EDI Mini-Fest  

Session Outline:

This presentation illustrate a current research study that investigates the evolving landscape of architectural education and its impact on curriculum development. Amidst profound changes, architectural education is engaged in critical discussions about its future and its relationship with the profession. The study aims to identify emerging trends by examining the debate among diverse stakeholders and it seeks to reveal insights into the potential development of future curriculum designs emerging from these "shared" perspectives.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The investigation centres on the "New European Bauhaus: Upskilling x (Education+Practice)" conference debate held in Brussels in April 2023. Employing unobtrusive methods, data from the conference undergoes thematic analysis using grounded theory methodology. The inductive research approach allows for the identification of themes and concepts grounded in the data and the construction of emerging theories.

Findings: The analysis uncovers underpinning principles at the core of the architectural education discourse, and identifies recurring and emerging themes with profound implications for curriculum development. The findings provide insights to academics and professionals on the emerging duality of Macro/Systemic and Micro-Credential learning in architectural education and its potential implementation in architectural education.

Relevance: Some examples of EDI-relevant themes include:

• Evolving Practice and Expanding Discipline: Architecture as a discipline is evolving to embrace more holistic, systemic, and dynamic models, highlighting the importance of social and ethical dimensions. This evolution suggests a move towards inclusivity and diversity in both professional practice and educational approaches.

• Curriculum Integration: There is a growing emphasis on integrating various aspects of architectural education, advocating for holistic, interconnected education that bridges gaps between different knowledge types and pedagogies. This approach supports a more inclusive educational framework.

• Active Student Engagement: The importance of fostering student motivation, confidence, and empowerment in education is highlighted. Practices that promote student co-participation and co-creation contribute to a more inclusive and culturally diverse academic environment.

• Cross-disciplinary Collaboration: Encouraging interdisciplinary practices in architectural education, this theme supports the exchange of diverse perspectives and methods, fostering an inclusive learning environment that respects and integrates multiple viewpoints.

Session Aims:

• Dissemination and sharing of good practice. 

• Opportunity to receive feedback on work that is yet to be published