Responsive Systems and Electronic Spatial Interfaces: Outcomes in Architectural Design Studios

This conference paper is the first of two papers that discuss the outcomes of a long‐term pedagogical research project into the integration of interdisciplinary design‐research, and making practices into the content of second‐year architecture studios. This paper focuses specifically upon one studio involved in the design of responsive systems and electronic spatial interfaces. The studio introduces students to technologies associated with “The Internet of Things” and encourages them to consider how their use in design might impact a range of different social and spatial systems. Through the design, prototyping, and testing of these systems students are encouraged to learn through practice, developing their projects iteratively while being critical of the implications of their actions. Through a discussion of the studio aims, structure, project examples, and outcomes, this paper outlines an initial approach to the teaching of programming and electronics within a design studio context. Along with the paper on Biological Systems these works highlight the importance of critical engagement with materials and processes and of opening up future architectural pedagogy to new fields of exploration.