(872) ENHANCING THE STUDENTS' COMPETENCES USING THE ACTION RESEARCH METHOD: ARCHITECTURE EDUCATION TOWARDS AGEING SOCIETY

摘要

The application of the action research method for architectural education is discussed. One of the didactic objectives of the subjects taught at the Faculty of Architecture, Silesian University of Technology, is to instill in students the social awareness of the role of the architectural profession and its impact on shaping the environment in view of users’ needs. One of the most essential social processes that significantly change the approach to architectural design is ageing of our society. Accordingly, this issue was undertaken within the frames of the subject: “Design Strategies”. The scope of the classes was to embrace the quality of space at geriatric wards faced with new social needs, to indicate the most important and feasible activities that may support the maintenance of maximum mobility and independence of senior patients, and, at the same time, contribute to the quality of healthcare. The results of completed courses are study and conceptual works for two geriatric wards. The new quality of spatial solutions and range of design problems went far beyond common architectural practice. The capability of using the action research method provides students with a proper tool for their future professional practice to search for local solutions of specific problems.