MARTINA SCHWAB
APPLIED ANTHROPOLOGY
INTRO
I practice applied anthropology for architects and designers, which means that I use anthropological methods to solve practical problems arising in creative environments. While I often work with architects, the method is applicable to other disciplines as well. Be it human-centered design or change management, there is one guiding principle: »Work with what is available to you today.«
METHOD
Anthropology aims to better understand human interaction and behaviour, not only with each other but also with their environment. Anthropological methods such as participant observation, interviews, workshops, textual analysis, surveying, archival or media research have one thing in common - they all result in a thorough understanding of the existing context. Putting existing realities center stage and developing solutions from there, ensures that a (design-) project is more connected with its future users.
EXPERTISE: APPLIED ANTHROPOLOGY FOR ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN PROJECTS
As an urban anthropologist, I propose a human-centered approach to all architecture - and design projects. I'm especially interested in working with urbanists, architects, designers and other disciplines with a clear impact on human interaction and behaviour. Starting your project with a structured needs analysis by means of surveys, interviews and participatory workshops, results in designs, deeply connected with their users. If we design with a focus on 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 by anyone. Therefore, acknowledging the human factor in architectural and design projects is a necessity. And it is also much more fun!
EXPERTISE: APPLIED ANTHROPOLOGY @WORK - WORKFLOW AND CHANGE MANAGEMENT
Change is inevitable. Change is also at the core of innovation. Facing change with a clear yet flexible workflow-framework allows your (design-) team to navigate through unforeseen events and make creative use of changing project parameters. To ensure that this framework is well connected to your ways of working, we start with an anlysis of your existing workflows and related (software-) tools. Incremental improvements start from there. In creative environments, organizing the following areas has many beneficial effects, not only on the actual work but also on the wellbeing and happiness of your team: project management and planning, data management, financial management, prospection- and tender procedures, IT structure, knowledge transfer among team members, tailor-made excel4architects. 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 (responsible real estate) , Bogdan & Van Broeck Architects , noAarchitecten , Sill & Sound Architects, KA PAI (interior styling) , Jo Matba (DJ and producer), Fairphone (responsible smartphones), Vetocambre (veterinary) and Collectif PsyCol (psychologists). 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.
