The Design Studio is a rare academic environment. In studio, one develops ideas, projects, and self by way of experimentation, collaboration, and expression. The Design Studio embodies a fragile balance between many personal spheres that overlap to create a series of dynamic relationships. It is only when equal respect is paid to all that the Studio environment can operate to its full potential. Without this balance, this equality and respect, the Studio environment can become unhealthy.

 

The right to have personal property respected.

 

When one’s work and property is not respected, the environment of the Studio suffers. No relationship can be founded on mistrust. Since the activity of Studio is about forming relationships, growth stops in Studio when trustful relationships cease.

 

The right to have an environment where all ideas and beliefs are respected.

 

Whether one agrees or disagrees with another’s belief, the Studio is a place that guarantees the right to express that belief without persecution, so long as it (the belief or idea) is respectful to others beliefs.

 

The right to obtain knowledge from courses and experiences outside of studio.

 

It should be recognized that courses outside of studio (such as seminars, lectures, and off campus experiences) offer unique and valuable opportunities for learning, growth, and experience. The more experiences and knowledge one gains outside of Studio directly affects the Studio environment by way of allowing more connections to be made, and thus enriching the Architecture Program as a whole. Within the context of the learning objectives of a course or assignment, we have the right to establish our own research agendas, and expect full faculty support.

 

The right to a healthy environment.

 

A healthy studio environment that is orderly, safe, and free from toxins (whether physical, social or cultural) is crucial to the development of a studio space. Just as our bodies function better while healthy, a Design studio functions better while healthy.​