Material-Driven Architectural Pedagogy

Abstract

Most contemporary architecture programmes use a pedagogical model in which students construct their design knowledge by engaging in an architectural project. Due to the size and complexities of the physical environments they study, students develop their design knowledge primarily by using representations of the material world. The learning opportunities afforded by the experience of materials hence are often overlooked. In this study, we seek evidence that material experiences have an agency on architectural teaching and learning. Using sociomaterial perspectives, we followed two architecture designbuild courses, analysed their students’ learning diaries, and contextualised them with the teacher’s pedagogical reflections. We found correlations between specific materials and specific knowledge, skills, and technological competencies and demonstrated how materials could be used as ‘learning agents’ in architectural education. The paper’s findings contribute to the development of a material-driven ped­agogy in which materials are used as ‘learning agents’ in architectural education.