Abstract:

Architectural education is a complex field, which knowledge according to different disciplines as technology, materials, subsytems is integrated within design studio, with consiousness of environment, context, history, sustainability, energy consumption, etc. Because of this situation, architectural design studios are generally constitute the backbone of architectural education. Design studios in schools of architecture are guided by different approaches all seeking to improve the practice of architecture through better education.

In this study, three different architectural studio examples, according to three different architectural schools will be discussed. Three different approaches and methodologies were used, which were instructed by the authors. In the first case, first class studio in Bahçeşehir University will be explained. The students are asked to building up reality in the studio by using recycled materials. They were encouraged to prove that ‘sustainable design is not a dream’. Students were asked to pretend that it is real, so learning by doing was the aim. In the second case, second class, third semester studio in Beykent University will be explained. Students were encouraged to design a post-disaster shelter, to build it outside and then to live in it for one night. Students were introduced the importance of structural stability, limits of materials, bodily comfort, ease of erection, building costs. They were encouraged to be inventive, so learning by doing and experimenting by living in it, was the aim. In the third case, second year, fourth semester studio in İstanbul Kültür University will be explained. Integration of Architectural Technology III course (which was also conducted in studio) and Architectural Design Studio IV was aimed to strengthen. Both of the courses were instructed by the same instructor, and same design problems were selected. Students were supported theoretically with seminars given by the professionals and practically with building up models at school. Students developed their design solutions with two and three dimensional drawings and models, so they learned by watching, drawing and model making.

Keywords:

Architectural Education, Design Education, Design Studio.