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ADAPTIVE REUSE IN DETROIT

October 25, 2015 Bridget Eileen Novielli and Addie Rabold Leave a comment

PROPOSED PERIODICAL: CITY LAB

POST TITLE: Adaptive Reuse in Detroit

THESIS: Rather than allowing old, industrial buildings fall to ruin, the city of Detroit should revitalize these buildings to become sustainable and viable centers of activity through adaptive reuse.

I. INTRODUCTION

On July 18, 2013, the city of Detroit filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy. A city that once was bustling full of citizens and a booming automotive industry has since suffered economic turmoil. Its people left after the success of the postwar years, a 63% decrease in population since 1950 and a 26% decrease since 2000. The unemployment rate varies from 27.8% (2009) to 10% (2015). It has the largest violent crime rate seen in any city in the United States. Most startling is the amount of unused, abandoned land. There are currently 78,000 structures accompanied by 66,000 lots currently sitting idle, falling to ruin in the city of Detroit. These abandoned sites become magnets to violent crimes with 60% of reported arson cases happening here. Rather than allowing old, industrial buildings fall to ruin, the city of Detroit should revitalize these buildings to become sustainable and viable centers of activity through adaptive reuse.

II. Detroit is in need of revitalizing through adaptive reuse.

A. what adaptive reuse is

Adaptive reuse is the act of creating new built opportunities within existing built forms. It involves the repurposing of a structure that is usually abandoned and in unceasing decay. Adaptive reuse can accommodate for the social, political and economic progress within a community. It is found most often that these abandoned, industrial buildings are located in prime, dynamic spaces such as along a waterfront or in proximity to historic landmarks. It is a sustainable approach for architectural design, especially in cities such as Detroit.

B. why adaptive reuse is the solution

sustainability – By reusing the existing structure we decrease the environmental pressure resulting from transportation and production of materials.
improves cultural value and identity – A space revamped by adaptive reuse enhances the identity of a culture by maintaining history and memory in place while providing new function for its survival. It brings authenticity to a site by acknowledging the significance of an existing use and space.
embraces development of economy – The repurposing of a building helps accommodate cultural changes because “Adaptive re-use projects speak to a wider cultural shift – from an industrial and manufacturing based economy to one centred around services, education and cultural life” (Harrison).
net cost can be less than new construction – The net cost of an adaptive reuse project can be less than new construction because it consumes less energy and uses fewer building materials. As the cost of energy continues to rise, new construction becomes a more expensive option when considering its life cycle.

An existing building has cultural, economic, and financial value. Instead of inevitably becoming a burden on a community, an industrial building can serve as a hub for urban life and create opportunities for natural urban development.

III. Other major cities have utilized adaptive reuse for abandoned structures to revitalize the city.

Adaptive reuse has proven successful in other industrial locations such as the Highline Park in New York City’s Meatpacking district, Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco, and The Brewery in Milwaukee. The ability to bring life to these once booming industrial centers is key to bringing life to the city as a whole once more.

San Francisco, Ghirardelli Square – Ghirardelli Square was the first successful example of adaptive reuse seen in the United States. In the 1960s, the existing factory buildings were purchased by William Roth, who hired Lawrence Halprin, landscape architect, and Wurster, Bernardi & Emmons, architectural firm, to create a design to accommodate retail spaces, offices, restaurants and a movie theater (Sharpe). This project preserved the history and original atmosphere of the site, preventing the demolition of a storied building and construction of a new modern apartment building.
www.ghirardellisq.com
New York City, High Line – High Line Park is a great example of adaptive reuse that takes an existing, abandoned railroad line and creates a beautiful landscape elevated from urban context of the city. Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the High Line is an extremely successful example of adaptive reuse that both the community and tourists love and actively use. While the project was extremely expensive, the preservation of history and popularity amongst the city’s population made it a worthwhile investment.
Rendering by Field Operations and Diller Scofidio + Renfro/Courtesy the City of New York
Milwaukee, Brewery – The Brewery in Milwaukee is a very extensive and ambitious project that plans for the adaptive reuse and “environmentally sensitive restoration” of 26 structures on the National Register of Historic Places, a brownfield cleanup, and creation of low income housing amongst the remains of the Pabst Brewing Company (Benfield). The master plan of this project by Joseph Zilber includes residential lofts, a beer hall, office space, educational campuses, urban parks, senior living facilities, and medical campuses with more retail and luxury spaces to develop in the future. This success of this project relies on the cooperation between the developers and the city and the LEED Neighborhood Development program.
Courtesy Jeramey Jannene, licensed under Wikimedia Commons

