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This guidebook presents an educational framework for studying and understanding essential architectural concepts, including the physics that govern the principles of structure, design in nature, and similarities found in built and fabricated structural systems. This is a curriculum for teaching and learning about the design process, the process of learning through visual thinking, use of hypotheses, problem-solving, analysis, idea generation and communication through drawing and model making. This curriculum is a guide for teachers and students to discover the many roles design plays in our lives and environments. It provides a means for developing a better understanding of the world and how to refine ideas and approaches to solve problems creatively. The program has built-in equity because the ideas expressed in drawing, model building, and other visual means, can come from all students no matter who they are or their origins.
About the author
Anne Taylor, PhD, is a University of New Mexico Regents professor and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) distinguished Professor Emerita. She was a professor at the School of Architecture and Planning, University of New Mexico, and is known internationally for her research on physical environments and their effects on learning and behavior of occupants. Taylor attended Wells College and received her doctorate degree from Arizona State University. She, along with George Vlastos, architect, Arizona State University and Alison Marshall, PhD, arts educator, created a program for integrated design education. George Vlastos, a visual thinking genius, has created all the whimsical drawings which reflect his vast knowledge of what a school can be as an architectural learning tool and studio. Using integrated grade level subject matter from curricula in math, science, history, geography, and the arts, the team has developed a unique curriculum not taught to children Pre-K-high school before. This program has been implemented in many schools internationally and has been translated from English into Japanese and Spanish. Taylor is the author of articles and books including "Linking Architecture and Education: Sustainable Design of Learning Environments," "Southwestern Ornamentation and Design: The Architecture of John Gaw Meem" and "The Legacy of La Luz: Building Community with Respect for the Land."
