Integrating Environmental Phenomena in the Initial Architecture Studio: Reflections on Modeling of Convective Currents in Living Spaces

In the seminal vision of Donald Schön about the design process, this is defined as a conversation between the designer and the materials of a situation. Later, Nigel Cross would add that modeling is the language of that conversation par excellence. In the light of these ideas, this descriptive article discusses the role of analog models in enabling and enhancing reflective design and the inclusion of environmental topics, usually absent from the initial architectural design studios. To illustrate the potential that modeling has in these cases, a first-year studio exercise in which modeling of heat, specifically of convective currents, is shown. Finally, the authors reflect on the relationship between concepts, the cases presented and the learning opportunities that arise together with the responsibilities of educators.