2nd ProofTitle: BA: Architectural Design
Job No: CPD0810-27/008-033 Chapter 1 final_.qxd:layouts to chapter one 8/17/10 6:00 PM Page 10
The design studioEmergence of the design studioHistorically the link between a drawing and the execution
of that drawing on site, were much closer in time and
place than they are today. A mason might mark out
a design on a piece of stone immediately prior to cutting
it directly on site. The design studio has evolved as
a place that enables design to be developed both far
away and far in advance of its actual implementation.
This separation has obvious advantages: it gives the
opportunity to consider the coherence of the whole scheme
prior to construction; and disadvantages: it is easy to make
mistakes through the miscommunication of information
between the office and the site. However, one unexpected
outcome is the emergence of a studio culture within the
design studio.
This culture is so strong that it was absorbed by architectural
education when it, too, became separated from practice.
This disconnection has led to tensions between education
and practice. Typically offices demand practice-ready
architects who are able to slot seamlessly into a particular
working method, and higher education insists on retaining
its mandate to educate progressive graduates willing to
challenge the status quo. However, design-studio culture is
common to both education and practice and architects must
be conscious of this link. The culture of architecture should
remain relevant to education, practice and, above all, to the
changing world outside.Emergence in practiceAn early example of a vibrant design studio culture is one
that emerged in Britain in the 17th century, in the Office of
Works under Sir Christopher Wren. The Restoration of the
Monarchy in 1661, followed closely by the Great Fire of
London in 1666, meant an extensive building programme
for the church, monarchy and state. This was a huge
undertaking for Wren and it was necessary for him to
delegate the design and management of projects to fellow
professionals. The Office of Works developed a studio
culture of coherent working methods and a shared theory
of architecture. Communication of this culture between
members allowed its dialogue to develop to a degree of
sophistication that was much more difficult for individual
master masons or gentlemen architects to achieve.Wells Cathedral Stonemasons
An apprentice stonemason at Wells
Cathedral, UK, tracing a design on to
stone prior to cutting. Stonemasons
still use the ancient apprentice
system to learn their skills on site.Text
2nd ProofTitle: BA: Architectural Design
Job No: CPD0810-27/008-033 Chapter 1 final_.qxd:layouts to chapter one 8/17/10 6:01 PM Page 10