Making as Pedagogy: Engaging Technology in Design Teaching

Abstract

With the wide spread adaptation of digital technology in the design discipline, there is a need to understand the role of technology in design teaching. In this chapter, we will examine the role of technology as probes, prototype, and toolkits and ask how this facilitates a more holistic learning process. "Design problem" is by its nature multi-facetted and open ended. The difficulty faced by most educators in the design discipline is that of encouraging students to develop critical thinking and approach the open-ended nature of their subject. We will explore making as a critical investigation of the design problem with two projects taught in an architectural design studio environment, at both undergraduate and graduate levels as case studies. By reviewing experiential learning through making, we can develop a more integrated means of teaching technology within a broader trans-disciplinary design context.

Collaborative Learning Experiences in a Changing Environment: Innovative Educational Approaches in Architecture

“…The conceptual framework of this approach refers to critical pedagogy, that Freire defined as a learning process in which the learner can develop connections between their own experiences and the social contexts, thanks to education activities embodying interactions with the reality [37]. This has been translated to architecture pedagogy by means of the experiential learning, a theory elaborated by Kolb and applied to the design thinking [38,55,57,66,67]. For Kolb the experiential learning is "the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience.…”

“…Several attempts to make this model successful have been attempted: actionresearch [67,68], design-build [69], live projects [70], service learning [71], real world context [72], and inquiry-based learning [6,56]. The variety of these experiences in both design studios and theoretical classes shows that a research-based teaching strategy is crucial to implement a critical learning model fostering analytical skills and critical thinking.…”