A Focus on Pedagogy

Abstract

In this epigraph abstract, one may ask and wonder how the course of Architecture is taught in the field of design studio? what are the outcomes expected in the outside world in this discourse, are designers created or are they born?  This article hopes to probe the educators and recipients on the current education being given and received, as well as the nature of educations and outcomes we are creating. In the same token we are not saying we do not welcome new thinking and ideas that challenge the status quo. The idea that is important is to understand the esoteric role of design and the mere essence of what our forefathers were trying to bring across. The ideas around beauty and understanding space. To educate is not to entrench but to open one’s mind to new ideas of thinking and questioning within the same ideal parameters. This is done without lowering the standards or disregarding the past, but on the contrary its by having a firm grip on all components that bring about an intelligent point of view. I think it will also be improper in this article not to define the current socio-economic climate in South Africa that we are referring to. As much as we live in a global age we are faced with unique challenges as a country – and also unique blessings with our climate, cultures and diverse nation. Thus, it’s important to really be able to understand our end users as designers. Our relevance hinges on creating spaces and environments habitable to our users. I have put up an image in the heading that is esoteric to the scholars of Architecture – to the mere average human being the image is banal and has no significant meaning, arguably depending on their exposure. What are we then saying as designer? Are we creating exclusive environments understood only by us? or we able to translate our depth of knowledge to mere standard people.