Undergraduate Studios

Studio Progression and Preferencing Guide

Design studios sit at the core of the curriculum and are sequential in nature. The studio sequence contains three stages of advancement: Introductory (ARCH 200-300 level), Intermediate (ARCH/IARC 484; IARC 487), and Advanced (ARCH 485/6; IARC 488/9). The following guide explains how registration and preferencing for various studio sections occurs for each level.

Introductory Studios (ARCH 283, 284, 383, 384)

After being admitted into the Architecture or Interior Architecture program, students begin their introductory studio sequence. Introductory studios do not require a preferencing process. Instead, students are emailed notification of their studio section placement prior to registration. Registration will depend on pre-authorization.

  • Year 1 – In winter term, all first year Architecture and Interior Architecture students are placed in ARCH 283 and upon successful completion, are placed in ARCH 284 in spring.
  • Year 2 – In the fall, Architecture and Interior Architecture students are placed in ARCH 383. In the winter, Architecture students are not in studio, but taking other required classes, while Interior Architecture students begin intermediate studios. In the spring, Architecture students are placed in ARCH 384.

NOTE: Studios graded as “No Pass” must be repeated before advancing to intermediate studios. Since they are term-specific, this will result in a delay in studio progression. A “Marginal Pass” in ARCH 383 or 384 will trigger an Intermediate Entrance Evaluation Gate Review which may result in a delay in studio progression.

Intermediate Studios (ARCH 484; IARC 484; IARC 487)

After satisfying all introductory studio requirements, students will be part of the preferencing process for intermediate studios. Often referred to as “vertical” studios, intermediate studios combine a broad spectrum of students from different places in their program (i.e. graduate vs. undergraduate, year and experience). “Preferencing” was created to provide a way to self-select between studio options as well as distribute participants evenly.

General Rules for Registration and Preferencing

  • Architecture students are guaranteed two intermediate/vertical studio placements per academic year
  • Fall studios are expected in years 3 and 4
  • Placement in Winter and Spring studios depend on beginning letter of last name (between A-K or L-Z in alternate years –
    • 2023-24: L-Z Fall/Winter; A-K Fall/Spring
    • 2024-25: A-K Fall/Winter; L-Z Fall/Spring
    • 2025-26: L-Z Fall/Winter; A-K Fall/Spring
    • 2026-27: A-K Fall/Winter; L-Z Fall/Spring
    • 2027-28: L-Z Fall/Winter; A-K Fall/Spring
  • Additional Eugene-based ARCH summer studios are available and preferencing may be required.
  • Interior Architecture students are not restricted in number of studios per academic year within IARC studios but are preferenced lower when wanting an ARCH studio.
  • Many students explore summer studio options both in and outside of the School of Architecture and Environment. International options can be found through Global Education Oregon
  • IARC 487 “Working Drawings” studio is an “intermediate studio” exception, as it is not part of the preferencing process. Please refer to curriculum guide to see the suggested time to take this course. As with other intermediate studios, you take this after satisfying all introductory studio requirements.

STEP 1: Register for Phantom Studio (Pre-Preferencing):

  • Architecture students register for the ARCH 484 Architecture “phantom” studio course during their registration window.
  • Interior Architecture students will register for the IARC 484 Interior Architecture “phantom” studio during their registration window.
  • The phantom course can be identified by the large number of maximum seats in the course schedule (other ARCH 484 studios will noticeably be limited to 17 students).
  • Registration in the phantom studio is required to participate in preferencing.
  • The phantom course can be identified by the large number of maximum seats in the course schedule (other ARCH 484 studios will noticeably be limited to 17 students).

STEP 2: Complete Studio Preferencing Survey:

Studio Preferencing:

  • Architecture and Interior Architecture students receive an email with studio options along with a link to a survey where they will order their preferences.
  • Architecture and Interior Architecture students have two weeks to find out more about the studios, visit with instructors, and to complete the survey.
  • Studio options are also posted on the board outside of Lawrence Hall 210 and on the first “Studio” page of this website as soon as they are available.
  • Studio preferencing options will include a combination of Architecture and Interior Architecture studios.
  • Typically, Interior Architecture students are preferencing IARC studios, and Architecture students ARCH.
  • If selecting studio choices within their major, students prioritize ARCH choices in the top 3 (if Architecture) or IARC choices in the top 3 (if Interior Architecture).
  • Both Architecture and Interior Architecture students can elect to take one studio outside of their major (including one in Landscape Architecture). All are dependent upon department approval.
  • If opting to take a studio outside of their major, students place that studio as their top choice, followed by studios within their major.
  • The department will accommodate placing students in studio if preferencing step is missed as long as space is available. You may be limited in your options based on availability.

