Enhancing Architectural Education: Facilitating Design Tutoring at KDU University
The main objective of Chamal Jalath’s MBA thesis was to enhance architectural education, by facilitating design tutoring, using service design strategies at General Sir John Kotelawala Defense University (KDU) in Sri Lanka. The primary issue is the difficulty in accessing visiting design tutors due to the 224 km distance from Colombo, which demotivates industry professionals from accepting tutoring invitations.
Figure 1. Map of Sri Lanka, Locations of KDU Southern Campus, Colombo, Location of KDUHQ at Colombo and the toll rout connection.
Architecture combines art and technology to solve problems in the design and construction of the built environment. As one of the oldest professions, architectural education relies on project-based learning, focusing on design studio tutoring by industry professionals. This study was timely and significant, addressing KDU-specific issues, and contributing to global shifts towards project-based, problem-based, and experiential learning, especially with the integration of remote learning strategies in the post-pandemic era.
Design tutoring must be improved to increase the quality of architectural education.
This MBA development project was initiated because design tutors are reluctant to accept invitations from KDU due to its remote location, resulting in long travel times and a full, tiring day. This issue threatens the quality of architectural education at KDU. Therefore, three research questions were developed for the project:
- What are the challenges KDU faces in outsourcing visiting design tutors?
- What strategic solutions can KDU implement to facilitate design tutoring?
- How can the tutor-student relationship improve the design tutoring process?
Service design can be learning design
Service design strategies provide innovative solutions to enhance architectural education by co-creating mutually beneficial outcomes for KDU, tutors, and students. Therefore, service design methods and tools were implemented to develop architectural education and offer solutions to problems mentioned.
The project followed the double diamond method, focusing on design thinking and innovation processes. It included phases such as discover, define, develop, and deliver (council, 2024).
Discover Phase This phase involved qualitative data collection based on empathy with stakeholders. Identified stakeholders included KDU management, visiting design tutors, and undergraduate students.
Define Phase This phase consisted of thematic analysis of interview data identified key issues such as distance barriers, technology constraints, mismatched payment, and logistic constraints.
Design Phase The collaborative design process comprised of organizing an online world café brainstorming workshop with stakeholders to generate innovative ideas.
Deliver Phase A prototype model was developed and tested using test cards and voting methods. The results were analyzed to refine the solutions.
Figure 2. Double diamond process (Design Council 2024).
Roadmap for the future
The results of the project indicated that a lot can be done to enhance architectural education at KDU. For instance, cost-effective electronic design studios could be created with compact cubicles for five students. Each student could attend remote tutoring sessions individually, while others watch and participate. Simple IoT tools like Zoom/Teams on one PC per studio, a smart board or large screen, tablets or iPads with electronic sketch pens, a smart navigation mouse, remote access software like Anydesk, and cameras at different angles could be used. Initially, five studios would be sufficient.
Also, a micro-internship or freelance internship would be a short-term, paid professional assignment like those given to new hires or interns. For example, Parker Dewey (2024) offers such opportunities. It is recommended to promote micro-internships, allowing students to gain short-term, online internship experience
Peer learning is a widely used contemporary concept in universities globally. It is recommended to organize reading circles, peer ideation workshops, and design group hackathons to promote student learning and insight sharing, especially between senior and junior students. While this method might not be officially accepted by the university curriculum, unofficial sessions can still be beneficial. Additionally, it is recommended to propose to the Education Standard Committee of the Board of Architectural Education, Sri Lanka Institute of Architects, to incorporate peer learning methods into the curriculum to some extent. Student empowerment is recommended.
Also, a collaborative, international online learning platform would be useful according to Jalath’s study. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) can be combined to create immersive design. Customized learning pathways would be planned and realized.
Figure 3. The strategic roadmap for enhancing architectural education at KDU.
The strategic roadmap in figure 3 summarizes how KDU can continue its work to guarantee an architectural education of good quality, with the help of design tutoring. The roadmap is phasing out the solutions. At phase one cost-effective electronic design studios and micro-internships would be established and peer learning promoted. At phase two customized collaborative, international online learning platform would be created. At phase three, long-term solutions would be set. They would be targeted to be achieved by year 2030.
References
Asfour, O.S., Alkharoubi, A.M. (2023). Challanges and Opotunities in Online Education in Architecture: Lessons Learned for Post-Pandemic education. Ain Shams Engineering Journal, 7.
Design Council (2024). The Double Diamond. Retrieved from Design council : https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-resources/the-double-diamond/
Curedale, R. (2016). Service Design: 250 Essential Methods. Design Community College Inc., USA.
Department of Architecture, KDU Southern Campus. (n.d.). Department of Architecture. Retrieved from General Sir John Kotelawala University - Southern Campus: https://fbess.kdu.ac.lk/department-of-architecture/
Educational Standards Committee, Board of Architectural Education. (Dec-2012). Curriculum of Part I Examination of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects. Colombo: Board of Architectural Education, Sri Lanka Institute of Architects - BAE-101.
MacDowell, R. (n.d.). Virtualizing Project-based Learning in Architecture. Retrieved from MIT Open learning: https://openlearning.mit.edu/mit-faculty/residential-digital-innovations/virtualizing-project-based-learning-architecture
Parker Dewey (2024). https://www.parkerdewey.com/
Authors:
MBA Chamal Jalath
Dr Reija Anckar, Head of MBA Programme in Service Design at Novia University of Applied Sciences, Turku, Finland
The blog post has been reviewed by Novia's editorial board and accepted for publication on 13.12.2024.
