Title: The metaphor of an ensemble: architectural design and skill convergence

Authors: Newton D'souza

Addresses: Department of Architectural Studies, College of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Missouri, 133 Stanley Hall, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA

Abstract: This paper describes the significance, conception, and application of skill convergences in architectural design. Using an architectural studio, skill convergences are measured, through students' conception of skills as well as students' application of skills to specific design problems. The metaphor of an ensemble is used as a framework to describe designing as a process of skill convergence, in which multiple skills are involved and applied without a pre-determined hierarchy.

Keywords: architecture skills; design skills; multiple intelligence; skill convergence; design research; architectural education; design process; design creativity; architectural design; architectural studio.

DOI: 10.1504/JDR.2012.047937

Journal of Design Research, 2012 Vol.10 No.3, pp.206 - 222

Received: 02 Aug 2011
Accepted: 30 Jan 2012

Published online: 30 Aug 2014 *

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