The role of visual thinking in educational development: architectural design

Abstract

ABSTRACT Artistic media and techniques should be viewed as tools for solving problems in the field of architectural design. Only visually literate architect is able to give successfully create an architectural composition. The key to solving it does not exist, otherwise all compositions would be successful. Composition will be successful depending on the author’s approach to work. Therefore, the research of visual composition is more important for students of architecture than the traditional approach to the works of art, where instead of the creative idea, the focus is on skill and technique. As far as the authors know, there are no scientific works that connect visual literacy, creativity, architectural education and architectural design in this way. In order to improve the program of studies in architecture in Niš, this research was conducted through several experiments (creativity tests). Results of the research show that the students did not have enough knowledge about creativity when enrolling at the faculty. Nevertheless, it is possible to improve their creativity by changing the structure of curriculum. Recommendations for improving practical teaching are based on the overall results.