Educational innovation project: critical architecture

Abstract

[EN] The cross-disciplinary skill of critical thinking is essential to all levels of architectural training. However, it has been established that at present students are not always able to make solid architectural critical thinking. This paper presents the development of an action protocol proposed to consciously contribute to exercising this cross-disciplinary skill among students participating in the educational innovation project: ¿Critical architecture. Development of a methodology to work on the cross-disciplinary skill of critical thinking among architecture students¿. The research proposed is developed as part of different subjects of the Architecture degree of the UPV Higher Technical School of Architecture: two obligatory 4th-year subjects and an obligatory 5th-year subject. This proposal has also incorporated an elective subject from the Master¿s in Architecture and two subjects from the Official Master¿s in Conservation of Architectural Heritage. The educational innovation project therefore covers six different subjects in total: three from the degree (4th and 5th year) (skill level II) and three from the master¿s (skill level III). The main aim of the project is to carry out different learning actions (adapted to each of the subjects covered by the project) in order to structure a work methodology designed to improve and develop the cross-disciplinary skill of critical thinking among students at different levels. Work will also be carried out to improve students¿ awareness of their ability in this skill. This innovation project is also geared towards improving student learning in the specific curriculum for each subject included in the project. Therefore, if this methodology yields positive results, it could be adapted to other skill levels as yet undeveloped, such as skill level 1 in 2nd and 3rd year subjects.