Architects' use of intuition in site analysis: Information gathering in solution development

This study explores site analysis, which involves designing a building in outline to test whether a particular site can accommodate a given proposal. During this process, information is gathered to develop and test solution conjectures. Designers' examination of solution-conjectures is underexplored. In addressing this issue, the study draws on dual-processing theory, where cognitive processes are divided into Type 1 and 2; the former being intuitive and efficient, and the latter effortful and slow. 21 interviews were conducted. The findings indicate that architects can avoid complex analysis by reframing difficult questions to reach solution-information-satisfaction. Confidence associated with narratives accompanying solution development prompted feelings of solution-satisfaction, leading to information neglect, major delays, and other problems.