Taming the M.I.

I just learned that the USC North Campus is adopting the multiple intelligences learning style in their curriculum for primary and secondary education. I learned this from my friends Derrick and Neil. They are fifth year architecture students and this is precisely their thesis. They were discussing their thesis in the faculty room earlier and I simply got curious.

The theory of multiple intelligences was developed in 1983 by Dr. Howard Gardner, professor of education at Harvard University. It suggests that the traditional notion of intelligence, based on I.Q. testing, is far too limited. Instead, Dr. Gardner proposes eight different intelligences to account for a broader range of human potential in children and adults.

There are different learning styles appropriate for each intelligence. Each learning style also has a different learning environment appropriate for it.

These intelligences are:

• Linguistic intelligence ("word smart")
• Logical-mathematical intelligence ("number/reasoning smart")
• Spatial intelligence ("picture smart")
• Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence ("body smart")
• Musical intelligence ("music smart")
• Interpersonal intelligence ("people smart")
• Intrapersonal intelligence ("self smart")
• Naturalist intelligence ("nature smart")

Neil and Derrick evaluated the existing USC North Campus whether it provided the necessary environment for the learning styles and found that it didn't. Their task now is to identify the ideal set up and propose how it can retrofit an existing school to accommodate this set up.

What type of environment does the different learning styles for multiple intelligences require? How can the USC North Campus be reconfigured to accommodate this learning environment? The questions that Neil and Derrick need to answer are simple, but they require a lot of reading and analysis.

I also learned from them that there are already many schools, particularly in the United States, that have adopted the theory. They can get ideas from these schools on how they provided the needed learning environment.

I find the topic very interesting. This is one thesis where I can learn something from the students. I hope I get to watch their thesis presentation.

architectural videos*

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blog,dedicated to architectural videos | archive of selected architectural videos

Designing with Permaculture

Just recently I had lunch with Justine, a fifth year student who lives near my place. He is doing his thesis this semester and we got to talk about it. I was particularly interested in the topic because we share a common concern: permaculture. My own thesis deals with permaculture as well.

Their client wants to set up a permaculture institute in their four-hectare property in Carcar, Cebu. The site is along the coast and has a dense mangrove area. In the proposed facility, people get to learn about permaculture through lectures and workshops.

The clients, however, added an interesting twist in their requirements. They wanted to involve artists in promoting permaculture. They intend to invite artists to learn or teach permaculture and create art that promotes the practice. To do this they also intend to set up an artist residency facility within the permaculture institute. This facility will operate as an artist club of sort.

As designers, Justine and his thesis partner, Nigel, should be able to add value to their client's requirements through their architectural solution. They should also be able to make their design respond harmoniously to the constraints of the site. Finally, they should be able to show that urban development and permaculture are compatible. These are the challenges presented to them by their coordinators, advisers, and client.

How will the design contribute in promoting permaculture? How will the design respond to the constraints of the site? How will design show that permaculture is not retrogressive?

If they manage to answer these questions they would not have any trouble passing their thesis. It would be interesting to know their solution. I hope I get to post it here when they finish.

Good luck guys!

Another Start

It's the start of another semester but, unlike any other semester, this one is special.

This semester I am making my thesis for the graduate program. This also means that the pioneering students will be graduating soon... hopefully. All systems related to the graduate program must be in place before the semester ends. Also, in this semester, preparations are being made for the offering of the specialization in Landscape Architecture next school year. We also need to draft the curriculum for the proposed specialization in Heritage Conservation.

The undergrad is not too exciting. There is only the Christmas Party and the Design Awards to look forward to. The former is more exciting, since the latter has started to become less and less appealing. The undergrad thesis also used to be very exciting, but it has started to lose its appeal as well.

I am also setting up a new company that will engage in research and consultancy. I am supposed to be just part of the team but now I ended up as the lead man. Anyway, we have a lot of plans and we're setting it in motion starting this semester.

There are also the new projects I'm working on. I used to simply play a supporting role in our projects but I now find myself taking the lead in some of the new projects as well.

This will be the busiest semester in my entire academic life. I hope my friends will understand me if I become less "sociable" this semester.