IV. methods of adaptive reuse: how to revitalize a building

Evaluate existing conditions- A great amount of effort should be dedicated to evaluating the existing fabric in order to make the most of the conditions. Designers look into the former structural, mechanical, electrical, architectural and landscape systems.
Meet codes and install updated systems – To revitalize an existing structure, the design team must update systems to comply with current codes. Most issues with code compliance have to deal with energy standards, accessibility and fire regulations.
Insert contextual program – The factor that determines the ultimate success of an adaptive reuse project is what will go inside it. The context must be highly considered in order to insert effective program. Industrial spaces are most effectively converted into to retail and community spaces.

V. Michigan Central Station, Harbor Terminal, and Hotel Eddystone offer great opportunity for adaptive reuse because of their size, space and location.

Michigan Central Station – Michigan Central Station is a critical structure for adaptive reuse. With a space large enough for a train on the ground floor and an 18 story tower with hotel and office space above, this is prime real estate sitting vacant. An approach like that of Ghirardelli Square would be ideal, so that the history of the site and building may be preserved, bringing back the heyday of Detroit with a new era of use featuring offices, retail space, and residential living.
Photographer: Zach Fein
Harbor Terminal – Another site is the Harbor Terminal building. This huge warehouse currently sits vacant, but is an ideal candidate for adaptive reuse that could be turned into a multi-functional building with the creation of new waterfront urban space along the Detroit River as well. If the remain of the Pabst Brewing Company, can be given a new life, why not this warehouse?
Zack Fein
Hotel Eddystone and Park Avenue Hotels – These hotels are other great locations for adaptive reuse. These abandoned hotels can serve as the catalyst for creating a new social center that also has a sustainable emphasis, by preventing the demolition of historic landmarks and reusing the existing structure. These hotels could be prime candidates for the LEED Neighborhood Development program.
www.architonic.com

VII. the other side: why isn’t adaptive reuse happening?

money required to update systems – While preserving the history of a site is a very integral component of design, too many this does not always make adaptive reuse the solution. Adaptive reuse can be a very financially involved and time intensive project. It is not always as simple as buy old building, move in new program. The mechanical and HVAC systems of these abandoned buildings are often out of date (if they even still function) and require extensive updates and installation of new modern systems. These systems are expensive to install for large buildings, and become even more expensive with the increase of sustainable measures.
today’s code requirements – Older buildings often do not meet today’s code and accessibility requirements. This may involve moving existing walls and structural elements and changing floor plans in attempts to make it compliant with the rules of today.

While designers may love the opportunity to bring back the glory of an old architectural wonder, developers will often only see the dollars signs associated with doing such a task. For many developers it is cheaper to tear down a building, and start from scratch. With all the necessary updates and adjustments that require extensive funds and construction, many say why bother with adaptive reuse?

VIII. conclusion

Through the city’s efforts to evaluate existing conditions, meet code compliance, and insert contextual program, adaptive reuse will offer an opportunity for the Central Station, Harbor Terminal, and Hotel Eddystone in order to revitalize the city of Detroit. Seeing the success of great urban works in cities such as Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and New York City, we believe adaptive reuse is the future for the success of revitalizing cities in our coming generation. We can take these old buildings, install updated systems, insert new program, and create a sustainable, viable space for the community. We believe that adaptive reuse could be just the change Detroit needs. While proposals have been made for sites such as Michigan Central Station, no actual renovation has begun. Action is needed.

