September 2000–December 2002
A crucial part of creative learning in studio-centered professional degree programs is the sharing of intellectual products with the greater community. StudioMIT provided an infrastructure for an open-ended collection of course curricula, digital images, workspaces, and exhibition spaces, all enhanced with communication capabilities. The interactive personal work and exhibitions areas created by the project allowed members to represent themselves and their work to the community. In collaboration with the Social Computing Group at Microsoft Research, StudioMIT also developed StudioBridge, using radio-frequency-based location tracking graphically published over building or campus maps to better connect the MIT Architecture community. The work of StudioMIT validated how sharing of work, combined with the capability to discuss, exchange news, and share resources, stimulated social interaction between students and instructors.
“StudioMIT provides a powerful mechanism for students and instructors to interact. Coupled with the use of wireless laptops, StudioMIT not only allows students to access course content in a very dynamic way, but it also gives a real opportunity for students to participate in critical discussions, contribute creative work, and create a sense of community that supplements the traditional learning practices in the classroom.”
—Franco Vairani, School of Architecture and Planning
Investigators: Prof. William Mitchell, Dean, Dept. of Architecture; Susan Yee, Dept. of Architecture; Lili Cheng, Microsoft Research