How to define, illustrate and evaluate design and architectural projects without commercial value: a practical example of the cultural consultant experimenta and the project Amorim 2020

Abstract

Up until now design and architectural projects without commercial value have been carried out by larger corporations that have had enough resources to expand in these areas with long-term perspectives and become cultural mediators. However, as a result of the growing trend to evolve from philanthropic donations to strategic CSR, intermediary smaller organisations have emerged as cultural consultants, providing tailored solutions aligned with the vision and the needs of a company. Given the author’s internship experience in the cultural consultant experimenta, this thesis aims to define, illustrate and suggests evaluation methods for design and architectural projects as well as provide a practical exemplification with Amorim 2020. Acknowledging the current complex situation in terms of value creation measurement of these kind of projects, but considering its relevance, a broader framework based on the SROI methodology is finally proposed, together with recommendations and potential lines of actions on its application.