Design studios complement our knowledge-intensive classes with project-based learning and application. In these studios, we encourage individual exploration, research, and team-based collaboration.
Studio Culture at Texas A&M University
All students, faculty, administration, and staff of the Department of Architecture at Texas A&M University commit to 21st-century, student-centered pedagogical approaches that seamlessly weave diversity, inclusivity, and critical thinking throughout our programs’ representation, history-theory-criticism, technology, and engagement courses. In this context, design serves as a centrally unifying tenet of our curriculum.
The Department of Architecture equally dedicates to the belief that students and faculty must lead balanced lives and use time wisely, including time outside the design studio, to gain from all aspects of university education and world experiences. They also believe that design is the integration of many parts, that process is as important as the product, and that the act of design and professional practice is inherently interdisciplinary, requiring active and respectful collaboration with others.
Studio Operational Procedure
Students and faculty in every design studio will embody the fundamental values of optimism, respect, sharing, engagement, and innovation. Therefore, every design studio will encourage the rigorous exploration of ideas, diverse viewpoints, and the integration of all aspects of architecture (practical, theoretical, scientific, spiritual, and artistic) by providing a safe and supportive environment for thoughtful innovation.
Every design studio will increase skills in professional communication through drawing, modeling, writing, and speaking.
Every design studio will, as part of the syllabus introduced at the start of each class, include a clear statement on time management, and recognition of the critical importance of academic and personal growth, inside and outside the studio environment. As such, the department expects that faculty members and students devote quality time to studio activities while respecting the need to attend to the broad spectrum of academic life.
Every design studio will establish opportunities for a timely and effective review of both processes and products. Studio reviews will include student and faculty peer review. When external reviewers integrate into the studio reviews, the design studio instructor will ensure that the visitors are aware of the Studio Culture Statement and recognize that the design critique is an integral part of the learning experience.
The design studio is an environment for open communication and thought that inclusively respects others’ needs and the facilities.