Enhancing Critical and Creative Thinking Among Architecture Students Through Design Projects Prepared by: Engineer Al-Zahraa Saad Khazaal Introduction Critical and creative thinking are essential skills for architecture students, enabling them to analyze design problems and develop architectural solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. Design projects provide an important learning environment in which students can connect theoretical knowledge with practical application. The Role of Design Projects in Developing Critical Thinking Design projects allow students to examine user needs, analyze site conditions, and consider environmental and social factors. They also encourage students to evaluate different architectural alternatives and make informed design decisions based on logical analysis and evidence rather than relying solely on conventional solutions. Promoting Architectural Creativity and Innovation Encouraging experimentation and the use of digital design tools and three-dimensional modeling can expand students’ creative abilities. Brainstorming sessions, constructive critiques, and collaborative work also promote the exchange of ideas and the development of innovative designs that respond to users’ needs and contemporary challenges. Instructors play a vital role by guiding students, asking analytical questions, and encouraging independent thinking. Providing students with the freedom to explore new concepts and evaluate their outcomes helps build confidence and strengthens their problem-solving abilities. Conclusion Enhancing critical and creative thinking through design projects is a fundamental pillar of modern architectural education. By combining analysis, experimentation, and continuous evaluation, educational institutions can prepare architects capable of developing innovative and sustainable solutions and contributing effectively to the improvement of the built environment and the challenges of the future.