THE ROLE OF A DIAGRAM IN THE METHODOLOGY OF ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION

Abstract

The main goal of this paper is to examine the role of a diagram within the design studio as a significant methodology in contemporary architectural education. Our starting point is the fact that in mastering the skill of architectural design, the most important thing is to understand the process itself, and that the architectural diagram is one of the modern instruments that enables and improves that process. In practice, generations of architects who promote the diagram and use it as a basic design tool, thereby introducing innovations into the architectural discourse. According to our current understanding, the diagram is a representation of the complex structure of architectural thinking and a means of visualizing the creative process. The methodological approach in this paper is based on theoretical and empirical research. In the first part of the paper, the theoretical framework of the diagram phenomenon in architecture is set, while the second part is conceived as an empirical research conducted through the teaching process within the design studio of the Architectural Studies at the Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy of the University of Banja Luka. The expected result of the discussion of this paper is a better understanding of the role and practical application of a diagram and diagrammatic thinking in order to improve and advance the methodology of the educational process in the field of architectural design.