Challenges and Strategies for the Sustainable Architectural Education in the Context of Post-Urbanization and Climate Change

Yirong Xie; Ming Ma; Xiongquan Ou; Ying Sa

doi:10.54097/dzvjmb87

Authors

Yirong Xie
Ming Ma
Xiongquan Ou
Ying Sa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/dzvjmb87

Keywords:

Architectural Education, Curriculum Reform, Urbanization, Sustainable Development

Abstract

The transformation of urbanization patterns due to the pandemic and climate change have significantly reshaped construction market demands, presenting substantial challenges to current architectural education (AE) models. In order to address these challenges and propose effective reform strategies, this study utilizes questionnaires and expert interviews to gather perspectives from architecture students and professionals in a Chinese university. The findings highlight three main issues in AE: (1) misalignment between talent development stages and educational goals; (2) slow updates to curriculum content, leading to lagging behind the needs of times; and (3) inadequate integration of curriculum design with practical application, coupled with excessively lengthy academic programs. To address these challenges, the study proposes the strategies: (1) adopting multi-objective and multi-track approaches for educational goals; (2) reducing length of programs and implementing flexible academic structures; and (3) developing curricula that integrate knowledge with practice. This research offers valuable insights for reforming architectural education within the framework of sustainable development, emphasizing the need for educational goals, curriculum, and cultivation system to evolve to meet the demands of modern practice and development.

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