In architectural education the critical educational issue is how to overcome the student's internal struggle between the divergent pulls of "pure" design and applied technology. Examples of two successful approaches--including design in lecture courses and installing computer terminals in studio--are provided. (MLW)

Students at Qinghua University in China participate in real project design tasks. Thesis design in conjunction with real projects helps students to understand step-by-step the whole process of design work and the role of a qualified architect. A housing design course is included in the curriculum. (MLW)

A growing awareness of environmental problems and energy scarcity has led architects and engineers to reevaluate their approaches to building design. Three approaches to combining environmental control systems with design in the Department of Architecture at the University of Oregon are discussed. (MLW)

In architecture courses, the bridging of design learning and construction is a constant challenge for educators. When designing the construction details of a building, students lack the field/site experience of the construction process and an understanding of the problems and solutions associated with erecting a building. The degree of…

The academic world is seen as remote from day-to-day reality. A practicing architect's experiences teaching architecture students at the Saint-Luc School in Brussels are described, in which role playing was used to bring reality to the classroom. (MLW)

A course for first-year architectural students is described. The approach concentrated on developing an understanding of the nature of design activity through exploration of the kind of thinking that may be applied in order to improve the first-year studio work. The course is based on the following premises: (1) it is possible and educationally…

An Exxon-sponsored project at Berkeley on architectural design with the handicapped user in mind is described. Handicapped people are used as a resource in teaching an architectural design course. Physical disability and architectural access are seen as meaningless unless taught within a context of human experience. (MLW)

Describes a project that is a part of an "Architects in Schools" program in England in which students were challenged to redesign a small structure on the school grounds. Discusses the student tasks involved, including the development of scale models, and the evaluation of the design. (TW)

Design is described as a social process and a game. Games provide an experience and environment in which aspects of design skill may be learned. Self-expression (involving no one else) and design (product must satisfy requirements imposed by others) are contrasted. Games described: JOIN, GAMBIT, URBISM, SPIEL, etc. (MLW)

Design and the built environment are subjects of concern to Maine communities. State mandated town planning, new school construction, and the Department of Transportation plans to rebuild roads and bridges elicit public discussion. The study of design encourages elementary students to enter this public forum as informed citizens. The study of…

Introducing architectural concepts to children is a relatively new area of the curriculum for schools, whether elementary schools or high schools. The use of picture books and creative dramatics to encourage children to think about architecture is explored. In a few hours, a fourth-grade class considered the destruction and rebuilding of a…