CoOL Studio: Using Simple Tools to Expand the Discursive Space of the Design Studio

This paper discusses the use of a computer tool designed to aid an architecture studio by: 1) supporting input by distant critics; 2) providing access to online cases and reference materials; 3) encouraging students to be clear and articulate about their projects; 4) supporting collaboration among students. The project, called CoOL Studio, employed a CoWeb, which allowed easy creation and modification of Web pages without any security measures. Students posted their designs at several points during the term and six distant expert consultants provided critiques. This project demonstrates that a relatively simple representation tool—one that allowed students and critics to interact on editable web pages—can usefully open up the design space of the architecture studio but that care needs to be given in understanding how computer tools relate to the tasks and rituals of interaction that go on in everyday architecture studio pedagogy.