This paper aims to present and discuss a construction of an ethnographic identity, moving from an architect’s perspective to an ethnographer’s perspective. The researcher, an architectural practitioner, tends to mute the acquired knowledge to become an ethnographer. Based on the field notes from the participation-observation, we will share the dilemmas, discoveries and reflections of the researcher during this journey.
This research results are part of an ethnographic case study carried out in a secondary school, with young people between 13 and 15 years. The study was motivated by the conclusion of the renovation of this school as part of the Programme of Modernisation for Secondary Schools. The aim of the research was to evaluate the built environment in a post-occupancy phase and to understand the impact of the rehabilitation in the school community.