Reshaping pedagogy in architectural education for the information age

Abstract

Digital technology was introduced to architectural practice during the last decade. Traditional techniques have developed along with practice for thousands of years. There has been hesitation to adopt this new technology, on the part of academia, due to ideological resistance and limited resources. Practice, out of necessity, adopted computer technology but has not developed its full potential. This thesis investigates reshaping traditional architecture school curriculum to include networked computers and peripherals. This is a process most architecture schools must soon face. Precepts are formulated to assure freedom and autonomy prevail in the transitional confusion. The Curriculum will be transformed to take advantage of what digital means and information technology have to offer while maintaining continuing to support of traditional means. Fusion between traditional and digital means, will foster a climate which will spawn creativity and innovation. A foundation course illustrates an Information Age approach to teaching design communication.