MARTINA SCHWAB
APPLIED ANTHROPOLOGY
INTRO
I practice applied anthropology for architects, urban planners and designers, which means that all my interventions are built around the "human factor". How do people interact with each other and their environment and how does this affect your project? While I often work with architects, the method is applicable to other disciplines as well. Be it human-centered design or process management, there is one guiding principle: »Work with what is available to you today.«
METHOD
Anthropology aims to better understand human interaction and behaviour. Anthropological methods such as participant observation, interviews, workshops, surveys, archival or media research have one thing in common - they all result in a thorough understanding of the existing context. Developing solutions from there, ensures that a (design-) project is more connected with its future users.
EXPERTISE FOR ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN
I propose a human-centered approach to all design projects. Starting your project with a structured needs analysis results in designs, deeply connected with their users. If we design with a focus on aesthetics or financial, legal and technical requirements only, (design-)projects have the risk of being obsolete from the very beginning because they simply are not usable and wanted. Therefore, acknowledging the human factor in design projects is a necessity. And it is also much more fun!
EXPERTISE FOR WORKFLOW & PROCESS MANAGEMENT
Change is inevitable. Change is also at the core of innovation. Facing change with a clear yet flexible workflow-framework allows your team to navigate more smoothly through unforeseen events and make creative use of changing parameters. We start with an anlysis of your existing processes and software-tools and develop solutions for one or more of the following areas: project management and planning, data management, financial management, IT structure, knowledge transfer among team members, tailor-made excel4architects, prospection- and tender procedures. Most interventions are carried out over 2-6 months. Long-term collaborations and personal coaching for creatives are possible as well.
ABOUT
With an interdisciplinary background in political science and urban anthropology, I have ten years professional experience in the private and the non-profit sector. I work with i.a. ncbham (creative studio) , Miss Miyagi and Stadsmakersfonds (responsible real estate), Bogdan & Van Broeck Architects , noAarchitecten , Sill & Sound Architects, Jo Matba (DJ and producer), Fairphone (responsible smartphones). Please download my CV for more detailed information on my skills and experience.
CONTACT
Martina Schwab - Applied Anthropology, based in Brussels, Belgium
info@martinaschwab.eu
+32 4 883 663 41
Thank you for your interest. Don't hesitate to reach out with your questions or projects.
