Thirteenth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices

Abstract

The paper shares an experience in developing critical thinking skills in architecture students at bachelor and master levels at the Ural State University of Architecture and Art in Ekaterinburg. This is currently an important challenge given the fact that the Federal Education Standard for architecture courses requires equipping students with a critical thinking competence. The paper demonstrates the potentialities of the methods of museum experiment and mind mapping in architectural education. These methods were selected through a critical review of existing methods and approaches to the generation of new ideas and solutions and identification of acceptable methods for teaching students of design, architecture and planning. These methods have been evaluated in the teaching practice and are illustrated by solutions developed by students with their help.