In order to improve the teaching effect, the problem situation teaching mode which focuses on cultivating image thinking is constructed. Teaching is carried out in four steps: "subject cognition and analysis -- plan conception and design -- design optimization and finalization -- drawing expression and evaluation". The teaching approach of improving students' ability of image thinking is explored. Through associative contrast, logical reasoning, functional modeling and other ways， students' spatial imagination ability is improved. In the teaching of configuration design, students are inspired to use the existing knowledge and experience to associate, reason, compare, use inspiration thinking, divergent thinking, multi-directional thinking, and different thinking to conceive a variety of streamlined architectural shapes. Students' image thinking ability is improved from many aspects.