Seeking the Studio Experience Outside of the Studio Course

Planning students seeking interdisciplinary, skill building experiences with real-life projects may not always be satisfied with university-based studio courses. Studios generally offer limited exposure to project selection, initiation, and task scoping. A student organization at Cornell University is challenging the standard studio format and forcing faculty to reflect on the needs of students who seek experiential learning outside of the studio course and general curriculum. This article examines the activities of an organization called DesignConnect and what growing interest in this club implies. We recommend a methodical evaluation to determine whether such organizations can extend existing curriculum-based learning opportunities.