DESIGN THINKING AS AN EFFECTIVE TOOL FOR ARCHITECTURAL PEDAGOGY: Challenges and benefits for Ghanaian schools

Abstract

Design Thinking is a methodological advent to design, acknowledged in many design schools, and marketing establishments. This design approach although recognized as efficient in several business avenues, is not noticeable in architectural pedagogy in Ghana. This paper employs an exploratory study, aimed at identifying the current concepts used in architectural teaching and learning, as well as challenges encountered by students who refer to the Design Thinking approach. Ghanaian students will also be enlightened about its potential to significantly improve creativity and ingenuity. Considering reviewed literature reveals diminutive application of Design Thinking process in architectural pedagogy, this study recommends further research in the adaptation of the Design Thinking methodology in architectural design. The pragmatic philosophical worldview is what drives my research. This is because it is concerned with applications and solutions to problems. Instead of focusing on methods, researchers emphasize the research problem and use all approaches available to understand the task.

Keywords

• Design Thinking
• architectural pedagogy
• architecture
• Ghana