REFERENCES

Benfield, Kaid. “A Green Neighborhood Brewing in Milwaukee.” CityLab. The Atlantic, 22 Sept. 2011. Web. 25 Oct. 2015.
BINDER, MELINDA LORR. “ADAPTIVE REUSE AND SUSTAINABLE DESIGN: A HOLISTIC APPROACH FOR ABANDONED INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS.” University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2003.
Donofrio, Gregory. “Preservation by Adaptation: Is it Sustainable?” Change Over Time 2.2 (2012): 106-31.
Harrison, Stuart. Adaptive Re-use. Adelaide: Office for Design and Architecture, 2014. Odasa.sa.gov.au. Web.
Green, Jessica M. “Adaptive Reuse in Post-Industrial Detroit: Testing the Viability of the Engine Works.” ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2008.
Hollander, Justin B., Niall Kirkwood, and Julia L. Gold. Principles of Brownfield Regeneration: Cleanup, Design, and Reuse of Derelict Land. Washington: Island Press, 2010.
Meltzer, Emily. “Adaptive Reuse of the Seaholm Power Plant: Uniting Historic Preservation and Sustainable Practices.” ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2011.
Ro, Sam. “11 Depressing Stats About Detroit.” Business Insider. Business Insider, Inc, 18 July 2013. Web. 24 Sept. 2015.
Sharpe, Sara E., “Revitalizing Cities: Adaptive Reuse of Historic Structures” (2012). Mid-America College Art Association Conference 2012 Digital Publications. Paper 18.
Spivak, Jeffrey. “Adaptive Use Is Reinventing Detroit.” Urban Land Magazine. The Magazine of the Urban Land Institute, 14 Sept. 2015. Web. 24 Sept. 2015.
Thornton, BJ. “THE GREENEST BUILDING (IS THE ONE THAT YOU DON’T BUILD!) Effective Techniques for Sustainable Adaptive Reuse/Renovation.” JOURNAL OF GREEN BUILDING 6.1 (2011; 1901): 1-7.

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Mixed-Income Housing Segregation

October 25, 2015 Veronica Landron Leave a comment

Periodical: Design Observer

Thesis: While mixed-income housing is a solution for the low-income housing problems originating in our cities, it should offer an ethical solution for its users.

Summary:

The public housing system has developed many problems dating back to Franklin D. Roosevelt. In 1933, he declared, “One-third of the nation is ill-housed”. He addressed the importance of housing and the failure to adequately house the American population. At one point in time affordable housing held hope and promise for cities’ poor communities, but now it has become centers for crime, violence, and gang activity. Therefore the upper-class community usually rejects affordable housing projects. However, a better way to give affordable housing to our cities without concentrating crime and poverty, and preventing low-income housing from overcrowding the ghetto started to develop.

Continue reading Mixed-Income Housing Segregation →

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Office Space designed by the Senses

October 25, 2015 Ali Pugliese and Andrew Lewis Chesakis Leave a comment

Architectural Periodal: Arcade

Thesis: Designing an environment that engages and stimulates employees through the fives senses leads to a more productive work environment.

Since the invention of the cubicle, mundane office life has plagued the working environment. This day in age employers have made efforts in trying to make the office a more comfortable and productive working environment. Big corporations like Google have resulted in building office spaces essentially comprised of adult playgrounds so that their employees feel appreciated and enjoy their working environment. While this seems great, what about the small businesses that cannot afford to build outlandish spaces? Designing an environment that engages and stimulates employees through the five senses leads to a more productive work environment. Studies have shown that designs that respond to the five senses are more successful than those that do not. Jinsop Lee, an industrial designer, gave a TED talk in 2013 about design that engages the five senses. He explained through his own sensory chart as well as an experiment his friend did in college that activities that included all five senses resulted in better experiences than those that just responded to one or two. While in college Jinsop Lee was asked to design a clock that used the sun. While he thought he was clever in using a sunflower, his classmate was more successful because he used cups of scented oils to tell the time. By appealing to more than one sense, his classmate made a more desirable and ultimately more successful product. The ability to appeal to the senses in architecture, specifically in small offices, creates more engaging spaces that people want to inhabit.

