OPEN AND CELL-TYPE DESIGN STUDIOS: THEIR IMPACT ON ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION

Abstract

“Architectural design studio” class constitutes the basis of architectural education. In Istanbul Technical University Faculty of Architecture, architectural design studios are categorized into two types in terms of spatial use: “open design studios” and “cell-type design studios”. This study primarily aims to determine the physical characteristics of both studio types as learning environments where the “design process” takes place in architectural education, as well as investigating the studio space with its sub-components. Second, it aims to cross-examine the relation of communication and interaction between students and the tutor to the physical characteristics of the architectural studio space. Finally, the study attempts to examine various effects of different physical characteristics pertaining to “open” and “cell-type design studios” on both positive and negative behavior patterns among students. To this purpose, the study includes a survey on user experiences in design studios. The findings of the survey are expected to be useful for determining the design of architectural design studios.