Voices for Change in Architectural Education: Seven Facets of Transformation from the Perspectives of Faculty Women

Abstract

In the face of massive cultural, technological, and economic changes, the profession of architecture, not unlike many other professions, will be forced to reconceptualize and transform itself. Architectural education, as the entry point for future generations of architects, will of necessity have to be at the forefront of such a transformation. The thesis of this article is that faculty women in architecture occupy a special position to advance this agenda for change, both in terms of the substantive scope of the field and in terms of the pedagogical principles by which it is taught. Evidence to support these arguments is drawn primarily from our in-depth interviews with a sample of more than forty faculty women, a previously unpublished study funded by the Graham Foundation. Seven specific facets of transformation are discussed with reference both to the recently released Carnegie study and to other work on the implications of global change on higher education. The seven facets of transformation are the ideals of a liberal education; interdisciplinary connections; the integration of different modes of thought; connections to other disciplines through beginning studios; the reformation of pedagogical practices; collaboration; and caring for students.