just what is it that makes today's architecture schools so different, so appealing?

haha! Nice, vado

1. They need an identity and sense of direction
2. They have to be connected
3. They shouldn't have faculty problems.

strong leadership and a faculty that is committed to teaching and student support.

and - faculty should not only be teaching the fundamental skills for professional practice, but should also be challenging their students (and the rest of us) to look at architecture from new/different perspectives.

however - without strong leadership it doesn't matter how committed and inventive the faculty is...

utilize key people that work there and don't let them slip away

thanks for the feedback so far.

real world project experience and teachers who are with 1 foot in the industry

Marijuana vending machines.