Archnet > Publication > Where is the 'Problem' in Design Studio: Purpose and Significance of the Design Task

Beatriz C. Maturana - <div>Design studio is characterised by a teaching model that is distinctly suited for problem-solving. Correspondingly, literature, including information produced by Australian faculties of architecture about their courses asserts that design studio is modelled around problem-solving. However, my research into design studio handouts found a common omission in posing a ‘problem’—a problem that would justify a design solution and from which the significance´ of the task would derive. I argue that a well-articulated design problem imbues the case with purpose and significance. It also provides a benchmark against which the results can be assessed and verified.</div><div><br></div><div>Keywords: Architectural education; Problem-solving; Design studio</div>

Type

journal article

Year

2014

Design studio is characterised by a teaching model that is distinctly suited for problem-solving. Correspondingly, literature, including information produced by Australian faculties of architecture about their courses asserts that design studio is modelled around problem-solving. However, my research into design studio handouts found a common omission in posing a ‘problem’—a problem that would justify a design solution and from which the significance´ of the task would derive. I argue that a well-articulated design problem imbues the case with purpose and significance. It also provides a benchmark against which the results can be assessed and verified.

Keywords: Architectural education; Problem-solving; Design studio

Maturana, Beatriz C. "Where is the 'Problem' in Design Studio: Purpose and Significance of the Design Task." Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, vol. 8, issue 3 (2014): 32-44.