Resistance to change: architectural education in a turbulent environment

For many decades the architectural profession has been accused of resisting change whilst defending an archaic system, and in doing so, neglecting client needs; in turn, this situation has created opportunities which others are now exploiting. Despite this resistance, change has occurred and is continuing in the profession. Several new procurement systems have evolved which pose a threat to the traditional structure and organization of the industry because these are not controlled by the architect. All of this must have repercussions on the way in which architectural students are prepared for the future. Much of the current curriculum content at architecture schools is probably essential, but it is the development of this syllabus in isolation and what is not taught in it that is the problem. The present paper is concerned with those aspects of change which have impacted upon the global construction environment, and describes their potential effect on the architectural profession, and the vocational education and training of its recruits.