ARCH71-127: Design Thesis Research and Development

This subject sets out the premise of design research for an individual student's forthcoming Design Thesis Studio (ARCH72-502). Through evidence-based design research, the subject advances students to design and research methods, ethical, environmental, social, cultural, and aesthetic considerations, representation techniques, reflective practice and critical thinking in design. Students are assessed based on investigatory assignments, which involve developing a theoretical framework, design concepts and methods relevant to the student's proposed Design Thesis project through reading, writing, critical reflection, experimentation, making and/or other visual mode of representation. This includes explorations of such issues as conceptual ideas, based on an initial design hypothesis, methods of design including options, site selection and analysis, appropriate typology, programming, brief development, and other pertinent tasks in the evolving thesis proposal. The proposal's ambition and scale must demonstrate societal and cultural benefits contributing to contemporary architectural discourse beyond the individual. The outcome is presented to a review panel for evaluation as a foundation for the Design Thesis Studio (ARCH72-502).