摘要：Consciousness is the main quality one can ask architecture students. Consciousness means the ability to recognize that the design process is a ＂problem solving＂ activity and not an exercise of uncontrolled imagination. In architectural education, small structures are a common subject in American and European universities where the inductive teaching is practiced routinely. This teaching experiment is developed within a design studio course in the second year of an architecture degree course and regards design and construction of a small bridge l：l scale. The exercises focus on the role of structural behaviour within architectural design. The teaching method contributes to the perception of the great complexity of the design process, to the acquisition of an attitude of prudence in design choices and to attention to detail in the development of creativity.