The Architecture of Change
Have you noticed there are a lot of articles recently on websites and discussions on zoom about the future of the architecture profession?
These examine the role of architecture education, and how universities are preparing students for life post-graduation; the pressing challenge of climate emergency, and how the profession can prepare to lead clients and the community through it; and the ways that architecture might change and become more inclusive to a broader range of people, in response to Black Lives Matter.
I’m fascinated by these topics – this sort of future-gazing can be provocative and inspiring – so I’ve collected the articles that most resonated with me, and assembled them here for your enlightenment.
There are also two events this week that look at the future of architecture practice – and ways that you might shape your own – and I’ve included details at the bottom. I’ll be at the one in Perth on Thursday night, so feel free to say hi and share your two-cents worth on these topics if you’re also going!
Architecture studies
Designing hope: The role of architecture education in the climate crisis
by Naomi Stead, Philip Oldfield and Chris Knapp, 10 Aug 2020
Our architecture schools have the power to both exacerbate and ameliorate the climate crisis. Educators Naomi Stead, Philip Oldfield and Chris Knapp ask what students need to learn now in order to bring sustainable techniques to the profession in a radically different future.
Resilience and diversity
by Rachael Bernstone, 4 September 2020
Architecture is rapidly changing, as is the education of architects. Rachael Bernstone interviews five women Deans or Heads of School to canvas the issues, discuss the importance of equity and reflect on their experiences of leadership.
Read the extended version here (this article was first published on the HabitusLiving website).
Mohsen Mostafavi
How will we teach next? The future of architectural education
Architect and educator Mohsen Mostafavi has written an essay that intends to start a conversation on the future of architectural education. Mostafavi is currently the Alexander and Victoria Wiley professor of design at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and previously served as the university’s dean from 2008 through 2019. in the new essay, shared by urbanNext, Mostafavi considers the challenges facing the world’s teaching institutions in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring a range of pertinent and pressing issues.
Anne Chen
Inclusivity and diversity
Let's Change the Language of Buildings for the Future
by Anne Chen, 25 August 2020
Architects are past due on creating work that speaks to inclusive values rather than reinforcing prejudicial systems that center on a white, patriarchal, privileged ideology.
Architecture Needs a Culture Shift
Michael Caton
Michael Caton, 4 August 2020
As society grapples with the pervasiveness of institutional racism, design firms looking to take action must factor in two components, writes the New York–based architect and visiting professor at the Pratt Institute.
Climate emergency
Indigenous people were the first ecologists
Linda Cheng, 20 Jul 2020
Next in our interview series of the climate and biodiversity emergency, Jefa Greenaway, director of Greenaway Architects, says the built environment professions have a lot to learn from Indigenous knowledge systems in the effort to combat the effects of climate change.
Read it and access the full series here.
Future-focussed events
Work Women Wisdom: Where to now – designing your future
Thursday 17 Sep 2020 at 7:00 pm, at Living Edge in Perth
In the wake of Covid-19 working conditions have changed for most in the profession but for many women, especially those working part-time, salaries have been reduced, hours cut, roles redefined, or positions lost completely. Where to now?
We will discuss the opportunities for upskilling, registering and even starting a practice!
“Every great change is preceded by chaos” – Deepak Chopra
Book your tickets for this IRL event here.
Career shifts & breaks
Friday 18 September, 12.30 pm AEST
Join Parlour and Monash Architecture for Career Shifts & Breaks, the next Light at the End of the Tunnel session, with Shelley Penn and Dijana Tasevska.
Read my interview with Shelley Penn here.
Have you seen any great articles about the future of architecture that you’d like to share? Drop a comment below with a link, if you do!