The Multidisciplinary Approach to Architectural Education: Bridging the Gap between Academic Education and the Complexities of Professional Practice

Abstract

Many schools of architecture focus on developing student's skills in the spatial and aesthetic aspects of architectural design as a necessary part of their education, however with less effort to inform the students about the nature of actual design in practice. The paper describes the main disciplines that are often involved in the design and construction of actual projects, and highlights the importance of informing architectural students of the complexities of design in practice. It is noteworthy that several activities take place even prior to commencing the design process. These are referred to as pre-design activities that include preparation of a building's program of uses, economic feasibility, site selection, surveying, and geophysical investigation that involve inputs from specialized experts. The paper addresses these activities, as well as the processes involved in design and construction, and concludes with presenting proposals to bridge the gap between education and practice.