A holistic blended design studio model: Exploring and expanding learning opportunities

While the studio environment has been promoted as an ideal educational setting for project-based disciplines, only a few comprehensive qualitative studies of the design studio have been undertaken; even fewer emphasise educator and student perceptions of this environment. As highlighted in this study, such a situation is problematic given the changes and challenges facing higher education, including those associated with new technologies such as online learning. This study responds to this need for a comprehensive study of the studio environment by adopting Grounded Theory methodology in a qualitative comparative way. It explores the limitations and benefits of a face-to-face design studio and virtual design studio as experienced by architecture students and educators at an Australian university in order to better understand the potential of a blended environment to maximise learning. The main outcome is a holistic multidimensional blended learning model that, through the various modalities, provides adaptive capacity in a range of settings. The model facilitates learning through self-determination, self-management, and the personalisation of the learning environment. Another outcome–a conceptual design education framework–provides a basic tool for educators to evaluate existing learning environments and to develop new learning environments with enough flexibility to respond effectively to a highly dynamic and increasingly technological world