framework for the implementation of a virtual design studio model in ...

studio working on their design ideas while the use of virtual tools is
minimal. The application of creative ideas is very much linked to the
imitation of western building rather than concentrating on the local
building and the society needs.
Therefore the instructors in charge of teaching design courses should be
aware of technological advances and their proper utilisation and
integration in the studio place and the curriculum 150 . Moreover, the
curriculum itself should be revised to better accommodate technology
taking into consideration the incorporation of new skills.
Architectural practice has been criticised by those that claim there is a
lack of architectural refinement in the production of architectural
departments where creativity is seen as the production of fantastic forms
rather than commitments to the reality of the world of practice. 151
Similarly, there is an argument for the subjects being taught in
architecture department and their suitability and compatibility with the
architecture practice. 152 Architecture departments have been accused
of not using the real world situations for their student which in turn result
in architects with insufficient experience. 153
Since this is regarded to be the international case, it could be used as
an indicator for the UAE design education case. The researcher‟s
observation also revealed the lack of real life projects in the practice of
design education in the UAE architecture departments.
3.6 Effective Utilisation of VDS on Architecture Design Education
Reffat 154 argues that the use of computers in the teaching of architecture
design was primarily for purposes such as information processing,
communication, and visualisation tools in the design process. Reffat
adds that the use of computers for the full range of visualisation aims at
150
Reffat R. (2002). op.cit. p347-354.
151
Buchanan, P. (1989). ‘What is wrong with Architecture Education? Almost Everything’, Architectural
Review. 185.
152
Lathem, M. S. (1994). Constructing the Team, London: Department of the Environment.
153
Nicol, D. & Pilling S. (2000). Changing Architectural Education: Towards a New Professionalism,
London: Spon Press.
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