Hogan believes there is time enough to learn basic skills in later courses. Hogan believes that this approach to teaching basic design has resulted in better student attitudes toward architecture as a major, as compared with previous years in which the course was taught using a more traditional approach. Another change in the course occurred recently when students were given their own desks and work space. Hogan believes this new arrangement has also helped to improve student attitudes. The students are able to see what others are doing, and they learn from their fellow students.
Students appear to find the lab to be an intensive learning experience.
Most work 20 to 25 hours per week on lab projects. Some spend nights and weekends working in the lab. One architecture major remarked that he spent 12 hours a day nearly every day of spring break working on a lab project. According to Schillig, the pressure to do well comes from within the student. Grading is de-emphasized in the course, and there are no rigid course requirements.