Are universities preparing us for the professional world? Is there room for academia in our professional lives, and how can we integrate it? In this seventh article of the "Twelve Themes, Twelve Months" series, Maria do Rosário Jacinto and Marta Alves reflect on the connections (or lack thereof) between universities and the professional field.
How do we learn architecture?
Architecture is something we learn and teach, but I don't believe that everything to be learned can be contained within the five years we spend at university. Certainly, there is a method and a way of thinking that can be taught, originating from academia—a framework of thought that we then bring to the studio and our daily work. However, I also sense a significant gap in understanding what professional practice truly entails. In today's context, at least in Portugal, there exists a distinct line that separates academia from the professional world; one moment we are in university, and the next we are in the studio, as if they were two separate realities. Our profession encompasses various aspects—engaging with local authorities and legislation, interacting with clients—that often remain unexplored in university but are essential when we enter the workforce. (Maria Jacinto)
Architecture is learned at university, but we also gain substantial knowledge and skills in the professional environment. Academia tends to steer us towards a more poetic, experimental direction, whereas working in a studio equips us with management skills, client relations, and teamwork abilities. While academia could benefit from incorporating more real-life experiences, the professional realm could also benefit from academic insights. It's common for graduates to encounter a gap between their expectations upon completing their studies and the realities they face, leading to potential frustration. It's crucial to bridge this gap and foster stronger ties between studios and universities, not only to better prepare young architects but also to align educational approaches with current industry challenges. (Marta Alves)
How can we bridge the gap between academia and the professional field?
Today, unlike in the past, professional internships and summer placements are becoming more prevalent. These experiences allow students, still in the midst of their academic journey, to participate and contribute within professional settings. These are pivotal moments where students gain firsthand exposure to the profession, real-world project contexts, and client interactions—experiences that greatly enrich their educational journey. However, I am skeptical that the solution lies solely in these isolated experiences. Like anything lacking continuity or regularity, the impact tends to diminish over time. Ideally, there should be a sustained presence of the professional world within the curriculum, facilitated through partnerships, to provide students with ongoing exposure to studios, project involvement, and a realistic preview of their future career path. (Maria Jacinto)
Establishing partnerships could prove beneficial; this is an issue that requires mutual engagement. Some studios are more open to such initiatives than others. Personally, if I were overseeing an architecture program, I would advocate for continuous exposure to professional life within studios that align with our educational values and could offer valuable insights. As evidenced during summer internships at Fragmentos, every student who joins our studio contributes in meaningful ways. Students bring fresh ideas and perspectives, challenging us to step outside our routine and reconsider our work in light of professional challenges. Ultimately, it's not just the students or universities that stand to gain from these interactions, but the studios themselves. If the professional world could play a more consistent role in shaping the curriculum, I would eagerly pursue architecture studies once again! (Marta Alves)
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