Contextualizing physical design response within a complex world

We inhabit an increasingly fluid world of information and energy flows, yet for many physical designers the world has some form of stasis, an objectivity that would allow, if only we knew enough, a progression toward some ideal physical balance between man and nature. This paper takes, as its premise, that the physical world and the fluid world of information are inextricably related, and that as designers working in an increasingly complex and connected world, it is necessary to understand something about this relationship, if we are to find our way toward some sort of adaptable, evolving fit with our environment. In particular, it examines three models of influence in housing in Australia; design solution as concretization of value systems and need, the Australian Model Code for Residential Development: Urban (AMCORD Urban) and public participation in the design of community.