Designing a space to be visually pleasing is one of the most common ways to create an interesting space. People like to be visually engaged with their environment and one of the simplest ways of doing this is by incorporating color. Offices are now painting their walls with bright colors both to “reflect employee tastes and personalities, plus company mission and culture” (Mokop). According to Heather Holz, bright colors have been proven to improve focus and energy. It has also been noted that different colors evoke different emotions and therefore their evocative nature should coordinate with the space in which it is used. For example, blue reflects a quality of calmness so it should be used in spaces like reading rooms or personal offices. Colors such as orange and yellow are more stimulating so they should be used in spaces such as conference rooms that generate a lot of discussion and collaboration (Holz). Another very important aspect to a healthy and productive office environment is natural light. Sabret Flocos said, “being able to see the outside world has restorative influences” (Holz). Stephen Kellert also argues that people enjoy spaces that utilize the natural environment and by using translucent materials such as glass to provide an abundance of natural light, the work environment will be enhanced. A well-lit working environment is not the only benefit from the use of natural light; it also can contribute to solar gain, which in turn lowers heating costs and creates a sustainable environment.

Superheroes, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Architects: Simon Bush-King Architecture + Urbanism

Due to the expense of glass and the constant need for cleaning, the firm Simon Bush-King Architecture & Urban used OSB with CNC cutouts to break up direct views and let light into the office space of Superheroes in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The material not only provides economical benefits but also provides an interesting backdrop for the office.

After sight, sound is one of the most important factors to consider in an office. These days the open concept plan is popular because it allows flexibility and promotes collaboration; however, workers tend to get distracted or annoyed with phone calls and surrounding conversations when they are trying to work. One way of avoiding this would be to organize the space so that activities that require collaboration are grouped together in one space and work that requires more individual concentration in a more private setting. Another strategy is to add vegetation or use materials that absorb sound such as cork or felt. Hard surfaces reflect sound whereas plants absorb it (Fedele). Using plants to divide spaces will help damper the conversation in that area instead of reverberating throughout the office while also promoting a healthy environment through natural air filtration. Because plants require constant maintenance and do not absorb a majority of the sound, another option is to use felt.

Livefyre engineering department, San Francisco, California, Architects: Studio O+A

Felt absorbs sound thus creating a quieter environment. Studio O+A used a felt installation on the ceiling in the startup company Livefyre’s engineering workspace. The engineering department wanted the best of both worlds, collaborative and individual spaces in one. To create the individual spaces they designed soundproof booths in the walls that are both silent and comfortable.

Out the five senses taste is the most difficult to design for, but if taste is not taken literally, but rather the sensation of taste, people will associate this sensation with specific instances. If literally tasting architecture is out of the question then what taste reminds us of should be considered. Certain textures and colors can remind workers of food or the feeling of food, like a rich cream color could remind one of ice cream. As Junhani Pallasmaa explains, “vision becomes transferred to taste as well; certain colours and delicate details evoke oral sensations.” These techniques could be used in the break room of the office so a lunch break is more enjoyable. Another sense that tends to employ difficulties is smell mainly because people are sensitive changes in scents. However, the sense of smell is extremely powerful in triggering memory. “The most persistent memory of any space is often its smell” (Pallasmaa). One way to stimulate the sense of smell in the office is by lighting candles or by having certain potted plants that give off a pleasant aroma. The use of plants also doubles as a sound barrier therefore the senses of sound and smells are appealed to creating a more dynamic space. Other tactics such as releasing different scents throughout the day will keep employees alert and deter watching the clock.

Evernote atrium space, San Francisco California, Architects: Studio O+A

In the case of Evernote, a small software company in San Francisco, they placed a café at the entrance with a barista that also functions as receptionist. By placing a café at the entrance, people know when they smell coffee or pastries they are near the entrance.

Livefyre, San Francisco, California, Architects: Studio O+A

People are fascinated by the sense of touch hence the creation of the Please Touch Me Museum. Texture can really set the mood for a space. Carpet and wood set a homey feeling whereas steel, glass, and hard stone have a cold, harder feel to it. Livefyre’s office creates a homey feeling for its employees by using wood and different carpets. Designing for touch is important because people are in constant contact with the world around them so creating a space that is comfortable to the touch reflects people’s mood.

Creating an enjoyable and comfortable workspace for employees is the most important thing a company can do and as designers we have the ability to put this thought into action. Designing spaces that focus on all of the senses could lead to innovative office strategies. By stimulating workers through the five senses and providing an engaging environment people actually want to work in, office morale increases which leads to higher productivity.

