This chapter discusses the evolution of the user-oriented approaches in the design process in the built environment. Along with the 4 research dimensions of the research program in the USO-Built Graduate School (functional, intentional, structural, and instrumental), the present chapter looks at 3 stages of the user approaches in the architectural, building and urban disciplines: (1) a standardised or functional, approach; (2) a phenomenological, or intentional, approach; and (3) postmodern, or structural and instrumental, approach. The chapter concludes that the active relationship between the 4 dimensions is essential in the research and design of the future built environment. What is required now is to consider social practices
