Tackling the Application Gap: Architecture Students' Experiences of a Research Component in a Design Studio Class

Abstract

Prominent architects have made calls for the architecture profession to adopt a new level of scientific rigour and more readily incorporate evidence-based design into practice; similar to medicine’s evolution to evidence-based medicine. However, evidence-based design is a relatively new field and its widespread adoption by the profession is challenging. One challenge is associated with the education of architecture students. Students, if they are taught about research, often face an ‘application gap’ between research classes and design studio classes. In this study, a research component was implemented in a design studio class. Students were observed and interviewed about their experiences. The research component was successful in introducing students to evidence-based design; however, it did not offer a comprehensive education. Students responded favourably to the research component. We summarize their experiences in the class, draw links to the field of medicine, and offer recommendations for the education of architecture students.