DESIGN STUDIO, COURSEWORK AND COMPLEMENTARY PROJECTS – A TRANSITION FROM THE BASICS TO THE SYNTHESIS OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

Abstract

In addition to the practical knowledge imparted during design studio projects, architecture students amass theoretical knowledge in a wide array of subjects via coursework, and complementary, practice-based knowledge regarding urban planning, structures and architectural technology. The aim of this paper is to examine the relationship between the practical and abstract knowledge input of these three aspects of architectural education, using the curriculum of the “Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urbanism as a case study. Finally, the paper will propose a few key principles for ensuring the optimum ratio between these educational components.