Collaborative architectural design studio environment: An experiment in the studio of Architectural Design-I
ISSN: 2631-6862
Article publication date: 20 September 2019
Issue publication date: 20 September 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to test a studio pedagogy that originates from an experiment of a collaborative design studio held between two departments of Architecture, as a useful way for students to learn mutually. Meanwhile, it aims to capture the effectiveness, efficiency and impacts of this collaboration.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a qualitative research study to observe the role of collaborative design studio in the pedagogical structure of architectural education. It combines the conventional studio with live projects as a unique pedagogy within the studio of Architectural Design-I (AD-I). Primary data collected using open-ended questionnaires from students and focal studio tutors at both architecture departments generated results.
Findings
Built on the analyses of the questionnaires, this paper answers the research questions based on the collaborative studio pedagogy for the course of AD-I and reports on lessons learnt from this collaborative experience. It proves that students can successfully work collaboratively and build confidence in their own abilities to solve a challenge and achieve a common goal through practical experience as well.
Research limitations/implications
This research used a qualitative approach to evaluate the perspectives of 81 students and 6 tutors within a specific pedagogical approach. Given the small sample size and delimitation of the one-course approach, findings from this study are not generalizable to a broader population. Furthermore, a longer duration is needed to address collaborative learning challenges. Nevertheless, it provides valuable data for future studies and also offers pedagogical options for other schools to consider implementing and studying.
Originality/value
The collaborative pedagogical approach experimented in this study was the first initiative of its kind in Karachi, between a younger institution, AED-SSUET and a more established one which was DAP-NED. A four-week collaborative design studio exercise of AD-I engaging third-semester students of AED-SSUET[1] and DAP-NED[2] was a hybrid approach that combined conventional design studio with live project to promote a novel and effective collaborative learning method. In the process, students were encouraged to interact competitively with peers, facilitated by rigorous engagement of focal design tutors from both Architecture departments. It also influenced the active participation of experts from the industry and Architecture community and was exclusively designed to eliminate the pairing up of a single tutor with one student each. The students at AED-SSUET were also able to build a 1:1 scale project with an allocated budget and time-frame constraints.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author owes a debt of gratitude to a number of individuals, without their guidance and support this collaboration would have never been possible. First, the author would like to thank Ar Muhammad Fazal Noor and Dr Noman Ahmed for being extremely encouraging and appreciative throughout the course of collaboration. While planning for such a venture, the author discussed the author’s plan of collaboration with Ar. Farida Ghaffar, the main Studio Instructor of AD-I at DAP-NED. She responded positively and together the author and Ar. Farida Ghaffar formed a well-coordinated and competent team of six faculty members. The author’s deepest regards are with all the team members for the successful completion of an initial idea. The author feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to know them and build some ongoing friendship as a result. The author’s indisputable vote of thanks also extends to the Administration Department at SSUET who directed the other related offices like the Planning and Development Department, Director of Student Affairs and the Chief Security Officer to fulfil this additional responsibility and provide the students with all the necessary equipment and other resources.
Citation
Qureshi, H. (2019), "Collaborative architectural design studio environment: An experiment in the studio of Architectural Design-I", Archnet-IJAR, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 303-324. https://doi.org/10.1108/ARCH-12-2018-0049
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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