Final answer:
Alejandro Aravena emphasizes the power of synthesis in design to address complex issues. Urbanization presents challenges such as land loss, altered land use, and water sustainability, all requiring comprehensive solutions. Applying synthesis, architects and engineers integrate diverse elements and concerns for better design outcomes, an approach that can also be used in everyday problem-solving.
Step-by-step explanation:
The greatest power in design according to Alejandro Aravena is the power of synthesis. This refers to the ability to effectively combine different elements, concerns, and criteria to create solutions that address complex problems holistically.
One of the main problems with global urbanization includes the loss of land due to urban sprawl, which in the United States consumes substantial areas each year. Secondly, urban growth can significantly alter a region's land use, as demonstrated by the changes around Phoenix, Arizona since 1912, where agricultural expansion transformed into urban areas. Lastly, urbanization affects water usage, creating sustainability issues in thriving urban environments.
A case where the power of synthesis was used to solve design problems is in the realm of architecture, particularly in the design of mixed-use facilities that integrate living, working, and transportation within compact urban settings. These designs often require efficient and creative solutions to meet energy needs and accommodate public land requirements.
Another case of synthesis in design is in the application of environmental principles to engineering, such as creating products with minimal waste or designing chemicals that are non-toxic. Engineers have to use creativity, judgment, and an interdisciplinary approach to solve societal problems, considering both intended and unintended consequences.
You can use synthesis in your own life by integrating various perspectives to find cohesive solutions. For example, when facing the commuter problem, individuals can brainstorm with a team to develop a design that considers the viewpoints of commuters, city planners, and environmental activists for a comprehensive solution.