User-Client Involvement and Participation in Private Dwelling: Insights from Belgian Architects

This paper explores Belgian architects' perceptions and practices regarding user-client involvement in private dwelling design, based on insights from 15 interviews. We focus on (1) current practices of user-client involvement, (2) expected roles and levels of involvement, and (3) architects' views on participation. Findings show that architects mostly use conversation-based interactions, limiting user-client involvement, but also sometimes employ tools like virtual reality, mood boards, and probes to enhance engagement. While architects emphasize the uniqueness of private housing processes when it comes to user-client involvement, they generally prefer consultation over proactive involvement, gathering feedback without relinquishing control. There is a tension between the desire for collaboration, managing expectations, and maintaining project integrity. This paper highlights both the potential and limitations of user-client involvement, underscoring resistance to participatory approaches and contributing to a nuanced understanding of user-centered architectural design methodologies.