STEP 3: Drop Phantom Course and Add Correct CRN (Post-Preferencing):

  • Architecture and Interior Architecture students are placed in a studio based on the results of the survey after committee review. The department encourages diversity of instructors and topics.
  • After being given their placement, Architecture and Interior Architecture students will be instructed to drop the “phantom” course and add the correct CRN (sent in an email) for the assigned studio.

NOTE: A “No Pass” grade in an intermediate studio will require repeating the studio, which may delay studio progression. A grade of “Marginal Pass” in either the two final 484 studios will result in a Terminal Studio Entrance Evaluation Gate Review before continuing to advanced studios (see below).

Advanced Studios (ARCH 485, 486; IARC 488, 489)

After satisfying all intermediate studio requirements, students will begin advanced studios, often called “terminal” studios as the culmination of their studio progression.

Architecture students will be part of a separate preferencing process and based on survey results will be assigned a two-term ARCH 485/6 terminal studio in the winter and spring term of their final year.

Interior Architecture students will take IARC 445 Comprehensive Preparation in the fall term of their final year. During the winter and spring terms, IARC students then register for IARC 488 and IARC 489 Interior Design Comprehensive Project as the culmination of their studio progression. This does not require the preferencing process.

Questions about studio registration? Contact: archadvisor@uoregon.edu

Studio Assessment and Grading

As an alternative to letter grades, design studios are offered as Pass/No Pass to foster collaboration, exploration, and risk-taking in the studio environment. Studio faculty complete a written evaluation of each student at the end of the quarter using the department’s Studio Performance Evaluation Form. These evaluations are coupled with one-on-one meetings with students called exit interviews to discuss overall development and progress. At the end of the term, a grade of P/NP is recorded with the registrar. Completed forms are placed in students’ academic files and students receive a copy for their reference.

Written Evaluations and Performance Indicators

All design studios in the Department of Architecture utilize a shared Studio Performance Evaluation Form to assess student work across multiple criteria. This final evaluation form provides all students with personalized feedback on their effort, achievement and growth. The form includes 21 specific criteria and an overall summary, each scored on a five-point scale ranging from commendable to unsatisfactory.

Additionally, a list of “Studio Performance Indicators and Expectations” exists for design studios at each level as a reference for students and instructors. These lists describe the types of outcomes that would indicate evidence of student success in each criteria on the studio performance evaluation form.

Students are encouraged to use the final evaluation form and corresponding indicators as tools for self-assessment throughout the term.

Grading

While an official grade of P* or NP is recorded on the transcript, within the department, studio instructors use the evaluation form to provide more nuanced feedback. The form distinguishes between whether a student has earned a grade of Commendable Pass; Pass; Marginal Pass; or No Pass. Marginal Passes and Passes with Commendation are designations for internal use only. They are not reported to the registrar and will not show up on transcripts. However, Marginal Passes in certain studios may trigger a Gate Review to determine if continuation to the next studio is approved (See Gate Polices below).

Pass is assigned if a student does all of the following…

  • Met learning objectives on the department’s studio performance evaluation and syllabus description
  • Demonstrated consistent design inquiry and engagement in projects and assignments
  • Attended and participated thoroughly in design reviews, in-class discussions and peer-to-peer learning opportunities

Marginal Pass is assigned if student a does any of the following…

  • Marginally met multiple learning objectives on the department’s studio performance evaluation form and syllabus description
  • Produced satisfactory final work but demonstrated inconsistency in design inquiry, attendance, or engagement throughout the term

No Pass is assigned if a does any of the following student…

  • Did not meet multiple learning objectives
  • Did not demonstrate adequate design inquiry
  • Did not produce satisfactory work based on final requirements
  • Did not attend or engage adequately in design reviews, in-class discussions and peer-to-peer learning opportunities
  • Did not show significant growth as a designer and thinker

Note:  Whenever possible, design studio faculty must notify students, the Director of Undergraduate Studies and Department Staff by week eight of the quarter (or before the university deadline for withdrawal) if they think a student in their studio might be in jeopardy of earning a Marginal or No Pass grade.

