Each of the project partners offers programmes accredited by the RIAI as part of the educational path towards admission to the Register for Architects. Building Change is collaborating with the RIAI to incorporate major conclusions from the HCI project in the accreditation process for all Architecture Programmes (which must be accredited to have their qualifications recognised by the profession in Ireland, and in all EU countries through the EU Professional Qualifications (Architecture).
Our approach to Curriculum Redesign is holistic. We recognise that to change the learning pathways of future architects we need to engage widely and include both educators and students at all stages. It involves acknowledging that ‘how’ we teach is often as important as ‘what’ we teach. Using co-design and ‘engaged’ research processes the project aims to develop maximum exchange between citizens, local authorities, community groups, industry, and students and build on the rich range of skills and research areas available across the six schools which are geographically spread across the island of Ireland.
While the primary vehicle for testing these changes is the Architectural Design Studio, our approach also encompasses all areas of the curriculum, and is informed by the unique regional contexts of each University. From Atlantic-facing rural environments, special landscape designations, just transitions, farming, forestry, tourism, shrinking and expanding rural settlements, through to larger urban settlements and towns a with significant building stock and heritage in need of creative adaptive re-use, all have influenced the approach to curricular change. Each School also brings with it an existing culture and set of values – influencing its own distinct priorities for the project.
In parallel, we are working closely with the RIAI as the Statutory Accreditation Body and a key project partner to contribute to the revision of the national Education Policy and Standard of Knowledge Skill and Competence for Architecture. The work of Building Change and the RIAI in relation to architectural education is carefully aligned and mutually beneficial.
