Revisiting Giancarlo De Carlo’s Participatory Design Approach: From the Representation of Designers to the Representation of Users

The article examines the principles of Giancarlo De Carlo’s design approach. It pays special attention to his critique modernist functionalist logic, which was based on a simplified understanding users. Carlo′s participatory approach related intention replace linear process characterising approaches with non-hierarchical model. Such model applied Nuovo Villaggio Matteotti in Terni among other projects. A characteristic case is paid role inhabitants during different phases process. explores how “participatory design” criticised pre-war architects. analyses theory and describes it made manifest architectural practice—particularly for master plan Urbino—in teaching exhibition activities, manner buildings were photographs represented through drawings sketches. work Carlo and, especially, methods can help us reveal myths within framework their endeavour representation designers by relates potentials limits more contemporary concepts such as “negotiated planning”, “co-production”, “crossbenching”. also intends explore whether there consistency between participation its application.