attribution a SWOT analysis will be presented to determine what kind of possibilities and opportunities a professional practice can have by adopting EBD into everyday practice but also understand the potential risks and weaknesses. Such strategic analysis can be helpful in the decision-making process. This will provide a level of understanding on what is needed to adopt EBD and the potential benefits stemming from such practices. Most importantly, research conclusions are used in order to propose some strategies/actions to help practitioners to either transition into using EBD or to improve their current operation and research activities for better performance.

The second part of this presentation concentrates more on the marketability of EBD and the business potential on a strategic level. Specifically, it elaborates on the importance of adopting an entrepreneurial mindset and how entrepreneurial activities can become an integral part of practicing EBD or adopting innovation coming from research into practice. Additionally, tools that can be helpful for practitioners to evaluate operation and business models will be discussed. This will help practitioners to understand the potential and economic impact of such activities and help them become more competitive, differentiate them in the market and make them more viable.

Lastly, key takeaways from primary research and the importance of EBD as a strategic differentiator will be highlighted.

Presented by: 

Chrystala Psathiti; Architect & Founder, Splace Architecture Researcher, Department of Architecture, University of Cyprus. Anna Margaritova; Architect & Founder, Anna Margaritova Architecture & Design; Researcher, Centre for Entrepreneurship, University of Cyprus.

Round Table Discussants

Alain Chiaradia; Associate Professor of Practice, Department of Urban Planning and Design, University of Hong Kong. Alberto Riccioni; Senior Architect, Schiattarella Associati, Italy. Alvaro Valera Sosa; Team Manager, Research & Development, Building Health Lab, Berlin. Anna Caramondani; Director, ALA Planning Partnership, Cyprus. Saket Sarraf; Founder & Principal, ps Collective, India; Visiting Faculty Member, Faculty of Planning, CEPT University.