Buildability: education and practice

Melonie Bayl-Smith / 2011

Education, Construction & Materiality
New Zealand, Australia, United States

This report examines the future of construction and technical skills in the architectural curricula. This study reviewed the approaches to building technologies in major schools of architecture around the world, particularly those focusing on design/build studios and with research as key components of their curricula.

The report identifies that the future of architecture remains heavily dependent on the profession’s collective and individual knowledge of building technologies and their implementation. However, in both the universities and the profession, there is strong evidence that foundational and continuing education in construction, structures and fabrication is wanting.

The research provides an international review of the approaches to teaching Building Technology focusing on those schools for whom design/build studios and research is a valued part of the architecture program. The project involved meetings with a number of Universities, architectural and engineering practices, and individuals across Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, North America and the UK.

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