Constructing a professional education : a new architecture degree at Unitec 1994.

Abstract

Abstract: In 1994 Unitec Institute of Technology welcomed its first cohort of enthusiastic students into the new Bachelor of Architecture programme within the School of Architecture and Construction. This new programme, a second architecture programme in Auckland city, was reportedly initiated by professional dissatisfaction with the lack of work preparedness of the graduates from the existing architecture programmes in the country. Little has been written, to date, about the origins of this new programme. Architecture programmes globally are evolving to meet contemporary needs and the discourse surrounding the beginnings of this programme may shed light on current trajectories. Situating the programme within a School of Architecture and Construction was part of a strategy to produce an architectural graduate who was more practice focused. But how was this intention manifest in the programme organisation and what were the distinctive features of this new programme that were designed to meet this objective? This paper will examine the originating documents and the context in which this programme was developed. It argues that, while the proposed curriculum and course structure contain elements that meet this professional, practice focused need, there are other elements embedded within the course that have a more expansive vision.