How to Be a Better Architect Than Me
This article, written by a seasoned architect, offers a provocative perspective on the architectural profession and education, drawing on the author's 40 years of experience. Presented as a career day talk, the author addresses common concerns and aspirations of aspiring architecture students, providing insights into the realities of the field. The author acknowledges the difficulty of architecture school, highlighting common complaints about heavy debt, sleep deprivation, and demanding workloads, but encourages students to persevere, emphasizing the eventual satisfaction of a licensed career. However, the author cautions that architecture school often falls short in preparing students for real-world practice, advocating for integrated externships or preceptorships.
The article delves into the academic structure of architectural education in the U.S., detailing the two primary degree options: the five-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) and the two- or three-year Master of Architecture (M.Arch). It describes the core curriculum, which includes history, building science, and theory, and positions the design studio as the central and most crucial component of architectural learning, where students develop synthetic thinking and problem-solving skills, teamwork, and visual communication expertise. Despite these skills, the author provocatively asserts that much of an architect's work may not significantly impact humanity or be memorable.
The author then shifts to distinguishing between an 'architect' and a 'memorable architect.' This distinction is explored through the historical evolution of architectural pedagogy, from the classical French _écoles des beaux-arts_ to the worship of contemporary 'immortals' like Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid. These memorable architects are characterized by their innovative philosophies, pioneering styles, and ability to challenge conventional thinking, leading to buildings that become objects of study and pilgrimage. The author contrasts these 'gods' of architecture with the majority of architects, including himself, who are depicted as followers whose work, while functional and satisfying to clients, is ultimately forgettable and lacks a unique vision.
To transcend mere competence and become a 'memorable architect,' the author suggests that self-knowledge is paramount, which is not acquired in an atelier but through the study of philosophy. Engaging with philosophical questions about aesthetics, ethics, and politics can help architects formulate and defend unique viewpoints, leading to innovative designs and potential recognition. The article provides examples of architectural 'gods' like Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier, whose philosophies were intrinsically woven into their designs. The author argues that studying philosophy fosters self-questioning and critical thinking, which are essential for avoiding the well-trodden path of conformity.
Further, the article introduces the concept of a 'meaningful architect,' which requires empathy, a skill the author contends is not taught in traditional architectural education or philosophy. This empathy can be cultivated through creative writing, enabling architects to understand the lived experiences of their building users. By incorporating storytelling into the programming phase, architects can move beyond data points to create vivid narratives that reveal users' personalities, feelings, and values, thus becoming advocates for their constituents. This enhanced emotional intelligence leads to designs that better meet the needs and wants of the community.
Finally, the author discusses the highest level of architectural impact: the 'motivational architect,' whose buildings not only are memorable and meaningful but also address societal problems at scale. This requires architects to re-engage with embedded meta-narratives and integrate psychology into their practice. By understanding how the built environment affects human behavior through insights from neuroscience and psychosocial theories, architects can design spaces that encourage positive behaviors and discourage negative ones, leading to world-changing impacts. The author concludes by advising aspiring architects to pursue a liberal arts education before architecture school, incorporating philosophy, creative writing, and psychology to avoid a life of professional insignificance and achieve a more satisfying and impactful career.
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