Graduate architects are all theory, no practice
A new report by the Royal Institute of British Architects finds graduates are unprepared for the working world and the practical aspects of architecture.
A new report, entitled the Skills Survey Report, has revealed a potentially worrying future for British architecture, finding consensus between graduates and employers on the training students receive at university. It was discovered that 74% of graduates and even higher among employers, at 81%, believed that the training that was being issued at universities was too focused on theoretical knowledge rather than practical aspects.
This has cast further doubt on the future of British architecture. Furthermore, the study also found that a staggering 82% of students and graduates and 86% of graduate employers in the field believed that the next generation of architects would be unable to build what they design.
The report is further evidence, specific to the Architecture and Construction sector, that graduates are not work ready. Indeed, 77% of students and graduates and 79% of employers believe they would be more work ready if more time was devoted to the practical aspects of architecture rather than the theory behind it.
Manager at RIBA Appointments, Paul Chappell, said 'The skills survey highlights some areas for concern, with a widespread feeling that many architectural students and graduates are simply not being provided with the skills they need to work in practice.'
'At the same time it is recognised that architecture is not just a technical skill and students do need to understand the development and meaning of architecture and its place in culture and values.'
World-famous architect, Zaha Hadid, known for designing such buildings as the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympics and a stadium for the Qatar 2022 World Cup, told Building Design Online 'We need a new skill base. Twenty years ago you could just come in with an art degree and just let your pen flow but now, to have the next level of precision and complexity, that's no longer sufficient.'
Hadid added 'Britain compared to some other countries has a lack of analytical rigour and analytical learning and therefore [students] are not as competitive perhaps in helping us to conquer the world with new architecture.'
By James Howell
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