Islamic Art Studies

Islamic Art Studies

Examining Changes in the Architectural Design Process Through Scenario-Based Education

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Hadis Davoodeh
Behzad Vasiq
MohammadEbrahim Mazhary
Department of Architecture, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran
10.22034/ias.2021.295736.1663
Abstract
This study is grounded in the premise that scenario-based education significantly enhances students’ creative thinking and innovative capacity in response to architectural design challenges. A primary objective of this research is to employ a method that fosters and sustains creativity in students. Conducted as a quasi-experimental study, this research reflects on documented teaching processes in an architectural design studio centered on the proposed theme, "Designing My Villa." The study involved 52 architecture students from the University of Tehran. The "My Villa" design was taught through scenario-based methods across six defined stages, each covered in a single session. After each session, a design test was administered to assess changes in participants’ scores compared to previous stages. Data analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA via SPSS (Version 22). The results indicated a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between the mean design test scores after each instructional stage. Among the six stages of scenario-based education, "memory and creativity reinforcement" and "spatial scenario development" led to the most substantial improvements in design scores. A key strategic finding was the identification of essential guiding steps for architectural design education in the studio, encompassing the entire design process—from initial conceptualization to final presentation. Scenario-based design describes a narrative-driven approach to architecture, introducing relevant theoretical and technical frameworks.
Research Objectives:

Examining the role of creativity in architecture, particularly in design studios.
Investigating the impact of scenario-based education on the architectural design process.

Research Questions:

How does scenario-based training influence architecture students’ creative design output?
How does each stage of scenario-based instruction alter students’ design approaches?
Keywords
Architectural education
creativity
scenario-based design
architectural design
lived experience
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