How architecture schools are preparing students for jobs of future

Besides, the economic constraints of real-world projects can sometimes clash with idealistic architectural education.

Architecture, as a profession, is undergoing a massive disruption because of increasing emphasis on sustainability, digital inclusiveness and new construction methods. The paradigm shift is forcing educational institutes to rethink how they teach students.

To be sure, the change is not limited to teaching methods alone. Universities are also revamping their curriculum to make it relevant for the jobs of the future.

At Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology, solutions for climate action are not taught just through the traditional STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) methods, but also explored through frameworks from social sciences and humanities to establish the basis of studio projects.

For example, there are studios that help students design for transition and livability, which go beyond the scope for usual design for a typology.

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Similarly at VES College of Architecture (VESCOA), the recent revamp has resulted in four models of “innovative pedagogy” such as ‘Industry-Academia Collaborations, Continual Professional Development through Abhivruddi, Extra Mural Studies through Bahishal Vibhag, and a School of Design’, which covers certified short-and long-term courses in interior, furniture and product design.

According to Dr Anand Achari, Principal of VESCOA, students get access to resources to gain knowledge in software such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Rhino, AutoCAD etc, which are necessary for their job prospects.

Looking beyond disruption 

Educators agree that disruptions force educational institutions to look back and revisit their pedagogy. However, they  maintain that it's not always necessary to revamp curriculum that is solely dependent on short-lived changes.

World University of Design (WUD) authorities said they frequently incorporates local architectural styles into student projects without  replicating them. In terms of presentation and design expression, there are numerous AI (artificial intelligence) technologies available such as advanced rendering software and LiDAR technology.

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However, Professor Shaleen Sharma, Dean of WUD’s School of Architecture Design, is of the opinion that trends are time-specific and may be short-lived.

“Modern technology is ever-changing. By the time the next batch of students arrives, the tools and software may be outdated. Thus, we urge students to understand technology in relation to its application and avoid a blind approach where design becomes subservient to technology,” he said.

Tara Singla, COD of LPU’s Lovely School of Architecture and Design, said another challenge is ensuring that students not only grasp current environmental and societal issues but are also motivated to actively engage in addressing them.

“While our student organisations and initiatives support this, fostering a culture of proactive change and effective social media advocacy among all students can be demanding,” he added.

Challenges ahead 

Though universities are striving to prepare their students for jobs of the future, certain challenges continue to hinder the process.

“Many students who come into the design programmes are schooled and regimented through the education system for 10-12 years. Unlearning and exposing them to the world of art & design and getting them to expand their vision beyond convention is the challenge and focus of the foundation studies in the first year,” said Ninad Koranne and Priya Joseph, the faculty members at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology.

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Besides, the economic constraints of real-world projects can sometimes clash with idealistic architectural education.

“Bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application is crucial. The ‘turn-key’ vis a vis ‘idealistic’ school of thoughts are always in conflict and the architecture students need to address the fine balance which is a big challenge,” said Dr Dipti Parashar, Associate Dean & Professor of Architecture at Sharda University.