Post-Conference Reflection
After having a chance to look back and collect my thoughts about it I must say that I am very glad I attended the Changing Times conference. What I thought was going to be an interesting, yet predictable, conference on the current trends of the profession ended up being a very enlightening conference that has influenced my thoughts about where I want my career to go. While I’ve known for some time that I want to focus on Design/Build and sustainability (the latter going without saying), the conference greatly influence how I’m thinking about my education now that I am in the grad school application process.
The presentations on design/build and IPD where very enlightening, and served to further cement in me the idea that this will be my future focus. Beck Group's presentation on using BIM on an IPD "green" project illustrated in clear language the benefits of this technology in practice; while OPTIMA's presentation showed us how an architect as developer ans contractor create memorable architecture, while increasing the bottom line.
Personally, my favorite part of the conference where the discussions about the future of architectural education. David Scheer made a great comment on how BIM flies in the face of academia, and Daniel Friedman's (Dean of UWash's College of Built Environments) closing keynote was amazing. His thoughts on the current state of education and licensing really struck a cord with me. Massive changes in every conceivable aspect in our society, planet and industry are occurring. And yet, our curriculum and licensing stay the same. The times have changed ladies and gentlemen, and we have to change with them or be left in the dust.
In closing , I would like to leave you with Daniel's ten proposition on changing education to better prepare us to the changing landscape of practice. Maybe they'll strike a cord with you like they did with me.
TEN PROPOSITIONS
1. Treat the entire curriculum like studio-all studio all the time. Fold everything together.
2. Use research to drive design. Design as theory of knowledge. Research will drive 21rst century design.
3. Teach more building science. Architects-Engineers most ballsy practitioners.
4. Mandate teamwork.
5. Replace the jury system with studio rounds (like medical schools).
6. Dissect abandoned buildings.
7. Use case method to teach professional practice and ethics. Put students in the habit of making decisions.
8. Interdigitate research and internship.
9. Require internship for accreditation.
10. Qualify interns for licensure at graduation.
The presentations on design/build and IPD where very enlightening, and served to further cement in me the idea that this will be my future focus. Beck Group's presentation on using BIM on an IPD "green" project illustrated in clear language the benefits of this technology in practice; while OPTIMA's presentation showed us how an architect as developer ans contractor create memorable architecture, while increasing the bottom line.
Personally, my favorite part of the conference where the discussions about the future of architectural education. David Scheer made a great comment on how BIM flies in the face of academia, and Daniel Friedman's (Dean of UWash's College of Built Environments) closing keynote was amazing. His thoughts on the current state of education and licensing really struck a cord with me. Massive changes in every conceivable aspect in our society, planet and industry are occurring. And yet, our curriculum and licensing stay the same. The times have changed ladies and gentlemen, and we have to change with them or be left in the dust.
In closing , I would like to leave you with Daniel's ten proposition on changing education to better prepare us to the changing landscape of practice. Maybe they'll strike a cord with you like they did with me.
TEN PROPOSITIONS
1. Treat the entire curriculum like studio-all studio all the time. Fold everything together.
2. Use research to drive design. Design as theory of knowledge. Research will drive 21rst century design.
3. Teach more building science. Architects-Engineers most ballsy practitioners.
4. Mandate teamwork.
5. Replace the jury system with studio rounds (like medical schools).
6. Dissect abandoned buildings.
7. Use case method to teach professional practice and ethics. Put students in the habit of making decisions.
8. Interdigitate research and internship.
9. Require internship for accreditation.
10. Qualify interns for licensure at graduation.
Tags: AIA, BIM, Change, IPD, Sustainability, accademia, architecture
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