Abstract:

The scope of this paper is to demonstrate the close relation between design towards research and education which is the key to the development of the cognitive and analytical abilities as well as the improvement of the design skills in educational process. An important assumption of this paper is to consider design as a process that to a large extent includes the research and educational aspects. Design being a creative process is preceded by recognition and understanding of spatial conditions that is supplemented with analysis, investigations and searches. Design process also sensitizes and teaches the understanding of and users’ needs. Being a part of design process, architect has a wide range of research instruments that vary in severity and degree of use. Design itself teaches and is also a part of educational program. In this perspective, design is a platform for the research and educational development.

The observation for this research paper is based on the selected design studios conducted for Architecture and Interior Design students at Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice, Poland. The paper presents and analyses selected examples of students work where creation process is accompanied by diversified research activities that implement the expected learning outcomes as well as lead to self-education.

Conclusions that result from the conducted research lead to state that polemics with the surrounding reality is the essence of design work and attempts of its materialization are specific publications of creative concepts that should be preceded by extensive analyzes. These attempts take a diverse form, they play a role of experiments which are very valuable in creative and research work. During the design process choices are made continuously, combining it with a feel of conscious responsibility for the utilization of space, where spatial order is equally important as the order of ideas as well as self-improvement track. Thanks to the multidimensionality, design is a continuous process of an exchange of ideas, search and study of new possibilities and values. As a result, there is also a change in the model of communication through design, including solving problems and proper use of space and matter. Knowledge and reflection are notions which are often referred by the design and research idea. Research is invariably associated with education, especially self-improvement and through it design combines these two values. Using experience gained from design as a part of research process it also produces positive results in teaching, in form of original educational programs. Finally, experience in teaching may become a source of inspiration in new research programs as well as design activities. As Maria Misiagiewicz, Polish architect and researcher writes”… architecture today derives its originality from the diversity of directions, ideas and concepts” design should combine different possibilities, scope of tasks and creative solutions to achieve the best results in its field.

Keywords:

Architecture, design, creation, research, education, smart city.