Studio 39

LEARNING architecture

Shervin Jaberzadeh, Jessica Zhang & Wojciech Pluta

Studio Description

LEARNING architecture is a research-based design studio with a focus on developing a thorough understanding of how architecture can facilitate education. The concept of pedagogy will be introduced as a foundation for critical research into educational design. If curriculum describes what is being taught, pedagogy describes how it is being taught. There is an inherent link between pedagogy and space whereby different spaces afford the delivery of different pedagogical models. Herein lies an opportunity for architecture to tailor environments conducive to specific teaching methods and learning styles. This studio will focus on learning and teaching environments to advance education in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Denton Corker Marshall’s Geoff Handbury Science + Technology Hub at Melbourne Grammar School, completed in 2018, will be used as a case study to investigate the following questions: What role does architecture play in advancing STEM education? What are the drivers for the design of learning and teaching environments for STEM education? How will STEM education evolve into the future, and how will architecture respond to its new requirements?

Studio Outcome

Students will be asked to hypothesise the nature of STEM education in the year 2050, and to re-imagine the Geoff Handbury Science + Technology Hub, as if it were to be built in 30 years’ time. What would be required of its learning environments compared with those in the existing facility? Weekly research and design exercises will guide students in developing a clear, well thought-out architectural proposition.

Studio Leaders

Wojciech Pluta is a director of Denton Corker Marshall. With more than three decades of experience, Wojciech has led many major global projects including the multi-award winning Manchester Civil Justice Centre in the United Kingdom and the new Australian Embassy in Jakarta. He has recently completed the Biomedical Learning and Teaching Building at Monash University.

Shervin Jaberzadeh and Jessica Zhang are both architects at Denton Corker Marshall. They are currently working on research and educational facilities across Australia, having completed the Geoff Handbury Science and Technology Hub at Melbourne Grammar School in January 2018.

Readings & References

All reading material will be provided in studio.

Schedule Mondays 18:00-21:00 at Denton Corker Marshall; Thursdays 18:00-21:00 at Denton Corker Marshall

Contact Handbook Key Dates