A part-time blended architectural programme: OpenArchitecture as case study

2014 UIA CONGRESS DURBAN Jolanda Morkel & Lone Poulsen

“A part time blended architectural learning programme”

OpenArchitecture provides part time Architectural studies through a blended learning programme whereby an online learning portal supports

office-based mentoring, occasional regional studios and face-to-face block release reviews on campus.


CONTEXT

In response to the shortage of Professional Architects in South Africa, the need for transformation in the

Architectural Profession and growing numbers of non-traditional students with work and family commitments,

OpenArchitecture (OA) was conceived as a South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) initiative.

Collaborating with Architectural Learning Sites (ALS) at different Higher Education Institutions (HEI) it aims to offer

universally recognised alternatives to main-stream graduate and post-graduate architecture education.


ACADEMIC COLLABORATIONThe first programme to be presented in this way is

the two year part-time BTech Architectural Technology (Applied Design)

in collaboration with the

Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) which started in January 2014.


CHALLENGE


OA PROGRAMMEOpenArchitecture provides four different forms of engagement

office based mentoring

online learning portal

facebook group

face-to-face block release


Office based mentoringStudents are required to be employed by a

SACAP registered Professional Senior Architectural Technologist or Professional Architect and an approved

mentor allocated to guide their studies.

Robin’s workspace Samantha’s view Ayanda in the fire escape


Face-to-face block release Students are required to attend

highly interactive face-to-face block release programmes on campus

three times a year:

Orientation Block (February) Mid-year Review Block (June) Year-end Review Block (Nov)

for academic preparation work, workshops, subject assessments

and portfolio reviews.


Online Learning PortalIn response to the educational requirements of OA +

CPUT, Construction Communication Network (Pty) Limited (CCN) set up a Sharepoint site

as the official academic platform for the BTech: Architectural Technology (Applied Design) programme


Announcements are made by lecturers and visible to students

Calendar entries are regularly updated to reflect all online meetings (crits), submissions and assessment dates, including portfolio reviews.

Hangout topics are created by staff and students and discussed online.

The online learning portal contains the following virtual spaces for learning:


Course work is shared by educators and organised per subject and assignment. Learning material includes: recorded lectures, short videos, written briefs, document resources and links to available online material. All staff and students have access to the course work folders.

Student work is submitted for feedback and assessment. Work is mostly created in Word or Powerpoint formats and then uploaded in pdf format. Only staff can view and access the submitted student work, not the students.


Design Journal students are required to keep a design journal for every design project. It resembles a blog and contains drawings and text, arranged in chronological order, to reflect on their individual design process and receive feedback from tutors and peers.

Online crits are held weekly through a webinar where staff and students discuss projects, using audio and digital on-screen sketching. Crits are recorded and uploaded to the learning portal.


Facebook group

A closed facebook group provides informal social interaction, discussions and sharing of resources


The OpenArchitecture virtual learning interface has demonstrated that it is possible to successfully

enable studio-based learning in a virtual environment through the various face to face

interactions of the blended programme


OpenArchitecture affiliatesThe South African Institute of Architects (SAIA)

The Kwa-Zulu Natal Institute of Architects (KZNIA)Construction Communication Network (Pty) Limited (CCN)Department of Architectural Technology & Interior Design,

FID, Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)

OpenArchitecture sponsorsCity of Durban

Corobrik


FOUNDERS AND INTERIM BOARD MEMBERS

Rodney HarberKevin Bingham

Mark GrantBharti Vithal

Programme Director: Lone PoulsenCPUT Coordinator: Jolanda Morkel


CONTACT DETAILS Programme Director: Prof Lone Poulsen, B.Arch (UND), M.T.R.P. (UND)[email protected]+ 27 82 699 7269

CPUT Coordinator: Jolanda Morkel, B.Arch (UPE), HDHET (CPUT)[email protected]+ 21 460 2232, + 27 83 262 9032

www.openarchitecture.co.za

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.openarchitecture.co.za/

A part-time blended architectural programme: OpenArchitecture as case study

Education

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