Posta din kommentar
Kommentarer
betterthanthemovieEvict 31 jan. 2026 11:19 (2 månader sen)
Prepare for a serious book hangover after you finish this gem. The emotional investment you will have in Wes and Liz is significant. Many readers start by looking for a Better Than the Movies PDF to see what the hype is about and end up buying a physical copy too. It is a story that captures the intensity of teenage feelings without ever being condescending or cliché. https://betterthanthemoviespdf.site/ Better Than The Movies Bonus Chapter Pdf
wutheringheightspdEvict 31 jan. 2026 11:06 (2 månader sen)
For students of classic literature, having a portable version of the text is essential for study and revision. Finding a Wuthering Heights PDF allows for easy searching of key quotes and themes, such as the destructive nature of love or the atmospheric setting of the moors. Emily Brontë's masterpiece is dense with symbolism and complex narrative structures involving multiple narrators like Lockwood and Nelly Dean. Accessing the book electronically helps you annotate and analyze these elements efficiently, ensuring you are fully prepared for essays and class discussions on this timeless work. https://wutheringheightspdf.site/ Ending Of Wuthering Heights Pdf
eastofedenpdfEvict 31 jan. 2026 10:42 (2 månader sen)
The concept of the "tragedy of the commons" isn't explicitly stated, but the exploitation of the land is a background theme. The shift from family farming to business is depicted with nostalgia and resignation. Economics students can find interesting parallels here. An East of Eden PDF allows for keyword searches related to business and farming. Our content discusses the economic shifts in the Salinas Valley, adding a layer of sociological analysis to the reading. We broaden the scope of the novel beyond just the family drama. https://eastofedenpdf.site/ John Steinbeck East Of Eden Pdf Download
prideandprejudicepEvict 31 jan. 2026 07:16 (2 månader sen)
The art of conversation is a major theme in the novel. The dialogue is witty, revealing, and often double-edged. To appreciate the verbal sparring, one needs to read the text closely. A digital format helps with this, allowing you to highlight your favorite lines. If you are looking for a Pride and Prejudice PDF, you are on the path to literary satisfaction. Our platform is dedicated to this specific narrative, ensuring that the words of Austen are easily accessible. Enjoy the battle of wits between the main characters in a modern format. https://prideandprejudicepdf.site/ Pride And Prejudice Chapter 2 Pdf
betterthanthemovieEvict 31 jan. 2026 07:11 (2 månader sen)
Dive into the chaotic and wonderful mind of Liz Buxbaum as she navigates her senior year. Her obsession with cinematic perfection is challenged by the messy reality of her feelings for Wes. Reading this in a PDF format allows you to zoom in on the hilarious text messages and notes passed between characters. It is a modern classic in the making, offering a storyline that is fresh, engaging, and arguably better than the movies Liz adores. https://betterthanthemoviespdf.site/ Better Than The Movies Free Online Pdf
wutheringheightspdEvict 31 jan. 2026 07:00 (2 månader sen)
The supernatural elements in the novel add a layer of chilling suspense that defines the Gothic genre. Searching for a Wuthering Heights PDF often leads readers to discover the ghostly aspects of the tale. Is Catherine's ghost real, or is it a figment of a tortured mind? The ambiguity is part of the book's brilliance. With an electronic version, you can read late into the night, illuminated by the glow of your device, which adds to the spooky atmosphere. It is the perfect way to experience the haunting presence that permeates the narrative from beginning to end. https://wutheringheightspdf.site/ Wuthering Heights Theme Of Love Pdf
eastofedenpdfEvict 31 jan. 2026 06:56 (2 månader sen)
If you are looking for a book that has everything - murder, love, philosophy, history, and nature - this is the complete package. It is the perfect desert island book. It never gets old. An East of Eden PDF ensures you can take it to any island, real or metaphorical. Our site serves as the ultimate fan club, celebrating the versatility of the novel. We show why it is the only book you ever really need to read to understand the human heart. https://eastofedenpdf.site/ John Steinbeck East Of Eden Epub
prideandprejudicepEvict 31 jan. 2026 03:21 (2 månader sen)
Austen's work is often categorized as romance, but it is also a comedy of manners. The absurdities of characters like Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Collins provide endless entertainment. To catch the subtle humor, reading the text is essential. A digital copy allows you to zoom in and focus on the dialogue. If you are in need of a Pride and Prejudice PDF, you are joining a vast community of admirers. Our site is designed to enhance your appreciation of the book. We bring the focus back to the words that have charmed the world for two centuries. https://prideandprejudicepdf.site/ Pride And Prejudice Study Guide Pdf
eastofedenpdfEvict 31 jan. 2026 03:19 (2 månader sen)
Steinbeck's critique of the war and the military-industrial complex through the character of Adam is subtle but poignant. It reflects the disillusionment of the post-WWI era. History and political science students find these sections revealing. Using an East of Eden PDF helps in locating specific political commentary within the text. Our analysis draws out these political themes, discussing Steinbeck's pacifist leanings. We help you see the political dimension of this primarily domestic drama. https://eastofedenpdf.site/ East Of Eden Filetype Epub
wutheringheightspdEvict 31 jan. 2026 03:16 (2 månader sen)
The concept of "haunting" in the book is not always literal. A Wuthering Heights PDF explores how memories haunt the living. Heathcliff is haunted by Catherine long before she dies. The digital text allows you to trace the theme of memory and the inability to let go. It is a profound exploration of grief. The convenience of the e-book format allows you to revisit these poignant passages whenever you feel the need to reflect on the enduring nature of love and loss. https://wutheringheightspdf.site/ Wuthering Heights Data Sheet Pdf
« föregående 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 nästa »
Inga har kommenterat på denna sida ännu