“I thought it would be a lot less thinking”

Variations in Students’ Conceptions of Architecture from a Beginning Architectural Design Course

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the qualitatively different ways students conceptualize design and architecture by examining the relationship of these conceptions and students’ backgrounds and pre-course experiences.  These understandings provide context for developing curricula and teaching practices that leverage students’ preconceptions as foundations for new architectural design knowledge.