An investigation of the self-construction experience in architect's education

Abstract

This research examines architectural education through the lens of architecture students' selfconstruction experiences within design studios. In the context of architectural education, selfconstruction refers to the process by which students establish their professional identity, develop their understanding of design, and shape their perspective within the discipline, alongside their personal perception and worldview. The study advocates that architectural design education significantly impacts students' personal development, framing it as a self-construction process. The aim of this research is to gather feedback on students' educational experiences within the studio environment. Accordingly, the focus is on the architect's education, placing the individual at the center of a lifelong learning journey rather than on architectural education. To explore students' self-construction and transformation experiences, a case study was conducted with 50 senior-year architecture students from Y & imath;ld & imath;z Technical University, who have more extensive and complex educational experiences compared to early-year students. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, with responses analyzed both contextually and thematically. The evaluated student statements suggest that studio environments offer students the potential to develop a range of abilities. While studio challenges may initially serve as hurdles, they can eventually positively influence both professional and personal growth. The findings indicate that architectural education, particularly studio experiences, plays a significant role in students' personal development, with students expressing an awareness of their own change and transformation. Highlighting students' self-construction experiences and their reflections on shifts in worldview and personal growth can provide valuable methodological insights for developing new approaches and tools in architectural design education.1