Featured Image: Google in Dublin

Architects: Carmenized Evolution

Sources:

Moskop, Susan. More buisnesses wear their personalities on their walls. Chicago Tribune, 2015. Web. 22 Oct. 2015. http://www.chicagotribune.com/bluesky/originals/ct-workplace-colors-bsi-20150923-story.html

Fedele, Angela. Four Ways to Reduce Office Noise. Sourceable, 26 June 2015. Web. 22 Oct. 22015. https://sourceable.net/four-ways-to-reduce-office-noise/#

Pallasmaa, Juhani. The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses. London: Academy Editions, 1996.

Holz, Heather. Sensory Architecture: Redefining How One Interprets Space. Fargo: North Dakota State U, 2011. “Engage the 5 Senses to Inspire Workplace Productivity.” Convene.N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2015.

Kellert, Stephen R. Building for Life: Designing and Understanding the Human-Nature Connection. Washington: Island, 2005. Print.

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Adaptive Reuse of the Cincinnati Subway System

October 25, 2015 David Ackerman 1 Comment

Adaptive Reuse of the Cincinnati Subway System

Proposed Periodical: ArchDaily

Thesis:

Rather than leaving the subway system to go into disrepair, the city of Cincinnati should restore and renovate the abandoned system to create a hub for community activity and interaction through adaptive reuse.

Summary:

In the early twentieth century, the city of Cincinnati began an upgrade of their electric streetcar system by developing a series of tunnels for a subway transit system beneath the streets of the city. At the time, Cincinnati was one of the seven most populous cities in the US with an economic growth that rivaled New York and Chicago. The new subway system was to be the solution to the growing transit nightmare of the slow and outdated streetcar in a rapidly developing city. Construction was postponed in 1917 when the US entered World War I, which resulted in a temporary abandonment of the project. After the war ended in 1918, costs nearly doubled due to post war inflation, but construction began January 28, 1920. Over the course of seven years, funding ran out for the project with only seven miles of the tunnels dug and none of the tracks laid out. Plans to raise more funding for the project were struck down with the crash of the stock market in 1929. The project underwent a revival in 1939 by the Engineer’s Club of Cincinnati but was ultimately abandoned again due to World War II. Today, the subway system is recognized as the largest abandoned transit tunnel in the United States. Former Cincinnati mayor Mark Mallory has said, “ Now more than forty percent of Cincinnatians do not know there is a subway system existing underneath Central Parkway Boulevard.” Rather than leaving the subway system to fall into further disrepair, the city of Cincinnati should restore and renovate the abandoned system to create a hub for community activity and interaction through adaptive reuse.

One of the greatest benefits of adaptive reuse is cost reduction. The reuse of the subway system would save the city millions of dollars in costs of demolition and re-grading the land that was dug into. In recent years, there have been proposals from city planners to demolish the tunnel system in order to create more residential and retail space in the city, however the city has struck down plans of demolition due to the high cost and time it will take. The structural work is already completed in the tunnels; all that would remain is updating the lighting and ventilation systems to be more sustainable and efficient for a public space of that size. Another benefit of reuse is it creates more sustainable buildings and spaces. Much of the architecture we have today has a finite longevity to its lifetime, only to be demolished and replaced by another building when the previous one could probably have served the new purposes. Transforming the abandoned subway into a hub for community activity would create a new framework for interaction and an opportunity to connect the surrounding neighborhoods that would otherwise remain separated from each other. This is important for the city because it can reduce the crime rate and territorial conflict by creating a more woven integrated community. This hub would also be an ideal space for small local businesses and farmer’s markets to set up and create local economic growth. An additional advantage to the tunnel system being reused is it is such a large space that it can be used for a wide range of temporary venues and activities.

Although there are a number of benefits of the adaptive reuse of older buildings, there are also some setbacks and people who advocate against its practice. One of the most common setbacks include updating the existing systems in the building to comply with present day codes. This particular issue is typically the main reason that many developers decide against adaptive reuse when deciding on a location for their project. They assess the original systems and structural elements installed in the building and determine the cost and time it will take for the updates they will need to make. In the case of the Cincinnati Subway System, the ventilation and lighting systems that were installed in the 1920’s are completely outdated and would need serious updating in order to meet todays standards. The cost of this alone in the several miles of tunnel is enough to turn away any developer from the idea of adaptive reuse.

