John Assael debates about the future of architectural education
At the RIBA Education Forum held on 24 March, John Assael, a nationally-elected member of the RIBA Council, joined others to discuss proposals to modernise the education of future generations of architectural students.
Stephen Hodder, RIBA President, said “The RIBA’s proposals have been developed to emphasise the synergy between academic study and professional practice experience and to support this through a reframing of the sequence, structures and awards schools deliver.’
John expressed his views on the first of the recommendations; a requirement for a minimum of 2 years professional practice experience within the 7 year period of study. He proposed a closer affiliation between schools and practices, a clearer definition of what ‘practical experience’ is and questioned the length of study. Watch the video to hear his views.
The other debates based on the recommendations by the RIBA Education Review were:
– Typically a 7 year integrated award (with the facility for universities to still award a first degree in architecture)
– Academic credits available for 1 year of work based learning, with the option for students to study within a framework of 4 years full time study + 3 years professional practical experience
– A 300 credit programme compliant with the requirements of the Bologna agreement
– Access to the register of architects and title of architect of graduation
The Councillors voted on each of these recommendations and the RIBA Education Review has provided an update here.