Improving the training of future designers: a cross-disciplinary observation of teaching experiences in design studio courses

The project was oriented toward an exploration of the educational practices involved in the teaching of design studios seeking to map overlapping trends and distinctive approaches across the different design disciplines. The main aim stated in the project application was to use the results of the exploration to improve existing teaching methods in design studio courses at SLU –Landscape. The method to be used in the project consisted of direct observations of both instructors and students in design studio sessions. Results would seek to improve existing teaching methods in design studio courses at SLU Landscape.

Nonetheless, the situation encountered with the pandemic of Covid-19 already at the beginning of 2020 and the following lock down and travel restrictions in many countries affected the activities connected with the project. The method developed to carry out the activities had to be changed and adapted. Direct observation in design studios could not be performed. Instead, data gathering followed an internet-based scoping review of design studio courses and university websites.

Due to the change of method resulted in finding patterns in the way studios are carried out across different design disciplines. Results from the data analysis will steer the future research possibilities of similar projects. A future idea is to identify a few exemplar design studios to run in-class observations and interviews with instructors and teachers from different design fields.