Studio Culture

A messy studio in Goldsmith Hall
STUDIO CULTURE

The University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture believes in the value of the design studio model. Studio learning encourages dialogue, collaboration, risk-taking, innovation, and learning-by-doing. The studio offers an environment where students can come together to ask questions and make proposals, which are developed and discussed among classmates, faculty, visiting professionals, and the public at large.

Studio learning offers intensive one-on-one instruction from faculty members and provides the opportunity for each student to develop their critical thinking skills and spatial and material sensibilities. The design studio offers a synthetic form of education, where project-based learning becomes the foundation for developing an understanding of and commitment to the school's core values — broadmindedness, interconnectivity, professionalism, exploration, and activism — all in service of our fundamental mission: to improve the quality of the built and natural environments.

Open-ended questions
The school encourages students to embrace studio-based learning as a unique and valuable educational model. Studio creates an environment which allows open-ended questions, for which there may be no "right" answers.

Balance
The school supports its students and faculty in leading balanced lives.

Time-management
Students are encouraged to work smarter, not necessarily longer in studio.

Design process
The school affirms the value of design intention, design process, as well as design product, thus both encouraging and evaluating (1) the student's understanding of the ideas that motivate and the forces that inform the project at hand ("grasp"), (2) the student's assiduousness in the development of ideas and use of information in the process of design ("process" or "effort"), and (3) the material and graphic quality of the studio's final products — be they models, drawings, or representations in other media — as well as the appositeness of the proposed design in its real-world context ("product").

Grades
Grades are but one measure of a student's performance in studio. Advising and counseling are considered integral to a student's studio evaluation.

Collaboration
In addition to individual design projects, the school values partner and group projects at every level of design research and development.

Interdisciplinary opportunities
To become effective designers of and advocates for a quality built environment, the school supports community-based research and design opportunities through which students can acquire a broad range of skills and experiences.

Faculty development
Faculty who teach studio are selected for their ability to inspire students to learn, to engage students in critical thinking, to bring forward their particular expertise, and to convey a sense of optimism about the field of architecture.

Critiques/Reviews
Public presentation and display of the work of the design studio is valued, and is essential in developing skills for effective verbal communication. The school supports considered and respectful dialogue—whether spirited debate or sober discussion — during public presentations.

Diversity
The school supports active, open dialogue and the studio must be a place where diverse life experiences and opinions are shared. A culture of respect and open inquiry supports the life-long learning process that begins in architecture school.

  • Instagram Post
    On Monday, the landscape architect Kristina Hill drkzhill will present her lecture “Design for Sea Level Rise: How to Drop the Mic and Change the Conversation.” The lecture will take place Monday, Sept. 16 at 5:00 pm in the Goldsmith Lecture Hall. Details at the link in our bio.<br>
    @utsoa

    On Monday, the landscape architect Kristina Hill drkzhill will present her lecture “Design for Sea Level Rise: How to Drop the Mic and Change the Conversation.” The lecture will take place Monday, Sept. 16 at 5:00 pm in the Goldsmith Lecture Hall. Details at the link in our bio.

  • Instagram Post
    A big SOA welcome to the three visiting faculty members joining the School of Architecture this semester: Karel Klein, Andy Bako and Michael Moynihan.<br>
    @utsoa

    A big SOA welcome to the three visiting faculty members joining the School of Architecture this semester: Karel Klein, Andy Bako and Michael Moynihan.

  • Instagram Post
    Next week we’re hosting the Black Home as Public Art symposium, a one-and-a-half-day symposium examining creative notions of the Black home in the United States.<br>
    @utsoa

    Next week we’re hosting the Black Home as Public Art symposium, a one-and-a-half-day symposium examining creative notions of the Black home in the United States.

  • Instagram Post
    Congratulations to the three UTSOA faculty members who were recently promoted!<br>
    @utsoa

    Congratulations to the three UTSOA faculty members who were recently promoted!

  • Instagram Post
    What a great way to end the first week of classes, welcoming everyone back to campus and celebrating the start of a new year 🤘
    @utsoa

    What a great way to end the first week of classes, welcoming everyone back to campus and celebrating the start of a new year 🤘

  • Instagram Post
    Jesse Reiser kicks off our Fall 2024 lecture series tomorrow with his lecture “Weaponized Craft” taking place in Jessen Auditorium at 5:00 p.m.<br>
    @utsoa

    Jesse Reiser kicks off our Fall 2024 lecture series tomorrow with his lecture “Weaponized Craft” taking place in Jessen Auditorium at 5:00 p.m.

  • Instagram Post
    Welcome back, we missed you! 🤘
    @utsoa

    Welcome back, we missed you! 🤘

  • Instagram Post
    Announcing our Fall 2024 Lectures &amp; Exhibitions Series!<br>
    @utsoa

    Announcing our Fall 2024 Lectures & Exhibitions Series!

  • Instagram Post
    SO excited to welcome these new Longhorns to the Forty Acres next week 🤘 @utsoafirstyears you ready?!
    @utsoa

    SO excited to welcome these new Longhorns to the Forty Acres next week 🤘 @utsoafirstyears you ready?!