X-Ray of an Architectural Design Studio: The Pendulum between the Ontology and Epistemology of Architecture

Abstract

Architectural design studio is a dynamic/interactive/productive atmosphere. This atmosphere is not limited to a physical space—like the school building—but can be produced collectively with the students where the educator comes together with them. Changing the atmosphere during the design process keeps students active, excited and motivated. This motivation triggers creativity. In order to support this creative atmosphere, a pendulum-like movement should be created between the ontology and epistemology of architecture through relational and critical thinking. At this stage, the design of the content and the process of the design studio by the educator come into prominence. In this paper the x-ray of a 3rd year undergraduate architectural design studio in Istanbul will be presented so as to discuss the interwoven relations between the educator, the content, the place, the students and the process.