Increasing the critical mass: emphasising critique in studio teaching

Abstract

Critique is an indispensable part of the design process, providing a crucial feedback loop to reflect and improve on the quality of design. While critique is a well-established practice in some design disciplines, for landscape architecture a critical culture is yet to develop. As a relatively recent profession, which some have argued is more practice than theory-orientated, critique has not been a priority. However, for the advancement of design thinking, and to ensure quality in the built environment, the development of critique is a significant consideration for landscape architecture. The studio environment provides an ideal opportunity to develop critical skills which graduates can take with them into the professional environment. This paper outlines the present climate of critique within the discipline of landscape architecture, and then explores some of the issues and opportunities for enhancing students' critical capacity in relation to self-critique and the critique of built works.