DRS2012 Bangkok Proceedings Vol 4 - Design Research Society

DRS 2012 Bangkok
Chulalongkorn University
Bangkok, Thailand, 1–4 July 2012
How Architectural Students Characterize
Design
Batuhan TANERI and Fehmi DOGAN
Izmir Institute of Technology
Abstract
This study explores how students of architecture characterize design. It focuses on the
transformation of students’ conception of design as they move from first year to fourth year
in their undergraduate education. The study employs surveys and in-depth interviews with
selected groups of students from all four levels among the students of architecture in the
Department of Architecture in the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design in Izmir University of
Economics. It was found that first year students mostly characterize design as an artistic
activity and this characterization changes towards a more problem-solving oriented
conception of design among the fourth year students. The conception of design is
constructed on the basis of the recognition of end products as art objects among first year
students while fourth year students tend to define design in reference to the design process.
Keywords: design education, design learning, design studio
Conference Proceedings 1813