This issue also segues into the matter of energy efficiency. It is one thing to put new systems into the building, but then comes the question of will they work efficiently with the structure? This becomes a difficult set of criteria to satisfy when it comes to an underground structure like the tunnel system. Lighting would be extremely intensive because of the nonexistence of natural light. However, this can be worked around with the incorporation of skylights or solar panels that would power the lighting. In addition to lighting comes ventilation, due to the intersecting paths of the tunnels, natural cross ventilation cannot be relied on.

One final opposition to practice of adaptive reuse is the client’s desire for something new. Human nature tells us that newer is better. As today’s technology advances, so does the way we look at architecture, and as a result so does the client’s. However, a major point that can be made in defense of adaptive reuse of older buildings is many states and private entities offer grants and federal tax credits that help cover up to twenty percent of the cost of development when it comes to reconditioning older, historic buildings. Most people would rather see something new and modern looking, than the restored beauty of an older building. In regards to historical buildings, Martin Johnson, CEO of Isles, a non profit community development and environmental organization said, “These buildings were designed to last. They were built in such a way that you know they are going to be there tomorrow.” There is something to be appreciated from the resilience of older buildings that use brick and masonry amidst the rapidly growing cityscapes of steel and glass.

Sources:

Boschmann, E. E. and Gabriel, J. N. (2013), “Urban sustainability and the LEED rating system: case studies on the role of regional characteristics and adaptive reuse in green building in Denver and Boulder, Colorado.” The Geographical Journal, 179: 221–233.

Bullen, Peter A., and Peter E.D. Love. “The Rhetoric of Adaptive Reuse or Reality of Demolition: Views from the Field.” The Rhetoric of Adaptive Reuse or Reality of Demolition: Views from the Field. Elsevier Publishing Co., 9 Apr. 2010. Web. 06 Sept. 2015.

Corral, Andrea. “Repurposing Old Buildings More Satisfying than Knocking them Down.” Las Vegas Business Press 31.29 (2014)ProQuest. Web. 6 Sep. 2015.

Carroon, Jean. “P.7-42; 47-55.” Sustainable Preservation: Greening Existing Buildings. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2010. N. pag. Print.

Kaewket, Dachamont, “Power shift: a catalyst for architectural transformation : rapid transit, Cincinnati” (2015). Masters Theses. Paper 8.
http://digitalcommons.risd.edu/masterstheses/8

Karen, H. M. (2007). Adaptive reuse: A balancing act. Mercer Business, 83(10), 24-28. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/docview/211664011?accountid=13158

KERSTING, JESSICA. “INTEGRATING PAST AND PRESENT: THE STORY OF A BUILDING THROUGH ADAPTIVE REUSE.” Electronic Thesis or Dissertation. University of Cincinnati, 2006. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. 06 Sep 2015.

Rabun, J. Stanely. “Structural Analysis of Historic Buildings.” Google Books. John C. Wiley & Sons, Inc., n.d. Web. 06 Sept. 2015.

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Reforming Formal Architectural Education

October 25, 2015 Haley DeNardo Leave a comment

Periodical: Arch Daily

There currently exists a disconnect between the design driven aspect of school and the true workings of an architectural office. This can be corrected by incorporating internships and office experiences into formal architecture education. In addition, revamping the way schools are reviewed and accredited should be considers. By changing the formal education that architecture students currently receive, students will have a better understanding of the professional worlds and be better prepared to intelligently solve design problems.

The current formal architecture education works to “expose students to various situations and train them to cultivate and appreciate values” (Chakraborty). The current education given in the studio environment does this well. But when you stop and focus on other things such as construction, you see that these books and writings haven’t been updated anytime recently (Chakraborty). In addition, studio has become rigid and product oriented, but should rather focus on a students development. This skill of development would allow students to adapt to the ever changing design world that we are now involved in (No Author). This would allow students to work as true design thinkers and problem solvers enabling us to work towards solving local and world problems.

