Virtual Design Studio

Due to pandemic, the world is witnessing a breakthrough change in pedagogy as online teaching has become the norm. While the methods of teaching online theory courses are explored by teachers of all disciplines and successful models have emerged, the challenges of teaching studio based courses that are unique to design disciplines such as Architecture areyet to be fully addressed. Studio-based model of learning has alwaysfocused on collaborative, hands-on learning in studio spaces. The studio – a multipurpose space for lecturing, working, reflecting, reviewing and assessing etc., - is a crucial element of the teaching- learning process of the design courses as it creates an environment not only for interaction, and collaboration but also for inspiration and getting inspired. Is it possible to create a virtual studio environment that can substitute the traditional studio? What are the implications of this for pedagogical frameworkand teachers’ role in a studio based course? How do we translate traditional studio pedagogy entirely into an online course? How can we manage and sustain the virtual studios? How can the resources be effectively utilized in the transition of “in-person, studio-based model of learning” into online mode? These questions need to be discussed and various possibilities need to be explored byfaculty members before embarking on the Virtual Studio Journey.

Vertical Design Studio

VERTICAL DESIGN STUDIO WORKSHOP was an initiative in enhancing the learning culture in design studios. The main objective of the Vertical Design Studio are:-

1. to integrate the culture of working together with students of different batches which fosters cross-learning scenario;
2. to inculcate team effort competitively and to mutually share ideas across the studios;
3. to work within a stipulated time frame;
4. to enhance the students thinking process constructively; to improve teaching methodologies and practices and allow the students to engage and participate effectively at the studio and to streamline their productivity.

Prof. Dr. Minakshi Jain, Director SPA Vijayawada was the convener, and Dr. Lilly Rose A and Ar. Deepak Kumar was the coordinator of the workshop. The Vertical Design Studio workshop was conducted for 5 days from 15th – 19th October 2019, involving students from 2nd year to final year undergraduate and postgraduate students of architecture. The broader theme identified for the workshop was "Urban Arena – Relooking Vijayawada". The students were divided into eight groups working on eight subthemes mentored by experts from industry and academia along with the internal faculty members. The chosen sub-themes were:-

   1. Spatial Narratives: Timeless and Experientially Engaging Architecture
   2. City, Forest and Water
   3. Urban Form and Solar Architecture
   4. City Acupuncture: Revitalizing Vijayawada City by small scale targeted interventions
   5. Language and the city
   6. Culture and city
   7. City Fabric and Nature
   8. Sustainable Schools: 6 x 6 matrix of Space making

Outcomes:
The outcomes for the Vertical Design Studio were in terms of Sheets (both digital and hand drafted), presentation drawings done on fabric, models, Stop motion videos, movies and documentary. The works were exhibited on the 23rd of October, 2019 where students from all the batches of Bachelors and Masters shared their experiences with each other. The approach of integrating different batches into the Studio exercise was welcomed by the students and the students responded positively towards the overall event.