Experiments, Practices and Positions in Architectural Design Studio

This PhD project explores the relationship between three specific design processes, namely, triggering concepts, representations and reorganisations of the studio setting by examining experiments, practices and positions in architectural design studios within the framework of six lenses: systematicity, linearity, simultaneity, participation, limitation and complexity. These three processes are deemed essential in stimulating the students to develop novel ideas and make new associations to recognise architectural qualities. The enquiry assumes a mixed-method approach in data gathering and analyses, which involves literature review, action research, structured interviews, network analysis and thematic analysis. Furthermore, the mixed-method approach relies upon methodological triangulation as a means to avoid pitfalls and to cross-check evidences from a range of data sets. First, pedagogical experiments from the second half of the twentieth century are thoroughly reviewed. Second, three successive design studio experiments are practiced with action research method at KU Leuven and Istanbul Technical University. Third, twenty structured interviews are conducted with studio tutors from architecture schools around the world to reveal the current opinions and positions in architectural design studios. The relationship with six lenses and the positions are then discussed through the findings from the literature review, the action research and thematic analysis of the interviews. Discussions propound the implications of employing the initial three design processes, the evolution of featured themes in design studios and the future potentials of these implications for architectural curriculum. Finally, this study provides discussions on pedagogical experiments, design studio practices and curricular positions through reviews, actions and interviews to explore the trajectory of educational advance in architecture. Findings from the research revealed that the six lenses had different weights among precedents and current approaches which can prognosticate a potential change in future through collaboration, experimenting, new production techniques, empowering students, making processes, collective design, and improvisation.

Jaar van publicatie:2017