The Critical Practice Studio focuses on "Building Collaboration," exploring the contextual elements of design through teamwork and construction. The course examines critical issues in contemporary design practice, encouraging students to research, develop, and present design concepts within a collaborative framework. The course structures eight weeks of planning/designing, and intensive one week build-week to construct an inhabitable exterior structure that serves as a speculative proof of concept, pushing the boundaries of traditional architectural practice.
Technological innovation, including projection and extended reality, is integrated into the design process, allowing students to explore new possibilities. The course emphasizes advanced planning, material acquisition, logistics, and construction techniques, simulating architect's challenges in the real world.
Structured through progressive assignments, students scale their projects in complexity, transitioning from small groups to larger teams. This hands-on experience bridges the gap between theoretical architectural models and full-scale prototypes, fostering collaboration and innovation in design practice.
