Learning by doing: a joint studio experiment on the theme of timber building design

Modern timber structure as an important architectural form has been widely applied to various buildings, but has not been given sufficient attention in China currently. A thorough understanding of the principles of timber structural building is particularly important for architects, a complex process which involves the multidisciplinary collaboration. However, there are problems incorporating the lecture based theoretical taught modules into architectural design studio which is the core curriculum of architectural education. The object of this paper was to examine the teaching effectiveness of an innovative pedagogy by the use of a 'learning by doing' approach in the design studio. It presented the findings of a joint studio between Harbin Institute of Technology China and University of Bath UK on the theme of timber building design and the underlying educational value was also discussed. As a result, the motivation and academic performance of the students was proved to be increased.