Introduction to design workshop based on student´s admission profile

Abstract

In certain socioeconomic circumstances, it is necessary to design learning methodologies based on the analysis of students’ admission profiles. In the case of the Universidad San Sebastian subject Introduction to Architectural Design (Taller de Fundación), this study enables staff to design a course in which learning is structured through a series of activities of progressive difficulty. Starting with simple concepts, developed through short, guided exercises that are very limited both in terms of material, as well as the handling and format variables, the complexity of the problems may be progressively increased to end the year with a basic architectural exercise of reduced programme and minimal material exploration, where the emphasis is put on spatial articulation and material handling. It thus becomes possible to even out the students’ design abilities with a view to their progress in subsequent years.