Abstract
This research explores the integrated internship program within the architecture curriculum at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) Department of Architecture, highlighting its potential as a collaborative model for interdisciplinary education. Architecture, by nature, emphasizes coordination and collaboration, making its pedagogical approaches particularly relevant in addressing contemporary challenges like AI integration and sustainability. The program connects the design studio—focused on critical thinking and problem-solving frameworks—with the internship process, where students actively reflect on their learning and critically observe industry practices. Pre-internship preparation equips students with targeted skills and sets learning objectives that align with academic and professional expectations. During their internships, students engage in experiential learning by applying their knowledge to real-world spatial and social challenges. Post-internship, students return to the classroom with a broader perspective, enriching their final-year thesis work with insights gained through reflective practice. In the era of AI and sustainability, the internship process becomes an exchange: students bring fresh perspectives to industry projects, while simultaneously gaining firsthand knowledge of the complexities of professional practice. Feedback from industry partners underscores the value of this dynamic, where businesses also learn from students’ critical observations and adaptive approaches. This study positions architectural education as a framework for fostering critical thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration, inviting exploration of how its models can inspire other disciplines. By sharing insights from this curriculum design, the research contributes to broader discussions on how education can prepare students to navigate and shape an increasingly complex world.
Presenters
I Hsuan WangAssistant Professor, Department of Architecture, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Designing Social Transformations
KEYWORDS
Professional Practice, Interdisciplinary Education, Design Pedagogy, Critical Thinking
