ABSTRACT
This paper describes a pair of intermediate architectural design studios, held in consecutive terms at the University of Oregon, focused on the exploration of form through material investigations. The general structure of both studios is outlined, highlighting samples of student work from both terms. The pedagogical goals and learning objectives are discussed in the context of the development of a framework for material focused design research in Schools of Architecture that fully leverages the potential of digital-physical investigations. The general framework that emerged from these two studios is not only applicable to the two highly specialized structural systems that were the focus of these specific studios but is also transferable to other systems and materials. This paper discusses how this model can serve to foster a more rigorous material focused design research approach to defining structure and space.
