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Journals / Journal of Design Studio / 2026 / Volume: 8 Issue: 1

To Examine Lacan’s Theory of Imaginary, Symbolic, Real Orders in Design Studios

Rahman Tafahomi(the University of Rwanda)0000-0002-7172-1302
Pages
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Publication Date
2026-07-20
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

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⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

In conclusion, the character of the architecture students and instructors is under development and formation in design studios.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

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Objective & Hypothesis:This paper aims to analyze Lacan’s theory of personality, including the Imaginary, Symbolic, and Real orders, with the activities of architecture design studios, which affect the character of architecture students.
📊
Key Findings & Data:The signifier signifies a significant message or meaning to the signified.
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Conclusion & Impact:In conclusion, the character of the architecture students and instructors is under development and formation in design studios.
🔬Design:Research Article
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Architecture · Design Studios · Lacan

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze Lacan’s theory of personality, including the Imaginary, Symbolic, and Real orders, with the activities of architecture design studios, which affect the character of architecture students. While design studios are a location for social interaction, participants pay less attention to the development of the personality of the students. The methodology of the research was designed to apply historical research, content analysis, and logical argument to ascertain the Lacanian theory and activities in the design studios. The research linked the process of self-development of the students in design studios with the Imaginary order of Lacan's theory in terms of self-awareness, self-ability, and self-identification. The educational context was adapted to the Symbolic orders of Lacan’s theory, which was built based on social constructs, cultural norms, and the political system. The Imaginary and Symbolic orders are associated with signifier-signified relationships, including the Imaginary as the signified and Symbolic as the signifier. The signifier signifies a significant message or meaning to the signified. The Real order was the missing part of something in terms of unattained desires. The Real order led the research to identify the unfulfilled tasks in the design studios that need to be completed by students, instructors, and institutions. In conclusion, the character of the architecture students and instructors is under development and formation in design studios. There are signifier-signified relationships between the students, instructors, and institutions in two ways: first, institutions and instructors-students as signifier-signified, and second, institutions-instructors as signifier-signified.

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Cite This Article

Tafahomi, R. (2026). To Examine Lacan’s Theory of Imaginary, Symbolic, Real Orders in Design Studios. Journal of Design Studio, Volume: 8 Issue: 1. https://doi.org/10.46474/jds.1942505

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