Rural Studio: contributions to the learning process of architecture in Brazil

Abstract

The present research project aims to deepen the study on an experience that has been innovating the teaching of architecture at the prospect of introducing concrete constructive practice in learning: the Rural Studio at Auburn University in Alabama, USA. The Rural Studio is a successful methodological experience that has been happening for the last 19 years. It is a practice that has been institutionalized into the curriculum of the Faculty of Architecture, where the architectural design is taught with worksite practices in poor communities of Alabama. Over the years, an extensive repertoire of architectural quality housing has been built in these communities. The study proposes the analysis of the experiences of the Rural under the terms of dialogue between theory and practice within the Architecture schools, through the interaction of students with reality, that is, evaluating aspects of the relationship between the production of housing prototypes, reflection and academic experience (teaching) in order to understand the extent to which such activities may contribute to the Brazilian experience. In that sense, this research will be conducted in the field, following the teaching activities over two months (Sep-Oct/2012). At first, further examination will be undertaken on the evolution of American civil rights movements, the formation of Community Design Centers and the proposals contained in these educational initiatives, taking the Rural Studio as the case study. In a second step, there will be an analysis of how this experience affects the performance of teachers, students and communities in this process. (AU)