General intention of the Studio 1 is to develop individual awareness of a “design thinking”, focusing on the analytical aspects, the technical skills and the cultural background in the light of their intertwined relations.
The Studio experience reproduces – with some necessary simplifications and differences – the architectural design real process, challenging students to deal with the high level of complexity typical in the human – built environment systems, in consideration of the dynamic between constrains and resources as a sustainable approach. The “design project” is used as a means of discovery, and through the practice of “learning by doing”, students are encouraged to explore ways of working and to establish their individual work method in the architectural design practice. Studio tasks will train students to consider the interdisciplinary approach as a way to drive technical solutions to a cultural complex decision making process as the architectural project is.

Knowledge and Understanding
On successful completion of the module students will have had the opportunity to:
• Critically appraise architectural design situations in relation to space, social and environmental requirements.
• Apply an understanding of theoretical and methodological concepts to design contexts.
• Demonstrate a critical awareness of spatial, material, organizational and procedural consequences of their designs.
• To investigate and recognize characters and peculiarities of places, with an attention to constrains, resources, strength and weaknesses in order to propose transformations.
• Awareness of technical, ethical and cultural responsibilities strictly connected with the design decision process.

Transferable/Key Skills and other attributes
On successful completion of this module students will have had the opportunity to:
• Demonstrate a certain level and independent design skills
• Basic knowledge on typology, dimensioning criteria and building elements and technologies as a vital set of tools to develop potential ideas related to form, function and building systems.
• Achieve competence in applying theoretical and methodological concepts in architectural design projects
• Capabilities in analyze and communicate architectural and urban design issues, ideas and solutions with graphics, models and appropriate language.
• Achieve advanced skills in critical analysis and synthesis of architectural products and processes.

As a very first design experience with an introduction to the complexity aspects of architectural and urban design, there are no eligibility requirements. However, as the aim of this module is to bring students to an adequate level of “architectural awareness”, active and full participation to all the experiences is a fundamental requirement; interested proactive approach in bring new discussion topics, using the provided reading list as tool and engaging with other students and instructors is crucial. Success in first semester modules can also be an important asset. The studio modules are the learning environment where students must develop their own set of cultural and technical tools.

• Introduction to design, architectural design, “learning by doing” pedagogy, studio course work
• Role of architects in the society, skills, culture, processes, industry
• Introduction to contemporary architectural design case studies, with open discussions among teachers, assistant, external guests and students [this will be an ongoing activity for the whole module]
• Main design strategies and techniques: functional diagrams, grids, alignments, subtraction and addition, space layout and distribution
• Creativity, complexity and lateral thinking
• Diagramatic representation and concepts
• Introduction to digital tools, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality e Rapid Prototyping
• Urban morphology, building typologies, density
• Sustainable architectural design, contemporary dwelling.

Every week design tutorials and lectures given by instructors or external guest are mixed according to the week topic. The studio is the place and the environment where practice of and reflection on architectural design enable students to achieve the expected results. As an extra activity the studio will run an introductory short training to Sketch up (4 hrs.).

Specific readings will be suggested during the semester. We strongly encourage students to propose readings about architecture, urban and built environment subjects.

Attendance to lectures is a fundamental stage where students in their day by day design activity are continuously guided, thorough individual and group tutorials. The tutorials will let instructors to carry on a continuous evaluation process.
Examination, held as oral individual presentations of the design coursework, provides a comprehensive evaluation about the student’s works, drafts, carnets, models and all the individual production, in shape of final portfolio along with plates. The evaluation focus on
Design process: 40% - proficiency in the module, engagement, development of personal skills, design awareness, cultural and technical skills reached through readings
Design outcome: 60% - evaluation of the architectural design object of the assignments.