SER.PENSAR.CRIATIVAR: Incorporation of activities to stimulate creativity in the design process: an investigation with students from CAU/UFRN
creativity; creative demand; methodological tools to stimulate creativity
Creativity is present in everyday life and in the history of human beings, therefore, being investigated by researchers from different areas of knowledge. In architecture, although it is expected that professionals in the area have creative skills, considered essential to the design process, there are still few studies aimed at stimulating creativity in undergraduate courses. Considering the multidimensionality of creativity during the design process, this research takes as its object of study the activities that stimulate the creativity of undergraduate students of the architecture and urbanism course in a specific discipline and online classroom context. The question to be investigated is: How do students of the Architecture and Urbanism course at CAU/UFRN respond to activities that stimulate creativity? In this field, the general objective is to analyze the responses of AU students to the creative stimulation activities proposed to them. Twenty students enrolled in the discipline “Development of Perception and Creativity” (ARQ 0274) offered at CAU/UFRN participated. The empirical research involved: application of questionnaires and focus groups with students, interviews with professors, and preparation of the researcher's field diary. Faced with the demands of social isolation from the global pandemic caused by COVID-19, the investigation took place completely remotely: all contacts with the participants and records took place virtually, through digital platforms. The results obtained were cross-referenced to allow the creation of an investigative map of the creative demands in question. It is concluded that creative stimulation activities are welcome and well assimilated by students, and they can be added to the students’ design process to promote a creative leap favorable to decision making and to obtain differentiated solutions.