Vertical Design Studio Workshop
Enhancing the learning culture in design studios through cross-batch collaboration and innovative pedagogical approaches
Virtual Design Studio - A Test Ride
Steering through Virtual Studios - A Test Ride
Due to the 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 are yet to be fully addressed.
Workshop Documentation Video
Studio-based model of learning has always focused 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 framework and 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 by faculty members before embarking on the Virtual Studio Journey.
Workshop Objectives
- Discussion with experts on opportunities and challenges in conduct of virtual studios
- Exploring the various technological tools available
- Review and finalization of the proposed design problems of all Architectural Design courses
- Experimenting with teaching-learning online studio courses by introducing a time-based activity
Participants & Experts
Participants: Faculty of Architecture and Students
Shri. Sanjay Prakash
Expert
Dr. Harimohan Pillai
Expert
Dr. Meghal Arya
Expert
Ar. Harieesh Sankaran
Expert
Virtual Exhibition: Please find below the link of the virtual exhibition displaying the outcomes of student activity during the workshop.
View Virtual ExhibitionVertical Design Studio Workshop
Main Workshop Documentation
VERTICAL DESIGN STUDIO WORKSHOP was an initiative in enhancing the learning culture in design studios. The workshop was designed to create a collaborative learning environment that transcends traditional year-based boundaries and fosters innovation in architectural education.
Main Objectives
- To integrate the culture of working together with students of different batches which fosters cross-learning scenario
- To inculcate team effort competitively and to mutually share ideas across the studios
- To work within a stipulated time frame
- 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
Workshop Details
Convener: Prof. Dr. Minakshi Jain, Director SPA Vijayawada
Coordinators: Dr. Lilly Rose A and Ar. Deepak Kumar
Duration: 5 days (15th – 19th October 2019)
Participants: Students from 2nd year to final year undergraduate and postgraduate students of architecture
Theme: "Urban Arena – Relooking Vijayawada"
Workshop Sub-themes
The students were divided into eight groups working on eight sub-themes 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
Integration of natural elements in urban design
3. Urban Form and Solar Architecture
Sustainable design approaches in urban context
4. City Acupuncture
Revitalizing Vijayawada City by small-scale targeted interventions
5. Language and the City
Cultural expression through architectural language
6. Culture and City
Preserving and celebrating local cultural identity
7. City Fabric and Nature
Harmonizing built environment with natural systems
8. Sustainable Schools
6 x 6 matrix of Space making
Workshop Outcomes
The outcomes for the Vertical Design Studio were diverse and innovative:
- Sheets: Both digital and hand-drafted presentation boards
- Artistic Presentations: Presentation drawings done on fabric
- Physical Models: 3D architectural and urban design models
- Motion Graphics: Stop motion videos showcasing design process
- Documentation: Movies and documentary films
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.