Daniel Connell

My current research engages with three key areas: A situated practice theory termed The Phronetic Framework; a conceptualising of Self-Build as a field of practice, social research and spatial production; and contemporary organisational and governance structures that support Self-Build, such as commoning practices and open-source production.

Phronetic Framework as a Model for Design Research

I look at the role of relational, situated, fragmented and critical spatial knowledge, building on the increasing awareness of design as research across architecture and spatial practice to systematise different modes of research. By particularising types of knowledge through carefully considered axioms, I direct research models towards a concept of contemporary phronesis, focussing broad research activities towards their purpose and reflexive use-value.

Self-Build as a Field of Practice

I have developed an expanded view of Self-Build as a field of practice. The practice is defined by its relational properties; between self, object and environment. It is a behavioural practice, with shifting operations based on governance and available technologies. Through this framing, the research looks beyond the aesthetic and technical characteristics of making, towards the scaling potential of situated, process-driven events and products, centred around the desire to build. My interest in defining and populating this field draws from the lasting value these practices have for the practitioners and participants who engage with them, and the secondary emergent outcomes, including sustainable practice, localised resilience, enriched cultural identity and novel design qualities.

Governance Structures for Collective Self-build

Across architectural research exists varying theories of power and control over the built environment. By identifying the cross-disciplinary areas where Self-build takes place, the research looks at ways to share knowledge and contribute to making practice more accessible. My research identifies methods, structures and systems that promote and enable self-build whilst also addressing barriers.

Self-Build Practice

I develop works - from drawing and visual media to large scale structures that engage with the theory and conceptual framing of Self-build and their organisational structures, as well as works that are firmly entrenched within self-build communities, directed by the intentions of the groups involved. In particular, my field work engages with the Event-based Self-build communities of The Burning Man Project in Nevada, USA, and Wonderfruit Festival in Chonburi, Thailand.