Urban and Architectural Design Education Using the IC-PBL Model on a Virtual Platform

Problem-solving skills have been considered an important aspect of education. For that reason, many areas of education have attempted to apply the problem-based learning model. However, many curricula within urban and architectural design education still approach this using the conventional method of design practice, which commonly focuses on an analysis of the surrounding physical environment rather than design problems. Thus, this chapter explores whether the convergence of design computing curriculum in urban and architectural education and the problem-based learning model can bring positive educational benefits to students. First, the chapter introduces a design computing class that applied the industry-coupled problem-based learning model. This postgraduate course was conducted on a virtual platform in the School of Architecture at Hanyang University, South Korea. Second, this chapter analyses the outcomes of the class in addition to feedback from students. From the analysis of project outcomes and student feedback, this research identifies a potential beneficiary of the convergence of design computing curricula with a problem-solving design approach on a virtual platform for delivering better urban and architectural design education. Finally, this chapter discusses the potential of design computing on a virtual platform using the industry-coupled problem-based learning model for delivering better urban and architectural design education.