A concepção estrutural no processo de aprendizagem do projeto de arquitetura: uma análise a partir de duas experiências de ensino de projeto (UFRN e UFPE)

Abstract

This research investigates the teaching/learning of structural design in the process of teaching architectural design. It considers the premise according to which the structure type definition (shape, local support, as well as other features) are defined by the architect. These aspects need to be considered since the initial phases of the project, when preliminary studies are made, because the structural system of building heavily interferes in it’s the spatial configuration. Considering the training of professionals, there is a gap between structural systems education and design learning, which difficulties the consideration of the structure on the architectural design and fails to fully prepare the students, who will need to deal with the structural design in their professional life. Improving the way architecture is taught is already a recurring theme in the academic world. However, few studies explore structure conception as an acting element in the designing process. Therefore, this work aims to identify how the structural design happens in the architectural design learning process, based on the analysis of two architectural disciplines in the programs of Architecture and Urbanism of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) and the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE). It also aims to suggest enhancements to the methodological proposals for education in the analyzed disciplines in order to contribute to the progress of architecture teaching and to the development of aspiring architects’ skills and structural knowledge. First, it presents other studies that deal with the relations between structure and architecture, as well as the way those two are taught and practiced in all stages of design. For each case studied, a brief background was laid, then an in depth analysis of the current curriculum framework was made. The analysis of the discipline in each university was based on data collected by survey, observation in the classroom and student’s projects. Finally, it is expected that the results, discussions and suggestions outlined by the end of this work come to contribute to improve teaching and learning in the field.