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

“The most important role that metaphors play in design problem solving
is to support the design of innovative products.”
This study will investigate creativity dimensions in order to utilise VDS
tools identified above for promoting this skills among students.
3.8 Design Education and Collaboration
Research has shown the importance of creativity and teamwork in the
performance of the organisations. In his report “Constructing the Team”,
Sir Michael Latham 202 identifies and sets the stage for many of the
resultant changes over the last decade. In it, he highlights the
consequences of a fragmented and adversarial culture. As the title
suggests, Latham 203 recommends that the way forward is by improving
the relationship between the parties through effective teamwork.
Latham identifies the need to shift from individualism in the industry
towards more of teamwork and collaboration that is based on the
foundation of trust.
The key principles that were advocated by this report include:
performance, efficiency, and being fair to all. At the same time,
Latham‟s report has an echo of the education practice as research
revived to integrate teamwork and collaboration skill in architecture
education. 204
Collaboration in design enriches the design experience. As far as
education is concerned, collaboration also prepares students for their
future in which they will be expected to work with others in their design
projects. As the students proceed in their design collaboration they
encounter the ideas of others in the group and they learn to work with
the tension and bias of others towards their ideas. The communication
and the healthy intersection of ideas is the environment in which
202
Lathem, M. S. (1994). Constructing the Team. London: Department of the Environment.
203
Ibid. p17.
204
Nicol, D. & Pilling S. (2000). Changing Architectural Education: Towards a New Professionalism.
London: Spon Press.
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