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

amongst the students. Reffat 157 details the development of the use of IT
in architecture design education. He identifies four stages of IT
development in design education specifically computational design
method, CAD visualisation, paperless studio and Virtual Design Studio.
Reffat 158 illustrates that all of the mentioned development links to an IT
based architectural curricula. Reffat 159 , Andia 160 , Kubicki et al, 161 and
many others agree on the need for modifying the architectural design
curriculum in order to facilitate the integration of the new technology.
Reffat 162 further stresses the importance of reviewing the architectural
design programmes in the Arabic education systems. He also stresses
the importance of addressing the structure of architectural design
education in order to potentially realise the new opportunities of the use
of IT in design education. Mark еt al 163 examined the computer related
subject in detail in order to propose a broad outline of computer use.
Architectural departments in the West have been researching the use of
VDS as the latest technology for design education. Maher et al 164 argue
that VDS is an important transition in design education. Kvan 165 further
argues the importance of running a VDS in architecture design
education stating that since teaching student real life projects the use of
VDS is crucial in promoting such experiences among the students. Ion
et al 166 also assert the effectiveness and importance of the design studio
for students experience with others who are geographically distributed.
Yee et al 167 further draw on their experience on conducting a VDS
among several universities (Massachusetts Institute of Technology in
US, Miyagi University in Japan, Kumamoto University in Japan, and
Kyoto Institute of Technology in Japan) as part of a shared project and
157
Reffat, R. (2008) op.cit p897-907.
158
Ibid. p902.
159
Ibid. p897-907.
160
Andia, A. (2002). op.cit. p7-13.
161
Kubicki, S., Bignon, J., Leclercq, P. (2008). Cooperative digital studio IT-supported cooperation for AEC
students. Santiago, Chile
162
Reffat, R. (2008). op cit. p897-907.
163
Mark, e. et al (2001) ‘op.cit. p168-175.
164
Maher, L. M., Simoff S. J & Cicognani (2000). Understanding Virtual Design Studio. London: Springer.
165
Kvan, T. (2001). op.cit. p353.
166
Ion W. J., Thomson A. I., Mailer D. J (2000). Development and evaluation of a virtual design studio.
University of Strathclyde. Scotland. p3.
167
Kalay. Y. E. (2004). ‘Virtual learning environments’. ITcon. 9. p195.
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