Hierarchy

Hierarchy is a system that helps to simplify a design process by allowing functional role of subassemblies to be articulated in a meaningful way as to their contribution to the function of the whole. In collaborative environment both hierarchy and democracy have to be brought together to form some kind of leadership role. However the power given in a hierarchy should not be abused but rather needs to be redeemed and understood. Having power distributed equally among members in a group tend to create excessive expectation of other people’s abilities and their willingness to shoulder responsibility. Overemphasis on equality in group-work an lead to a lack of motivation for developing individual potential as members receive no greater rewards for demonstrating their abilities. Therefore it becomes essential to have a balanced hierarchy, to have a leader that would evaluate others’ commitment to the group more objectively as well as their skills and their potential leadership abilities. In every group there is always a hierarchy of ability present which needs to be recognized in order to allow people to manifest their full potential. Hierarchy not only acknowledges current abilities but it also values leadership, purpose, direction, vision, accountability and efficiency. In a working field hierarchy can offer mentoring for those who are younger or less experienced and thus can learn to become more advanced in certain areas. Simon is our leader and his role is to initiate new things that influence other people, and I think he does quite a good job appraising people for what they have done. He gives encouragement as well as listening to everyone else to develop good relations with all members of the group. Enlightened leadership is educative rather than directive by drawing out the best in others having to assume that people already have the potential wisdom and creativity within them.

Conventional building delivery is structured hierachically in terms of control and linear in time. Digital tools are providing a catalyst for rethinking the structures of project delivery, presenting opportunities for firms to expand their roles, offer new services and change the sequencing of how and when design information is developed and consumed.

In the unbuilt work that we are doing there is a strong sense of hierarchy conceived. The building is a courthouse itself which symbolizes a sense of power and hierarchy. The building’s form is very tense to highlight this aspect, i.e. the building is structured like a heavy block supported by columns on the side. When you walk into the building the public areas are on the main floor, whereas the judges’ office and private areas are on second floor and above which makes a statement saying that private uses are above and unreachable.

REFERENCE

http://www.visionarylead.org/articles/hierarchy_democracy.htm

http://polaris.gseis.ucla.edu/pagre/simon.html

http://www.design.upenn.edu/workworkwork/files/SheldenArchitecturalDesign.v76.pdf