Constructive Learning Techniques and Color Application in Design

This paper presents some of the results of my work in the area of architectural education and color application. “Constructive Learning” techniques are the framework within which a course in color theory and application has been developed for architectural students and professionals. Constructive learning theory designates three main learning phases: introductory, advanced and experienced, each of which has a unique set of requirements that must be addressed by those seeking to teach or develop meaningful tools for a given task. The introductory level is represented by those who posses little if any prior skills or knowledge in the subject area. Here it is advantageous to carefully guide the knowledge acquisition process in order to help build a knowledge foundation upon which a personalized learning process can take place. Advanced students are those that are ready, through a more focused, context related approach, to expand their capabilities. Finally, experienced learners can be defined as those capable of critically applying and innovatively using the knowledge, skills and tools that they have obtained through the introductory and advanced phases of the learning process. Because computers introduce the issue of color at a much earlier stage of design than might previously have been the case, a new set of skills and tools are needed. The proposed course seeks to define an appropriate learning methodology for designers that can provide them with not only knowledge of the subject area being covered, but also skills with which to approach it