In the last decade, much has been written about architecture for the greater good, and it would seem that the field, as a whole, is invested in bringing design to underserved communities. Yet all of this talk — at conferences, in the press, at universities — has focused hardly at all on how to put together a career in social design. — Places Journal
On Places, Virginia Tech graduate Will Holman gives an honest report of his experiences volunteering, studying and working at Arcosanti, Rural Studio, and Youth Build. Does the architecture profession need to do more to support young architects who take this path?
4 Comments
This seems one of the authors strongest points re: for all the talk in schools of the move towards social design....
"The work I’ve done since graduation qualifies me for, at most, 1,016 out of the 5,600 hours required by the Intern Development Program. [25] But lacking the supervision of a registered architect or engineer, none of my professional experience is deemed suitable by NCARB, even though it includes managing budgets, creating drawing sets and building designs. This situation is of my own making, and I don’t regret any of the steps I’ve taken — forward, sideways or backwards — but I do wish there was more allowance in the licensure process for unconventional paths like mine."
NAAB, The National Architectural Accrediting Board and NCARB are streamlining the architectural education, so, upon the graduation, the students are perfectly educated to go to work for giant corporate firms who have been buying out mid to large size companies.It is all about feeding their system of doing business as multinational A&E corporations. Their aesthetic is a sterilized built environment and can only be afforded by minuscule percentage of populace.
Excellent read. Difficult, though.
Starting your own non-profit that relies on idealistic young unpaid labor - is that better or worse than running a for-profit boutique firm that relies on idealistic young unpaid labor?
better....?
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