Interaction and Interdependence: University-based Architectural Education and the Architectural Profession.

Overview & Synopsis

This paper explores the relationship between university-based professional education and society as viewed by the architectural profession. The problem under investigation is the extent to which university-based professional education has become disjointed and more university-referential, less interdependent, and less interactive with society, and how the connections between education, practice, and society are put under stress. First, the report presents an overview of the history of the architectural profession, its education, regulation, standardization, and its evolvement to being more attentive to specialized educational concerns versus professional preparation. Next, the current issues between architectural education and the profession are examined from the perspectives of university students, faculty, administrators, and practicing architects. Finally, the report discusses ways to improve architectural education and professional preparation stressing interdependent endeavors between academia and the profession. Contains a 36-item bibliography. (GLR)