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Pedagogy: the balance between teaching and learning in architecture school

Design Dialogues · 24 conversations · a podcast and video series on architecture in India

Innovative teaching, project-based learning and the power of mentorship in shaping the future of design.

Students, professors and practising architects talk about studio culture, how faculty shape learning, the curriculum from first year to fifth year, and the balance between design and technical subjects.

Start with this one

Pedagogy: A balance of teaching and learning, Part I: Feeling like your architecture education is missing something? You're not alone. We master design principles, construction techniques, and software, but what not the real magic.

The conversations

  1. Pedagogy: A balance of teaching and learning, Part I
    Feeling like your architecture education is missing something? You're not alone. We master design principles, construction techniques, and software, but what not the real magic.
  2. Pedagogy: A balance of teaching and learning, Part II
    The foundations of great architecture go beyond technical skills and blueprints. Ancient India's Gurukul system, a pillar of Vedic education, offers a fascinating glimpse into a holistic approach to architectural pedagogy.
  3. Pedagogy: A balance of teaching and learning, Part III
    In Indian architecture colleges, professors with diverse experiences can significantly benefit students. Senior architects bring real-world practice knowledge, while younger faculty provide fresh perspectives and enthusiasm.
  4. Pedagogy: A balance of teaching and learning, Part IV
    Prof. Nachiket Kalle on current teaching approaches in architecture, and how they may be shaping critical thinking in unexpected ways.
  5. Pedagogy: A balance of teaching and learning, Part V
    The architecture studio is a battlefield of ideas, sleepless nights, and endless cups of coffee. Yet, amidst the creative frenzy, a question lingers: are students truly designing for themselves, or are they designing to satisfy their faculty?
  6. Pedagogy: A balance of teaching and learning, Part VI
    The architecture classroom isn't just about mastering software and building codes. It's a crucible where creativity takes form, fueled by knowledge and guided by experienced professionals – the faculty.
  7. Pedagogy: A balance of teaching and learning, Part VII
    The architectural profession, constantly evolving with novel technologies and environmental concerns, seems at odds with the inertia present within some architectural pedagogy.
  8. Pedagogy: A balance of teaching and learning, Part VIII
    Indian architecture schools are renowned for their rigorous programs. But what happens when the voices shaping those programs - the students - feel unheard?
  9. Pedagogy: A balance of teaching and learning, Part IX
    An architectural college thrives with a diverse faculty. They guide students through the 5-year journey, offering expertise in history, technology, design, and more.
  10. Pedagogy: A balance of teaching and learning, Part X
    Can architectural education be more engaging for students? Prof. Ar. Nachiket Kalle shares his perspective.
  11. Pedagogy: A balance of teaching and learning, Part XI
    A faculty's enthusiasm and course design heavily influence how students engage with a subject. Engaging teachers and well-structured courses spark a student's interest, shaping their approach to learning.
  12. Pedagogy: A balance of teaching and learning, Part XII
    A well-rounded architectural curriculum equips future architects with diverse skills, but practical experience through collaboration in studios is crucial.
  13. Pedagogy: A balance of teaching and learning, Part XIII
    A student looks back on her first-year design project, and what that first design taught her.
  14. Pedagogy: A balance of teaching and learning, Part XIV
    Different design projects leave different impressions on designers. Mehul Sanghvi shares how one such design project, where he was designing a home, gave him a new perspective on design.
  15. Pedagogy: A balance of teaching and learning, Part XV
    Is there relationship between faculty experience and student outcomes? Tune in to hear a perspective on the impact of junior and senior faculty members on the classroom environment.
  16. Pedagogy: A balance of teaching and learning, Part XVI
    Is there a difference when guest lecturers in an architectural college are practicing architects? Guest lectures by practicing architects for architecture students
  17. Pedagogy: A balance of teaching and learning, Part XVII
    Each college has its own faculty structure and planning. One such architectural college in Mumbai is SEA Education, which employs only in-house faculty for the entire five-year B.Arch. program.
  18. Pedagogy: A balance of teaching and learning, Part XVIII
    An architecture student's journey evolves through a shifting curriculum. From foundational design principles in year 1 to advanced topics like urban planning in year 5, the focus adapts, equipping students with a comprehensive skillset.
  19. Pedagogy: A balance of teaching and learning, Part XIX
    A well-rounded architecture curriculum necessitates a harmonious blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application.
  20. Pedagogy: A balance of teaching and learning, Part XX
    How to teach sustainability to young designers: Chitra Vishwanath on passing sustainability knowledge on to students and young architects.
  21. Pedagogy: A balance of teaching and learning, Part XXI
    Architecture students often juggle multiple design assignments and projects simultaneously, leading to intense academic pressure.
  22. Pedagogy: A balance of teaching and learning, Part XXII
    The first year of architecture is often a playground for creativity. Students experiment with form, space, and materials, exploring their design sensibilities without the constraints of strict technical requirements.
  23. Pedagogy: A balance of teaching and learning, Part XXIII
    What importance do case studies hold in contemporary architectural pedagogy? Ar. Chitra Vishwanath reminisces about how they significantly influenced her early learnings as an architecture student.
  24. Pedagogy: A balance of teaching and learning, Part XXIV
    Design subjects ignite creativity and foster imaginative thinking, shaping the soul of an architect. Technical subjects, on the other hand, provide the structural backbone, ensuring designs are grounded in reality and feasibility.

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