A practical approach to design of structures: a learning experiment through research, design and physical modelling

This paper is prepared based on a workshop experience in which over one hundred first year students were involved. The process of education for the first year students is somehow controversial because on their side there is a lack of fundamental knowledge of building sciences, on one hand and on the other hand there is a need for getting them prepared for their further educational stages which makes it quite complicated. Having a general look at this process and trying to establish a rather conscious approach towards the problem, this paper is invigorated with a real experience of an architectural module which specifically targets the most critical aspects of architectural education – preparing the basis for grasping the empirical knowledge of building.