Innovation and Practicality Architecture Design Studio at a Crossroads

Abstract

Architectural Design studio, no doubt, lays at the core of any Architectural education program and developing the methods and techniques of teaching in the design studio plays an essential role in enhancing the educational program. The rapid need of practicality joined with the evolution of four consecutive industrial revolution puts questions the established vision of Architecture as a field of artistic innovation. This paper is concerned with introducing a restructured comprehensive framework for Architecture design studios to bridge the gap between the two visions. It starts by exploring the pedagogical value of Architecture between art and science and the challenges facing Architectural education in the new IR4 era. Followed by introducing the main characteristics and features of the proposed comprehensive structure of Design Studios (CDS) supported by illustrative examples. The research ends by concluding remarks and some recommendations to the studio instructors.

Index Terms— Architectural Education, Design Studio, IR4, Comprehensive Design Studio.