Current Challenges in Architectural Education

Teaching is an act of generosity, learning is a commitment, and applying what you’ve learned is an act of conviction.

They say architecture is a craft best learned through practice, but we also know that education is like the foundation of a building: it may not be visible once the structure stands, but it was essential from the beginning to ensure its success.

 When we take a moment to reflect on everything that has happened since we graduated and became architects, we realize just how much the world has changed since then.

It is therefore crucial that the education of future professionals addresses the most pressing and relevant topics of our time.

A Disconnect Between the Profession and Society’s Essential Needs

Fundamental topics such as sustainability, interior design, technological implementation, energy efficiency, as well as recycling, rehabilitation, and spatial transformation, are often overshadowed by more "attractive" or trendier subjects.

Romanticizing the Architect of the Past

There are still advocates for the image of the architect as an artist, a genius, and an academic producing monumental works. However, the reality is that most architects start from the bottom. These figures are idolized by faculty, encouraging students to chase fame, magazine features, and design competitions.The underlying message is that those who don't achieve these milestones will have little relevance in the field—which inevitably leads to frustration.

Creative Exercises Detached from Reality

There’s nothing wrong with exploring utopian or creatively challenging projects, but they should be framed appropriately—especially when addressing design themes rooted in geographies, cultures, or political contexts far removed from the students' own environment.It’s curious that students rarely take on renovation or small-space design projects, even though these are often the first assignments they’ll encounter in professional practice.

Communication Methods Based on Academic Jargon and Architectural Artistic Expression

In the classroom, traditional methods such as scale models, conceptual boards, and descriptive narratives still dominate—often using complex, overly technical language (sometimes jokingly referred to as "whale-speak").However, in real-world practice, these methods are rarely effective in explaining or selling a design idea.It would be far more useful to teach skills like real-time visualization, BIM integration for extracting project data (we’re already two decades behind here), the use of artificial intelligence to assess design efficiency, and—most importantly—early interaction with real people to present and defend their ideas.

Limited Development of Business, Administrative, and Financial Skills During Schooling

Architects play a crucial role in society, and as such, they should be able to clearly and convincingly communicate the value of their work.It’s concerning that, in practice, many professionals seem to offer the same thing, and even more worrisome that many are unable to write a proper email or coherently articulate their ideas.

Too Much Experimentation, Not Enough Specialization

At university, we dedicate a lot of time to general experimentation—exploring creative thinking, representational techniques, and design solutions.However, this often overlooks the fact that students have different profiles and strengths, and some would benefit from earlier specialization, rather than waiting for the job market to define their future paths.

A Creative Process Shaped, Manipulated, and Limited by Digital Tools

It's increasingly common to see designs constrained by digital tools—either through their ease of use or, conversely, through the creation of organic forms that are visually striking but dysfunctional when subjected to deeper analysis.Additionally, these forms are often poorly adapted to their physical and cultural context.

Lack of On-Site Construction Experience

One of the biggest shortcomings in architectural education is the lack of hands-on experience in the field.While it may be difficult to join the workforce during school years, universities should facilitate professional internships through partnerships with construction firms—instead of leaving students to search on their own, which often results in missed learning opportunities. 

Improvisation in Teaching During Emergency Situations Like the Pandemic

It’s no secret that several generations of students were affected by the improvisation involved in implementing online classes during the pandemic.This exposed a lack of preparation and adaptability within educational programs, depriving students of one of the most valuable aspects of learning: teamwork and the relationships built among peers.

A Vision Toward the Immediate Future

Universities must prepare for the rapid technological changes that are increasingly impacting our profession: the use of social media as a communication platform, the development and implementation of artificial intelligence, and the rise of new construction methods supported by technology.

It’s Not All About Architecture

For architecture to materialize—and for the outcomes of our work to be truly meaningful—many other things must happen first.That’s why a holistic approach to architectural education is essential, encouraging students to explore other disciplines that will help them become creators and managers of their own future ventures.

Conclusion

The education of architects must evolve in step with social, technological, and environmental transformations.It is crucial that universities go beyond simply teaching how to design large-scale buildings—they must also prepare future architects to face the real-world challenges they will encounter in the field. By promoting a holistic, tech-savvy, and practical understanding of the profession, architecture can remain a relevant and vital discipline.Adapting to new tools—without losing touch with human and local needs—is what will ensure that architecture continues to shape a better future.