Shifted architectural perspectives : can social media platforms inform architectural design?

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the way people photograph architectural space and later post this image on social media platforms, with special importance given to social media influencers within the Maltese Context, and whether professionals from the realm of architecture are able to identify what social media influencers seek out of their backdrops, and if that information could assist in the design process of such architectural spaces. Quantitative research methods alone have shown to be limited in gaining more in-depth information regarding the a for mentioned topics. Thus, this research aimed to incorporate mixed methods of both quantitative methods and multiple qualitative methods allowing for a comprehensive investigation with regards to the previously mentioned topics. The first study required an online questionnaire posted on Facebook groups to increase sample size whilst assuring participants with different backgrounds take part in this study. The second study required sit-down interviews with three social media influencers to uncover information on the topic. For the final study, a semi-structured focus group took place with professionals in the field of architecture intended for the participants to sharing their thoughts on the subjects being studied in this paper. The participants revealed that they made a distinction between different social media platforms depending on their particular application. Where the majority of participants use social media platforms to interact with other individuals. This study identifies the participants’ preferences related to social media platform use, where Facebook is a platform used to get in touch with family and friends, thus limiting its use to personal communications, whilst Instagram could be seen as an expressive tool that makes use as imagery its primary communicating measure. Whilst both the general public and the social media influencer demonstrated knowledge with regards to photography and the use of architectural space in photography, architectural spaces are predetermined and scouted for specific shoots in mind when it comes to social media influencers. The architectural space thus becomes an extension of them in the photograph, even though it remains in the background. It was evidenced that social media influencers and content creators are very observant of the architectural spaces around them and can identify what is more appealing to their followers. It was highlighted that photos shared online by social media influencers could possibly become a new means of inspiration for projects that are generally of more public domain.