Exit Interviews

Participation in exit interviews is required. Faculty will schedule these meetings typically during Week 10 or 11 based on mutual availability. These 15-30 minute conversations provide important opportunities for shared-reflection and to gain mutual perspective on the final assessment. Students are invited to share any issues that may have impacted their performance and experience. Faculty may also offer individualized advice and concrete tips for improvement in future studios.

Gates Reviews for B.Arch Students

Design studios sit at the heart of our program’s curriculum. They carry the most credit hours and are the place where students integrate and apply knowledge gained in subject area courses. We want to set students up for success as they enter these rigorous learning environments by making sure they are adequately prepared. The purpose of an Entrance Evaluation Gate Review is to gauge the level of preparedness for moving into the next phase of the studio sequence. Therefore, Gate Reviews can occur at two points along the B. Arch studio sequence.

Intermediate Studio Entrance Evaluation Gate Review

Intermediate studios are topical and often mix undergraduate and graduate students, who are encouraged to draw from their own abilities and experiences. Compared to introductory studios, students must be prepared with the basic skills and knowledge to engage in a more individually driven design process while being strong contributors in peer-to-peer exchanges.

The Intermediate Studio Entrance Evaluation Gate is a review process conducted by members of the Department of Architecture Undergraduate Studies Committee to determine if a student is ready to continue to the intermediate ARCH 484 design studio sequence. This evaluation includes a review of studio work and final evaluation forms from ARCH 283, 284, 383 and 384 with emphasis on the two most recent studios. Additionally, students are required to meet with the committee to offer their perspective on their development in the program.

An Intermediate Studio Entrance Evaluation Gate Review is required if:

  1. a student receives a grade of NP (No Pass) in either ARCH 383 or 384, or
  2. a student receives a grade of MP (Marginal Pass) in either ARCH 383 or 384 Students are not eligible to enter ARCH 484 studios before the evaluation has been completed and continuation is recommended.

Note: Marginal Pass and/or No Pass grades in ARCH 283 or 284 do not trigger a Gate Review.

If you have been contacted regarding participation in an Intermediate Entrance Evaluation Gate Review, please read this B. Arch Intermediate Gate FAQ for more detailed information regarding the timeline and how to prepare.

Terminal Studio Entrance Evaluation Gate Review

Terminal studios are advanced, comprehensive, and independently driven, requiring students to structure their own design process, drawing from their abilities and technical knowledge. Compared to vertical studios, students must be prepared to complete a comprehensive building design that shows a culmination and integration of architectural knowledge across all subject areas using advanced techniques in computation and design media.

The Terminal Studio Entrance Evaluation Gate is a review process conducted by members of the Department of Architecture Undergraduate Studies Committee to determine if a student is ready to continue to the advanced ARCH 485/6 design studio sequence. This evaluation includes a review of studio work and final evaluation forms from all prior and current ARCH 484 studios. Additionally, students are required to meet with the committee to offer their perspective on their development in the program.

A Terminal Studio Entrance Evaluation Gate Review is required if:

  1. a student receives a grade of NP (No Pass) in either of their last two ARCH 484 studios
  2. student receives a grade of MP (Marginal Pass) in either of their last two ARCH 484 studios. Students are not eligible to enter ARCH 485/6 studios before the evaluation has been completed and continuation is recommended.

If you have been contacted regarding participation in a Terminal Studio Entrance Evaluation Gate Review, please read this B. Arch Terminal Gate FAQ for more detailed information regarding the timeline and how to prepare.

Incompletes in Design

A student will be permitted to enroll in their next design studio after receiving an Incomplete at such time as the work is completed and a passing grade change has been officially entered on the student’s permanent record by the Registrar’s Office. A student is not allowed to be working on requirements for two studios simultaneously.

Design Studio Disqualification

Disqualification means that a student is prohibited from taking additional design courses offered by the department.

Students who are not making satisfactory progress towards a degree in Architecture or Interior Architecture according to the standards determined by the University’s Academic Standing Policy will be disqualified from design studio. A student who withdraws with a “W” and/or earns a non-passing mark (N, I, Y) in two design studio courses will be disqualified. However,  a “W” in design may not place a student in jeopardy of disqualification if the withdrawal is necessitated by a medical or personal emergency, as verified by the Undergraduate Studies Committee.

A student who has been disqualified from design studio may apply for reinstatement after one year by supplying evidence of experience during the ‘year away’ that would better prepare the student to profit from additional design coursework. Petitions for reinstatement must be made to the department’s Undergraduate Studies Committee. After three years, the student forfeits their major status and must apply for re-admission to the program.