Extraordinary gathering of industry leaders offers a glimpse into the
future of architecture

Global issues like environmental degradation, population influx and socio-economic changes are challenging designers to consider their profession in new ways. Is higher education preparing the next generation of architects to meet the demands of the 21st century? How are technological, economic and cultural shifts affecting regulation and practice? These questions will spark compelling and lively dialogue this spring as the University of Maryland’s School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation continues its 2012-13 lecture series, Conversations on Architectural Education and the Future of the Profession. The series will bring together seasoned practitioners, emerging professionals and innovative educators to discuss, debate and examine the future of architectural education. The series kicks off Wednesday, February 20 with a panel discussion featuring faculty from Harvard University, University of Virginia, Rhode Island School of Design, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, New Jersey Institute of Technology and Rensselaear Polytechnic Institute, focusing on how digital media continues to make sweeping reforms in the academy.

The series covers a gamut of important issues that are shaping the future of architecture, from the 21st century student to the changing global landscape. Each topic will host a diverse and experienced group of industry professionals and academics from nationally recognized programs, top design firms, trade publications and associations, and industry veterans, many of whom are MAPP alumni. While a member of the architecture faculty guides each discussion, the “conversations” offer the audience a unique opportunity to engage with the guest speakers through audience participation.

“We are part of a transformational moment in architectural education,” says Brian Kelly, Director of the Architecture Program and organizer of the lecture series. “New imperatives are causing us to examine what and how we teach; challenging us to adapt to an uncertain future. At the same time, the profession is experiencing similar changes and it is often unclear who is in the lead. It is evident, however, that this is a time when both the profession and the academy have deep interests in successfully navigating the waters of new paradigms together. We will be encountering ideas that need to be debated and carefully considered, not just passively absorbed. Because of that, we thought a series where the participants entered into conversations with the audience would be thought-provoking and might even move some into action.”

Conversations on Architectural Education and the Future of the Profession officially launched last November, when Mary McLeod, Professor of Architecture from Columbia University and Joan Ockman, Distinguished Senior Fellow in the School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania joined Professor Kelly to discuss the legacy of architectural education in the 20th Century. Please click on the image above to download event poster. 

The spring lectures are as follows:

•    February 20, 2013, 4:30 PM—Possible >futures(s) of architecture
Kiel Moe of Harvard University, Cammy Brothers of the University of Virginia, Hansy Better of RISD, William O’Brien, Jr. of MIT, Richard Garber of NJIT and Anthony Titus from Rensselaear Polytechnic Institute will join UMD Professor of Architecture Michael Ambrose to discuss architecture’s role in shaping communities, art, history and more.

•    March 1, 2013, 5:30 PM—Is Architectural Education Today Sufficient to Prepare Tomorrow’s Practitioners?
This roundtable discussion will include viewpoints from Renee Cheng, University of Minnesota; Billie Faircloth, Kieran Timberlake; Daniel Friedman, University of Washington; and Michael Monti, Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture. (Hosted by Brian Kelly)

•    March 27, 2013, 6:30 PM—Take Five: Should Architectural Education Change?
Robert Ivy, FAIA, Executive Vice President and CEO, American Institute of Architects will be the guest speaker. (Hosted by Dean David Cronrath)

•    April 10,2013, 6:30 PM—Views from the Front Lines: Maryland Alumni Perspectives on Education and Profession
Five distinguished Maryland Alumni—Glenn Birx, Jordan Goldstein, Stephen Parker, Mary Rose Rankin and Al Rubeling—will share their vast expertise and discuss a variety of important issues facing practices today. (Hosted by Matthew Bell)

•    April 17, 2013, 6:30 PM—Emerging Perspectives on Architectural Education and the Profession
The final lecture in the series will include perspectives from Jacob Day, Former AIAS National President, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy; Wanda Lau, Associate Editor, Design and Technology, Architect Magazine; Anna McCorey, Former AIAS National Board-member and NOMAS officer; Anthony Vanky, Former AIAS National Vice-President; and Tyler Ashwork, Moderator, Past-President, AIAS. (Hosted by Isaac Williams)

All lectures will take place at the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation in the first floor lecture hall/Auditorium.