Resumen de The use of full size construction projects: an example of authentic learning in architectural education
Alex Amato, Ruffina Thilakaratne, Yunyan Jia
Design studio is a process of learning through projects. Within studio students develop a real solution to a given 'brief or programme' and is the internationally recognised method for teaching design in architectural schools through out the world. Inherently it is an established variant of problem-based learning as students grapple to solve the requirements of a given programme. In 2004-2005 the it|ct project team in the Department of Architecture, the University of Hong Kong, undertook a full size design and construction project during which second year students worked in groups to design and buld several small structures/buildings for 'real clients'. The follow-up survey shows that the challenge of full size construction is an effective tool to facilitate learning; not only of how to overcome the real difficulties presented by real-life construction but also development of techniques of teamwork and management. The use of one to one scale projects proves the efficacy of applying 'authentic learning' to architectural education.
