A Framework for Technical Courses in DesignOriented Architectural Education

Technical courses, including structural courses, materials, construction, building physics, and building services, generally form an important part of architectural schools' curriculums, as these courses provide necessary knowledge for fulfilling design projects. Despite its significance, technical subjects are often overlooked by students of architecture. Generally, less time and effort are dedicated to these courses and they are perceived as a less important part of their architectural education and design projects. Part of this issue may be caused by a lack of proper teaching and learning methods to deliver these courses. This study aims to develop a framework for teaching/learning technical courses responding to the 21st - century competencies essential for architecture students. For this purpose, the study, as an analytical study, depends on a vast literature surveyed from the scientific databases seeking appropriate learning theories and pedagogical methods to be applied in teaching/learning these courses. In analysing the literature in the initial stages, the student-centred strategy was thought as an appropriate choice to be researched in this way. Consequently, the next stages of the literature survey were mostly focused on the origin of student-centred strategy and theoretical foundations supporting it. Furthermore, research was conducted on architectural education, how knowledge is transferred in the design studio, the role of technical courses in the architects’ life, and the relation of technical courses and design. The study results showed that the learning theories and pedagogical methods applied in transferring knowledge in design could be suitable for forming the framework for iv teaching/learning technical courses. The proposed framework then integrated into Necdet Teymur's 4X4 matrix proposed to assess architectural education program, curriculum, course, or project design to see if the new framework can be applied for teaching/learning technical courses.