Pedagogical tools for integrating "People-Environments" paradigm in lecture-based courses in architecture

Arguing for a fresh look at theory- lecture based courses in architecture and how 'people-environments' paradigm is introduced in lecture based courses in architecture, this paper outlines the implementation of a number of 'in-class and out of-class' tools utilized as exercises that foster active learning in classroom settings. The exercises involve individual work and class discussion. They range from 10 minutes to the whole class session and address issues that examine and translate students understanding of the topics introduced, including relating culture to architecture, recognizing building types, developing responses to different environmental settings, and understanding building images. The results of conducting these exercises corroborate that 'people-environments' paradigm can be introduced through active learning which invigorated students understanding of the topics, sensitized them into the understanding of course objectives, while creating excitement in the classroom.