By: M. Yogalakshmi Bindhuja and D. Jenifer Nivedha
1. Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, School of Environment Architecture and Design, Ramapuram, Chennai, India
2. Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, School of Environment Architecture and Design, Ramapuram, Chennai, India
The integration of sustainability into architectural education is critical to preparing future architects for real-world challenges in urban development. This study explores the potential of gamified learning, specifically through the city-building simulation game SimCity, as an innovative pedagogical tool to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application of sustainable urban planning concepts. SimCity’s game mechanics engage students in real-time decision-making involving resource management, infrastructure planning, and environmental sustainability. By simulating complex urban systems, students develop essential competencies, such as strategic thinking, problem-solving, and systems thinking, fostering a deeper comprehension of sustainability principles. A mixed-methods approach was employed to evaluate the effectiveness of SimCity in a Bachelor of Architecture program. Thirty-two students from the 2020 cohort participated in this semester-long study, engaging with the game for 30 minutes daily. Weekly peer feedback sessions, facilitated through social media, were used to monitor progress and encourage collaboration. Comparative analysis between pre- and post-engagement assessments revealed an average improvement of 26.36% in students’ understanding of sustainable urban planning, with 87.5% of participants showing increased engagement and timely completion of assignments. Notably, 81.25% successfully applied their in-game learning to studio design projects, demonstrating the real-world applicability of the skills gained.
Architecture education, gamification, pedagogy, SimCity, sustainable urban planning, curriculum innovation
Citation:
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