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186 In Pursuit of the Sunbeam: A Practical Guide to Transformation from Institution to Household
about the importance of each potential change in relation to their jobs.
“We believe each organization must create its own local expression of the Household Model based on the fundamental principles offered in this book and other guiding resources, rather than on a prescriptive approach.”
“The Household Model is not a franchise approach, but a framework
of principles and methodologies designed to foster your own unique version that reflects
your community.”
Post Information and Elicit Comments
Informal conversation, open forum meetings and learning circles will lead to design images that incorporate the participants’ ideas. Post the images in a place where people can study them and comment. Since many people have difficulty reading floor plans, it’s good to provide additional narration or images explaining the proposed changes and design ideas. When possible, show more than one potential solution to an issue and ask for stakeholders’ feedback and preferences. The final solution may be a combination of ideas from users whose suggestions were not initially considered.
Group Site Visit
Some people have difficulty conceptualizing what can be if they are unfamiliar with or can’t see it. Often, they have to experience it before they can truly understand or value it. So, it is a great idea to do a site visit to a Household Model organization to focus on physical design. Take the architect and other development team members with you. The shared experience will energize the co-creation process.
When you visit other Household Models do not to assume “if only you had that building” it would be easy. Each design must reflect the sensitivities of the people who will live and work there and their specific sense of community identity with the place. While features of Household Models you visit may reveal potentials for your own facility, resist the temptation to ask for “one of those designs” thinking it will save you time and money in planning.
We believe each organization must create its own local expression of the Household Model based on the fundamental principles offered in this book and other guiding resources, rather than on a prescriptive approach. Cookie cutter designs risk producing a building and culture residents and staff don’t fully relate to. Though well intended, such designs may be superficial and not indigenous to the local culture. The Household Model is not a franchise approach, but a framework of principles and methodologies designed to foster your own unique version that reflects your community.