WestminsterResearch http://www.westminster.ac.uk/westminsterresearch Technological Innovation in Architecture: The Role of the Aberrant Practitioner Mclean, W. This is an electronic version of a PhD thesis awarded by the University of Westminster. © Mr William Mclean, 2018. The WestminsterResearch online digital archive at the University of Westminster aims to make the research output of the University available to a wider audience. Copyright and Moral Rights remain with the authors and/or copyright owners. Whilst further distribution of specific materials from within this archive is forbidden, you may freely distribute the URL of WestminsterResearch: ((http://westminsterresearch.wmin.ac.uk/). In case of abuse or copyright appearing without permission e-mail
[email protected] Technological Innovation in Architecture: The Role of the Aberrant Practitioner Will McLean A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the University of Westminster for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy May 2018 2 Abstract Technological innovation in architecture can often be attributed to the work or works of individual designers and their unique (tacit) working method. Through an analysis of my published work (articles, essays, edited, co- authored and authored books), I will present how the aberrant creative process which the economist Joseph Schumpeter described as the ‘innovating entrepreneur’ can enlarge the palette of technological possibilities for the architect and define a unique role within the construction industry. The published works survey and explore atypical and innovative technologies and working practices in relation to architecture. The ‘McLean’s Nuggets’ column presented a series of short articles, factual and outliers (provocations in some instances) and established an expansive view of the variety and potential of technology and its application in architecture as a socially beneficial design tool.