PARALLEL LEARNING METHODS: STANDARD CURRICULUM VERSUS INTENSIVE COURSES

Abstract

Due to the rapid change in technology and emergence of new theories and their professional applications, there is a rise in demand for relying more on compact and intensive courses with shorter durations and more direct applications, rather than the traditional courses with their long periods of time, which might vary from 14 to 16 weeks of study. Although they are already in existence, this paper aims to demonstrate the need to use more compact courses within the architecture curriculum, particularly simulating tools that either measure the current performance of a design or forecast its degree of success in order to cope with environmental needs (indoor and outdoor), accessibility, visual needs, technological variations and other related issues. The paper investigates the end users’ (students and instructors) point of view, by using a questionnaire as a tool. Furthermore, the paper investigates the results of the compact courses on the students’ performance in their design projects.