Application of Challenge-Based Learning in Higher Education: Architectural Design Studio

Challenge-based learning (CBL) is a pedagogical approach that relies on transferring knowledge to students through engaging students in real-world challenges. This study is presenting a framework for the application of challenge-based learning (CBL) in higher education specifically in Architecture school. Architectural Design Studio [2] at Heriot-Watt University is a project-based course that emphasizes on learning by doing approach and CBL. In this study, the CBL framework is being mapped against students’ work process, in addition to revealing the challenges given to the students and how it is manipulated to reach a coherent design project.
During the course, the same challenges were given to all the students however, through the design process, each student approach it differently revealing a diverse solution. Throughout the course, students develop their research processes by creating individual approaches and implementing ideas using different hands-on mediums such as model making, sketches, videos, posters, etc. Moreover, the design studio is one of the main learning and teaching environments that help in developing creativity as well as collaborative working among students. This leads students to develop a higher level of communication skills through the use of media production techniques, to create and share the solutions they come up with.