Theory in Practice

The studio considers perceived expectations of tertiary education, in relation to actual practice. The exercises proposed focus on extending the theoretical approach encouraged during the university experience, into post graduate and professional projects. University curriculum recognises the potential for innovation and discovery through an acknowledgement of flexibility in project briefs, and allowance for individual interpretation.  The position taken by this studio considers that this encouraged direction of testing ideas and questioning established assumptions, is somewhat dissolved as students graduate and are exposed to workplace settings. In aiming to balance an inequality of practice and theory, ‘Theory in Practice’ introduces a paralleled design process, exposing students to the practical process of architectural design, combined with a validated theoretical approach.

Site & Concept - Students are given the option of choosing between various sites, justified through an emphasis on design response principles and site specific projects.

Concept Development - Positions are investigated in relation to social, environmental, and economic conditions, identifying the relevance and implications of proposed program.

Construction Documentation - The course covers intention and legibility of concept, through

exercises focusing on materiality, conveyance of form, and documentation. The site condition acknowledged, the actual response encourages bilateral thinking and the formation of a considered opinion by justification. The studio questions established assumptions in relation to form, function, and their changing role in the presence of evolving technologies.

Perception and approachability are explored and implemented in the final documented works, adapting to various presentation methods.