PROJECT-BASED LEARNING FRAMEWORK FOR LARGE GROUPS: THE CASE STUDY OF THE SILESIAN METROPOLIS (GZM) MODEL

This article presents a framework for a project realised by 43 students with 2 tutors that resulted in one large-scale physical model and several other models and elaborations. The project took 5 months and was conducted in the Faculty of Architecture at the Silesian University of Technology, Poland, and was supported by a third party: the office for Silesia Metropolis(GZM). The GZM metropolis is a group of 41 towns and villages established on 1 January 2018. Since the Metropolis was new, some common data has not been gathered yet. The final result included: 2 physical models of density for metropolis and a physical model representing 49 public spaces that make the GZM a metropolis. The framework was based on team work: data gathering and processing in tables for common purposes and targeted activities such as: team leading, data processing, work processing, 3d modelling, physical modelling, 3d printing with a 3d cutting plotter. The final result of the experiment was presented in an open exhibition which was reported on in the media. The article describes the framework for the project-based learning from the point of view of tutors and one of the participants (co-author), so the feedback from the experiment could be objective. The authors believe that the targeted approach framework for a project-based learning resembles team work in big design groups in real life. Therefore, it can constitute a method of educating young people just before they enter real-time team work in large projects