A Methodology of Architectural Integrated Design Education based on Material Organization

This study examined a methodology of architectural integrated design education from the design methodology of architects in 1990s, particularly FOA, who thought of architecture as a material organization. Their design method starts from a prototype, which is a technical and material mediator, and processes a number of materials as specific information into an architectural organization. This method is used in the architectural design studio so that the students can integrate the knowledge leant from other classes into architectural proposals. Three case studies show they can successfully organize their proposals with structural and functional materials, which suggests that the FOA's design methodology is a potential solution for architectural integrated design education.