Collective Memory as a Source of Knowledge in Architectural Education

Abstract

The research deals with the concept of collective memory as one of the influential concepts produced in the process of architectural design, which is defined as the symbolic system and the creative process in the architectural product and linked to the identity needs of the individual and society, through its various media that represent the criteria for collective remembering of the student of architecture establishes the collective identity, through studying the architectural products For architecture students, we note the student’s poor knowledge of the concept of collective memory, and thus the research problem is the lack of knowledge in investing the collective memory of the student of architecture in architectural products, so the research aims to clarify the sources of knowledge of collective memory in architectural education and how to invest it by the student of architecture. By analysing the graduation projects of architecture students at Al-Mustansiriya University, the research concludes the weak sources of collective memory in architectural products and its strong focus on the physical aspects of historical structures as a source of collective memory because of the presence of this source in architectural approaches, especially in the lessons of the history of architecture in its various stages. The research recommends the introduction of educational programs for collective memory within the curricula of architectural education to increase the architectural knowledge of students in the field of collective memory and the revival of heritage and archaeology and benefit from them in developing cognitive and intellectual capabilities and creating a collective identity using virtual media and digital technologies.