Architectural interventions in the environment: Teaching and learning strategies that develop students’ environmental awareness

Abstract

This article presents the strategies that allowed a group of architecture students to develop experiential, active learning, and interdisciplinary skills while working landscaping projects. Findings suggest greater levels of student environmental awareness and a more honed conscience regarding their relationship with the natural environment and the idea of a common good. In an attempt to provide an in-depth reflection about the educational process, this descriptive and applied study refers the processes of didactic interaction and their interpretations The design of this cross-sectional research uses data obtained through an online survey on the impact of the strategies used throughout three academic periods and three student groups in the Architecture and Landscape course taken at Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra’s School of Architecture. Results witness students prefer the development of projects in green, open and collective spaces, as well as an increase in the study of their impact on the environment in the design phase of their projects.