Designing Tomorrow's Architect, 2005


The Internship Development Program must serve as an armature upon which an emerging architect develops his or her profession. Young architects must draw upon experiences acquired from both the professional and pedagogical environments. They must investigate the complex relationship of materiality, space, and the social relationships among occupants. Since architecture is a dynamic industry striving to create a sense of place and stimulate the human psyche, professionals must remain open to new ideas and methodologies.
The architectural profession is constantly evolving, thus provoking change in a dynamic environment. Because of that fact, the Internship Development Program must instill the importance of interaction among architects and other professionals. Internships must nurture this notion of collaboration and continuously push the boundaries of convention. Because of this need to develop a repertoire of ideas, young architects should avail themselves the opportunity to visit numerous firms with different design philosophies. Interaction with colleagues from various firms will certainly instill the dynamic spirit of the profession as a whole.

The Internship Development Program should further emphasis the hands-on approach to learning since architecture is a materialization of the human passion to effect social and aesthetic changes within the community. Firms representing both the construction and design professions should offer more regional hands-on programs and workshops to aspiring architects. This collaboration would be a source of inspiration for architects who wish to explore different methodologies. Increased collaboration among firms specializing in both architecture and related trades would embrace the concept of interaction and enhance the internship experience.

Methodologies involving experimentation with various materials, forms, and writing are vehicles for conveying ideas and experiences. These approaches afford professionals the benefit of sharing ideas with colleagues and other professionals. Firms should encourage interns to develop a diverse repertoire of skills in design, craftsmanship, and communication. This process should occur both within and outside one's place of employment. Ultimately, all projects come to fruition through the successful representation of ideas, coordination of trades, and skilled craftsmanship.

The internship should certainly expose young architects to all facets of the construction process. Although drawing and communication skills remain essential, the internships need to encourage young professionals to take more active roles in the buildings process and interact with various trade professionals. The hands-on approach allows architects to see the complex relationship between the communication and execution of ideas.

In conclusion, the internship shall act as an armature upon which the young architect sculpts his or her profession through experience and peer support. The building faithfully embodies the spirit of the budding professional through its symphony of space and material. A holistic approach ensures that the architect will be able to draw upon these enriching experiences and consider the broad range of unique environmental and social challenges of each project. Only with this spirit of harmony and interaction will participants of the internship program emerge as successful architects.


Untitled Document

Participants
Annoucements
Partners
Outcomes