An Online Basic Design Studio Experience: From Point to Space

This article tries to set an example and explore the potential and limitations of the online learning environment for the first-year Basic Design Studio course based on abstract architectural design thinking. The course is constructed on a connected yet independent series of practices on basic design principles starting from the point to the void space. The course was divided into parts to achieve continuity in design thinking, and instructions and critics were given via distant online theoretic implications. The final course focused on improving students' design skills on a small-scale project. Within each practice, students could experience the abstract way of thinking of design to achieve complex parameters of design problems. Overall evaluation for each study depended on the necessities of the work and participation of the students. The paper sets an example of an online architectural studio format and discusses the advantages and shortcomings of online courses for first-year architectural education.