Examining the plausibility of fostering creativity through puzzles in architectural education: An exploratory sequential study

The study examines the plausibility of fostering thinking skills in architectural education through an open ended task based on a dissection puzzle, 'TANGRAM'. An exploratory sequential approach and mixed method analysis was adopted for the study. Firstly, it was organised as part of a faculty induction program conducted by 'National Institute of Advanced Studies in Architecture' in association with 'Council of Architecture' at a regional level. Secondly it was conducted in class as part of a course 'theory of design', to experience 'design puzzle and blocks' for the students in the fifth semester at Department of Architecture, Sathyabama University, Chennai. Qualitative and quantitative data on the 'framed task', 'channels to creativity' and the 'outcomes' were collected, consolidated and analysed. Findings posit that puzzles are sources to frame diverse open ended tasks to foster creativity and have potentials to be introduced in basic design studio, offered as a foundation course in architectural education across the nation.