A design student's final cut: experimenting with montage technique to generate a rich problem statement and enriched programs in architectural education.

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Title: A design student's final cut: experimenting with montage technique to generate a rich problem statement and enriched programs in architectural education.
Authors: Stevens, Ruth1,2 (AUTHOR) ruth.stevens@uhasselt.be, Petermans, Ann1 (AUTHOR) ann.petermans@uhasselt.be, Vanrie, Jan1 (AUTHOR) jan.vanrie@uhasselt.be
Source: International Journal of Technology & Design Education. Mar2026, Vol. 36 Issue 1, p179-203. 25p.
Subjects: Architectural education, User experience, User-centered system design, Design techniques, Architectural engineering, Drawing techniques, Research questions
Abstract: Integrating user experiences into the early stages of architectural design remains a challenge for students, often due to the absence of structured methodologies. To address this gap, this study explores how design techniques can be developed and refined through design education. Specifically, we investigate the application of montage—a cinematic technique characterized by juxtaposition, superposition, and assemblage—to architectural design processes. Through a research-by-design seminar conducted with master's students in (interior) architecture, set in a diverse residential neighborhood, we adapted montage to suit the complexities of architectural problem statements and program development phases. The tailored approach emphasized (1) understanding synergies and frictions at both micro (personal) and macro (community) levels, (2) linking user narratives to spatial characteristics, and (3) employing advanced drawing techniques as tools for design development and communication. Findings were validated through expert discussions in a soundboard meeting, highlighting the potential of montage to enrich architectural education by structuring and amplifying the role of user experience. Additionally, we identify challenges, such as time investment and drawing proficiency, that must be addressed to further support architects in designing for user wellbeing. This study contributes to advancing pedagogical strategies that prepare future architects to integrate empathy and narrative depth into their design processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of International Journal of Technology & Design Education is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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  Data: A design student's final cut: experimenting with montage technique to generate a rich problem statement and enriched programs in architectural education.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22International+Journal+of+Technology+%26+Design+Education%22">International Journal of Technology & Design Education</searchLink>. Mar2026, Vol. 36 Issue 1, p179-203. 25p.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Architectural+education%22">Architectural education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22User+experience%22">User experience</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22User-centered+system+design%22">User-centered system design</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Design+techniques%22">Design techniques</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Architectural+engineering%22">Architectural engineering</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Drawing+techniques%22">Drawing techniques</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Research+questions%22">Research questions</searchLink>
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  Data: Integrating user experiences into the early stages of architectural design remains a challenge for students, often due to the absence of structured methodologies. To address this gap, this study explores how design techniques can be developed and refined through design education. Specifically, we investigate the application of montage—a cinematic technique characterized by juxtaposition, superposition, and assemblage—to architectural design processes. Through a research-by-design seminar conducted with master's students in (interior) architecture, set in a diverse residential neighborhood, we adapted montage to suit the complexities of architectural problem statements and program development phases. The tailored approach emphasized (1) understanding synergies and frictions at both micro (personal) and macro (community) levels, (2) linking user narratives to spatial characteristics, and (3) employing advanced drawing techniques as tools for design development and communication. Findings were validated through expert discussions in a soundboard meeting, highlighting the potential of montage to enrich architectural education by structuring and amplifying the role of user experience. Additionally, we identify challenges, such as time investment and drawing proficiency, that must be addressed to further support architects in designing for user wellbeing. This study contributes to advancing pedagogical strategies that prepare future architects to integrate empathy and narrative depth into their design processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
– Name: AbstractSuppliedCopyright
  Label:
  Group: Ab
  Data: <i>Copyright of International Journal of Technology & Design Education is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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        Value: 10.1007/s10798-025-09982-1
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        Text: English
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      – SubjectFull: User experience
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      – SubjectFull: Drawing techniques
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      – TitleFull: A design student's final cut: experimenting with montage technique to generate a rich problem statement and enriched programs in architectural education.
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            NameFull: Stevens, Ruth
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              Text: Mar2026
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              Y: 2026
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