Examining the factors influencing students’ productivity in architectural design studio of governmental Jordanian universities

Purpose This study aims to determine, examine and rank the factors/subfactors that may influence the students’ productivity through different design phases inside the architectural design studio. In addition, it examines the relationships/interrelationships between these factors and students’ educational level. Design/methodology/approach This research used different research methods: literature review, semi-structured interview and questionnaire (n = 420), and different statistical analysis methods: descriptive, comparative and Pearson r correlation analysis. Findings This research found that physical and administration factors significantly influence students’ productivity, followed by social and psychological, design and operational, personal and natural environmental factors. Additionally, thermal comfort was the subfactor most affecting the students’ productivity through all design phases. This research found that there were significant strong/very strong positive linear relationships/interrelationships between the student’s education level and all the factors that may increase the students’ productivity (r > 0.647), and between all the factors that may increase the students’ productivity (r ranged between 0.521 and 0.873). The factors affecting students’ productivity in the architectural design studio must be considered as a pool when designing architectural spaces. Practical implications The research findings provide the stakeholders, researchers, architects and facilities managers in architectural education with information on improving students’ productivity and enhancing the learning experience that positively affects their confidence and well-being in the design studio. In addition, this research provides information to develop guidelines for evaluating, designing and/or improving design studio environments that facilitate students’ productivity. Originality/value This research provides valuable insights into the students’ productivity during design study and how to prepare students for future professional roles, increase their involvement in their design development process and improve the quality of design education. The productivity of the architectural design students during the design studio hours plays a significant role in improving the architectural learning process. Enhancing students’ productivity during design studio hours promotes their design skills and future abilities of a problem-solving approach, which enhances the profession, provides an effective and comfortable student work environment, reduces the students’ stress inside the design studio and meets the students’ physical and emotional needs.