Available theories : considering the organizational relevance of physical settings, material actors, and embodied practice. Paper

Abstract

In this paper I focus on the empirical options that can be opened up, by some of the theoretical contributions that are now available in the rapidly expanding field of research focussing on the organizational impact of buildings and space. How can these theoretical contributions throw a light on the data that is to be collected in a long term empirical research project on a number of buildings-in-use of Utrecht University? I shall not only rely on data derived from observation and interviewing performed in the here and now but on historical data as well, while I intend to keep focused on the materiality of buildings. What concepts are available and which data do I need?