COMMUNITY DESIGN STUDIOS : DESIGN FOR THE UNDERSERVED

Abstract

This paper seeks to understand the impact and implications of service learning in NUS School of Architecture, in the form of Community Design Studios (CDS) and Overseas Enrichment Programs, in the context of Asia and in comparison to the movement in the United States. It aims to elucidate the collective thoughts of students and evaluate the impacts and provide suggestions and ideas for the program. Often emphasized as a counterbalance to the typical architecture studio, it is said that CDS expand the role and perception of architecture to take into account social, economic, political, environmental issues in the production of architecture. I argue that engaging these broader complex issues requires a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach and a rethinking of the meaning and pedagogy of studio.