Specialization versus Generalization in Undergraduate Architectural Education

Abstract

In fact, the issue of specialization in the architectural profession and education seems to be controversial. Within the distinct diversity of their types, some undergraduate architectural programs introduce specialized education, while many other programs still offer generalized education. This situation raises a question, to what direction should the future of undergraduate architectural education be oriented? The intention to conduct this study is to introduce an objective basis to settle this controversy, to bridge the gap in literature dealing with this issue, and to emphasize its impact. The research included in this study investigated the opinions of 121 academic and professional architects worldwide through an online survey. This paper includes five sections; the first provides an overview of the topic. The second documents the survey and its procedures. The third and fourth sections include the quantitative and qualitative findings of the survey. And finally, the fifth discusses the findings and provides answers to the research questions. Findings were revealed regarding several aspects; the level of specialization required in undergraduate architectural education, the appropriate timing and methods for integrating the specialized education in architectural programs, the impacts and concerns of specialized education in architecture, and finally, the current important specializations in architecture.