Structural literacy in architectural studio learning

ABSTRACT

Architectural education encompasses a multidisciplinary curriculum including design, theory, history, technology, environmental considerations, urban planning, social aspects, and professional practice. This study aims to investigate the extent to which students can effectively integrate structural concepts into architectural design. This examination takes place within the framework of a third-year architectural design studio course, where students advance their design processes with input from architectural design instructors and experts in structural concepts. To facilitate this endeavour, a simple visual screening form was introduced to aid in the learning process. The study utilises a newly generated survey, namely ‘Structural System Control Form’, which is inspired by the rapid visual screening forms, to assess the students’ comprehension of structural concepts during a 14-week architectural design studio. Employing a descriptive and correlational research approach, the study assesses the effectiveness of this integrated strategy in enhancing the students’ understanding of structural principles. The findings revealed a notable development among students who participated in the integrated approach, highlighting the value of feedback and evaluation from instructors versed in construction. Furthermore, the use of simplified structural models in students’ projects improved their understanding of structural concepts and their ability to incorporate them into their architectural representations.

KEYWORDS:

• Architecture education
• design teaching
• structural design concepts
• studio-based learning
• earthquake-prone cities

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nevset Gul Canakcioglu

Nevset Gul Canakcioglu obtained her B.Sc. degree in architecture in 2002, M.Sc. degree in 2011 with the dissertation titled ‘Analysis of Perceptual Processes of Children Living in Different Settled Social Groups in Istanbul by the Method of Cognitive Maps’ and her Ph.D. degree in 2016, from Istanbul Technical University with the dissertation titled ‘Analysis of Perceptual Processes of Individuals Using Pediatric Healthcare Spaces by the Method of Cognition and Space Syntax’. Her research focuses on pediatric healthcare environments, spatial perception in children, cognition, behavior maps, cognitive maps and space syntax in her academic studies.

Omer Karadag

Omer Karadag obtained his B.Sc. degree in civil engineering from Karadeniz Technical University in 2015, M.Sc. degree from Gebze Technical University in the field of Earthquake and Structural Engineering with the thesis titled ‘Comparison of equivalent durability performance of measured and prescribed k-values against rebar corrosion of fly ash concrete’ in 2018. His Ph.D is ongoing. He has several publications in esteemed journals. His research focuses on reinforced concrete structures, earthquake-resistant building design, concrete technology and rebar corrosion.

Yagiz Eray Esgin

Yagiz Eray Esgin obtained his B.Arch degree in architecture from Özyeğin University in 2022. He is still studying Construction and Robotics at RWTH Aachen University.