Making Ripples: Rethinking Pedagogy in the Digital Age. (December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Paranandi, Murali
• Is Part Of: International journal of architectural computing. Volume 11:Number 4(2013)
• Page Start: 415
• Page End: 436
• Publication Date: 2013-12
• Subjects: Architecture -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Architecture -- Informatique -- Périodiques; Virtual reality in architecture -- Periodicals; Computer-aided design -- Periodicals; Architecture -- Data processing; Periodicals; 720.2840285536
• DOI: 10.1260/1478-0771.11.4.415
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1478-0771

Abstract

This essay presents a pedagogical model for beginning design that introduces digital fabrication methods through an integrated learning framework. Ripples - a wall sculpture made collectively by all second year architecture and interior design students as a joint project between studio, graphics and shop—exemplifies design practice as a collective activity. In this example, solutions emerge out of interactions among multiple stakeholders through iterative experimentation and optimization. The goal of this essay is to provoke a rethinking of the status-quo pedagogical practices in order to incorporate digital fabrication within existing curricular structures as a core skill for beginning design students, rather than merely as a technology course elected by a few students. Conclusions suggest the relevance to broader contexts of lessons learned from this modest experiment.