Exploring the future of architectural education
Athabasca University lecture series explores the future of architectural education in an increasingly digital world, and how online education can fit into this
Over the past decade, educators around the world have been looking to the deliver more of their courses and content online. The global COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020 was a catalyst that saw massive growth in interest in online education—including in fields like architecture where in-person education has traditionally been dominant.
The Centre for Architecture at Athabasca University (AU) is well poised to contribute to this conversation. It offers the first online Bachelor of Science in Architecture in Canada and an online Graduate Diploma in Architecture, which have allowed students to prepare for work in the field with flexible online programs that work around their schedule.
AU is building on this success, developing the first online Master of Architecture program in Canada.
As part of this work, the Centre for Architecture has created a seven-part online lecture series on The Future of Architectural Education. It features experts from around the world sharing their innovative perspectives on what architectural education could look like.
All seven parts are available, for free, on the Centre for Architecture YouTube channel, and below.
New ways of teaching architecture
Dr. Harriett Harriss, a U.K.-licensed architect, writer, and historian, has extensive experience in architectural education. This includes serving as the dean of the Pratt School of Architecture in Brooklyn, N.Y., leading the architecture research program at the Royal College of Art in London, and the masters in architecture program at Oxford Brookes.
Her scholarship mainly focuses on pioneering pedagogies in architectural education, confronting themes such as feminism, equity, decolonization, diversity and inclusion, civic engagement, the climate crisis, and queer ecologies.
This presentation focuses on some of the current challenges the architectural profession is facing.
Radical inclusion in architectural education
Marc Neveu is the co-director of the Center of Building Innovations, a professor of architecture at The Design School, and a senior global futures schools at Arizona State University (ASU).
His presentation focuses on innovations at ASU, including the concept of radical inclusion.
Reconsidering architectural language
Neil Pinder has taught in several inner-city schools for more than 25 years. He is the head of architecture at the Graveney School in South London, where he introduced architecture to the curriculum and has inspired many students to take an interest in design subjects.
He has started several initiatives to improve access to architecture and the creative industries for people from marginalized backgrounds, which have received national recognition, including Celebrating Architecture, HomeGrown Plus, and GLAM (GUCCI, LOUIS VUITTON, ARCHITECTURE & ME).
An alternative, self-directed education in architecture
Stacey Woolsey is founder of the alternative learning system, Make Your Own Masters, which began in 2018 when she faced financial barriers that prevented her from accessing a traditional education. She independently sought out creative briefs and support live from the industry, showcasing her learnings with a solo exhibition at Somerset House.
This talk is an insight into the challenges and barriers many individuals face when pursuing a creative career, and how education—and the creative industry at large—often create a “drop-off point” where those from less advantaged backgrounds simply cannot gain access, failing many.
Turning challenges into opportunities
Francesco Mancini is an Italian-registered architect and professor at Curtin University and the deputy head of the School of Design and the Built Environment. He holds a doctorate and a postdoctorate in architecture. His research interests include sustainable urban development and regeneration, place identity, architectural language, and design thinking. He has published on urban morphology, identity, and building typology.
This presentation discusses contemporary challenges and trends changing the global scenario and the impact on the future of architecture professionals and education. In the context of environmental, social, and cultural sustainability, the talk describes an approach to respond to such challenges via architecture and turn them into not-to-miss opportunities.
Designing the future of architectural education
Dr. Douglas MacLeod is the chair of the Centre for Architecture at AU, which created Canada’s first online architecture program. He is recognized as an expert in e-learning, regenerative design, and virtual design, and has taught at universities and colleges throughout North America.
His talk focuses on the innovations and opportunities of an online and open program of architectural education. Using examples drawn from the Centre for Architecture, he addresses radical inclusion, the use of artificial intelligence and simulations, and the structural barriers that are faced by students pursuing a carrier in architecture.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and architectural education
Phil Bernstein is an associate dean and adjunct professor at the Yale School of Architecture, where he has taught since 1988. He has worked for several firms and managed complex commissions including projects for the Mayo Clinic, Washington National Airport, and Goldman Sachs.
The rapid development of AI, and particularly today’s provocative generative technologies is pressing architecture from all sides: professional, intellectual, and commercial. Intelligence strategies for the development of machine learning open questions about the nature of architectural knowledge, skills, and professional agency.
This talk examines how we might examine and recalibrate architectural education not just to respond but thrive within a world where machines act with increasing autonomy.
