BuildingSteps.com - Academics

It is only right- they shape it like a mound of clay! The profession changes with the prompting of the academic institutions. However, are they aware of the consequences of their curricula and their unwritten agendas?

The profession's general callousness towards current issues probably arises from the lack of emphasis of these in schools. The odd professor here and there may inspire the student to go beyond the visual and try to inculcate the depth of meaning in design and architecture. When this happens, design takes on a new dimension for the student and later on the lessons if learnt well makes him stand out as a designer! In the School: The Visual, VISUAL- visual aspects of architecture are emphasized, stressed and concentrated upon till one wonders if architecture should be considered a visual art! Form- form, form- they yell in studio and the lesson runs deep! Presentation counts for as much as design input if not more. Yes- the art of conning- little enough substance and lots of hoo haa!

In the profession: The visual, Visual, VISUAL aspects are highlighted- livability and comfort more often than not, come a poor second and third. Oh yes, now one encounters the aesthetic tastes of the clients- it is alright- more the merrier!

The agenda of the schools- just in terms of design input rests on the form. Just as long as the basic functional requirements are met, nobody really deigns to address issues of detailing the niches in the design which require sensitivity and need to be handled with finesse.

Design is and has to be more than the visual. Architectural history teaches us that the "acclaimed" buildings and truly great architecture delve deeper into the field of quality. The detailing (here I mean both the construction and design detailing) have been given thought and care.

So what you may ask? The bottom line is that the client has to be comfortable. The client's interest in the visual is a different ball game altogether. This is what I have to say- remember- design is for the people and not just for the critics- the profession grows if that point is driven home!


On the " I see" agenda of schools…


It is only right- they shape it like a mound of clay! The profession changes with the prompting of the academic institutions. However, are they aware of the consequences of their curricula and their unwritten agendas? The profession's general callousness towards current issues probably arises from the lack of emphasis of these in schools. The odd professor here and there may inspire the student to go beyond the visual and try to inculcate the depth of meaning in design and architecture. When this happens, design takes on a new dimension for the student and later on the lessons if learnt well makes him stand out as a designer! In the School: The Visual, VISUAL- visual aspects of architecture are emphasized, stressed and concentrated upon till one wonders if architecture should be considered a visual art! Form- form, form- they yell in studio and the lesson runs deep! Presentation counts for as much as design input if not more. Yes- the art of conning- little enough substance and lots of hoo haa! In the profession: The visual, Visual, VISUAL aspects are highlighted- livability and comfort more often than not, come a poor second and third. Oh yes, now one encounters the aesthetic tastes of the clients- it is alright- more the merrier! The agenda of the schools- just in terms of design input rests on the form. Just as long as the basic functional requirements are met, nobody really deigns to address issues of detailing the niches in the design which require sensitivity and need to be handled with finesse. Design is and has to be more than the visual. Architectural history teaches us that the "acclaimed" buildings and truly great architecture delve deeper into the field of quality. The detailing (here I mean both the construction and design detailing) have been given thought and care. So what you may ask? The bottom line is that the client has to be comfortable. The client's interest in the visual is a different ball game altogether. This is what I have to say- remember- design is for the people and not just for the critics- the profession grows if that point is driven home!