The practice of spatial thinking: Differentiation processes

RESEARCH BACKGROUND: This catalogue documents the latest tools developed in the world- leading Design Practice Program in RMIT's School of Architecture and Design. The catalogue introduces and summarises the design practice research of 14 practices. Leon van Schaik's writing includes the substantial introductory essay, 'Difference Rather Than Share Competence', case studies, analysis of research dissemination events and a conclusion. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: The research contained in the catalogue was carried out as part of Australian Research Council discovery grant. It is of significance for design practice, review and architecture's deeper understanding of the design of space and spaces. The essays extend van Schaik's exploration of spatial intelligence and deepens understanding of how designers work and how their lives shape their spatial thinking and practice. It provides new insights into collective spatial intelligence and offers models for developing spatial and design literacy in our communities. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: This research was funded by an ARC Discovery Grant DP110100939 (My Research Output Project Code 0200307734). The Design Practice Program that the catalogue explores has been reviewed in two leading international journals: Kester Rattenbury, 'Here be buildings' AR (Architecture Review) Academic Annual 2014, pp. 69-71; and Kester Rattenbury, 'The imagination game', Royal Institute of British Architects Journal (RIBAJ), 5 Jan 2015.