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

4.3.4 Design Curriculum
Design courses are offered from the second year to the final year in the
UAE architecture departments. While in the schools of architecture the
students start exploring the design studio from their first year of study.
The purpose of these design courses is to give the students the
opportunity to experience real-life projects in their design practice. They
also aim to give the students the technological skills needed for design
projects. It is also an opportunity for the student to practise hands-on
what they have learnt in the lecture room. In the UAE educational
system there are four design courses offered to the student.
In the UAE University the students undertake the first design studio
course upon joining the architecture department. This course aims to
introduce the student to the key concepts of architectural design. They
are also introduced to the primary software that they will be using in their
future projects. In the second design studio course the students develop
a set of relatively simple architectural projects; using form and space as
fundamental elements of architectural design. They also get the
opportunity for more hands on 2D and 3D visualisation software such as
AutoCAD. As the students progress in their studies they encounter more
complex architectural projects. They experiment with multiple principles
of spatial organisations, such as central, linear, radial, modular, and
clustered patterns. At later stages of their study, the students start their
graduation projects. The first graduation project aims to engage the
students in real-life project. The projects are based on the real needs of
society. The students practice what they learnt in the theories and apply
methods of architectural programming. The students also employ a
contemporary architectural design criticism. They initiate design
processes through research and design methods. At this course
students also conduct a literature review, gather data, and analyse the
potential sites and similar existing buildings. The emphasis is placed on
physical and social documentation, visual surveying, users‟ needs, and
evaluation required for the project and programme preparation for
Graduation Project II course (Prerequisite). While the second graduation
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