Integration of Design and Theory Courses in Architecture Learning for Introductory-Level Students

Architectural education is a branch of education that requires the development of science and creative skills. Typical standard programme structure in the architectural programme has the design course as a core, while other theory-based courses act as supporting courses to complement the core. However, courses are commonly carried out independently rather than supporting one another. Due to the tension between design and theory-based courses, the programme structure in architecture education remains disintegrated, indirectly limiting learning effectiveness in architecture studies. Introductory-level students in architecture studies typically have zero to little knowledge of learning structure in architecture studies. Therefore, it is more challenging to create a method or curriculum to introduce architecture studies to these students. There is a lack of studies in defining the appropriate method to introduce architecture studies to introductory-level students. The practised methods mainly depend on the programme structure of the university. This paper assesses the implementation of integration between design courses and theory courses to create quality learning in architecture studies. A survey was conducted for undergraduate students at one private university in Malaysia. Analysis of the data was done through descriptive analysis and descriptive statistical analysis. Findings proved that the integration of courses had helped the introductory-level students better understand introduction to architecture studies.