Comparative Learning Environment of Architectural Design Studio Layout in Malaysia

Abstract

Architecture is a collective art with many design projects of group-based were held. The design culture of the school is influenced by each particular project, which makes the students participate in this critical group discussion and highly urged to work in the studio. This study tends to compare the spatial layout of architectural design studios by highlighting the advantages and disadvantages affecting the student’s productivity. They were differences in the learning cultures among architecture students in universities A, B and C as the local university in Malaysia. The current generation of students demands a smart studio with an interactive spatial design layout, which may foster students’ development, especially in their learning-based studio sessions. This study aims to identify the characteristic of a good spatial design layout suitable for the architectural design course with better anthropometric measurements. The qualitative methodologies involved observation of the studio’s environment based on the three selected universities in Perak, Selangor and Johor Bahru. The comparative analysis involved a few attributes, such as the space layout, walkway distance, lecture space and furniture arrangement in the studio, which affect the student’s learning and the lecturer’s teaching method. In summary, characteristics of a good and conducive learning environment will be highlighted, and recommendations for interactive space for students were proposed for them to learn and work in good conditions by improving the studio’s spatial design.