From my own personal experience, the formal education that I have received thus far has taught me how to be an efficient designer and to think creatively. At the internship that I had this summer, I learned many things that I had never ever heard of in school. I learned about the ever changing state and national codes that define how we design, building spaces, and the buildings. The education that I hope to create based on these experiences “shouldn’t merely be just like being in practice; it should offer the opportunity to experiment, to push and test ideas” as a problem solver would in the design world (Hunter).

One program that could be used as a precedent is the architecture program at Drexel University. At Drexel they have the option to do a 2+4 program. This program starts out the first two years with a formal education of the design process and other fundamentals. The other four years are spent taking night classes and working full time as an intern at local firm in Philadelphia (Drexel University). This type of education allows students to receive a meaningful formal education as well as gaining real world experience over four years. In addition to the experience, this allows students to start working or potentially completing their IDP hours so that upon graduation they can have some of their ARE exams completed and can sit for the rest of them.

A second program that is a great example is that of the Master of Architecture at University of Cincinnati. They offer a Masters of Architecture to students with an architecture undergrad. This program is unique in that it has a co-op program as well as research concentrations. The co-op program offers a cross between the academic and commercial worlds (Cincinnati). This allows students to gain irreplaceable knowledge in the field as well as continuing their formal education. The research concentration option provides mentorship with a faculty member and potentially an architect in the community for student led research (Cincinnati).

These schools both serve as excellent examples for show casing how work in a firm or the ‘real world’ can be integrated into formal architecture education. It is important to remember that as students we learn a great amount during our education. The studio culture that we thrive in is very important to the way we learn and practice once we graduate. The interactions that occur in studio are often similar to those that we experience in the field what speaking to a client. When reforming our education by adding internships and firm experience, we must remember that studio culture is an integral part of education. These mentioned reforms do not get ride of studio culture but help to make it more healthy.

In addition to implementing internships and outside learning experiences, the accreditation of our programs should be changed. When everything is lined up at once, it is an extremely daunting challenge: 150 credits in college (five years or more), internships (usually five years), and a seven part registration exam (two to four years). According to the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) this takes an architect on average 14.5 years after the completion of high school (Mruk). When compared to other professions such as law, they attend three years of graduate school and most students sit for their bar exams within three months (Mruk). One solution to this problem is to allow specialization and a tiered education system. This would allow students to have different requirements based on what they plan on doing with their degrees. This is not to say that education the way it is now would cease to exist. The ‘generalist’ education we receive now is not to be completely discredited, but should be split to allow for other skills.

Design Intelligence article “A Better Path to Practicing” by Renee Cheng

Reforming architectural education as a whole is another solution that bridges the gap between school and the professional environment. Accreditation is a tricky process and streamlines architecture education across the country. By changing the accreditation values, education could be a forced reform for all schools, and not optional for those that can fit internships into their programs.

We have all of these ideas on how to change the education we are receiving, but how do we implement all of this? As mentioned in an article by Robert Ivy for the AIA NAAB accrediting team, we are asking for new design intelligence and real world business practice at the same time. While asking for all of these changes, school budgets are being pulled in all directions, a factor that is often forgotten. I believe that universities, students, and professionals want to better the education that architecture students receive, but we will need to work together in order to implement any solutions.

By changing educational values as a whole, we would be able to bridge the gap between formal architectural education and the professional work field.

Work Cited:

-Cramer, James P. “A Proposal to Improve Architectural Education” Design Intelligence. November 1, 2012. <http://www.di.net/articles/a-proposal-to-improve-architectural-education/>

-Hunter, Will. “Alternative Routes for Architecture” The Architectural Review. September 28, 2012. <http://www.architectural-review.com/education/alternative-routes-for-architecture/8636207.article>

-Ivy, Robert. “Practicing Architecture: Take Five: Should Architecture Education Change?” AIA. September 14, 2012. <http://www.aia.org/practicing/AIAB095950>

-Mruk, Frank J. “Architect Licensing Needs a Gut Rehab” The Wall Street Journal. September 29, 2015. <http://www.wsj.com/articles/architect-licensing-needs-a-gut-rehab-1443569103>

-No Author. “The Future of Architectural Education” Designing Buildings. July 21, 2014. <http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/The_future_of_architectural_education>

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Category Archives: Draft 1000w

ADAPTIVE REUSE IN DETROIT

Mixed-Income Housing Segregation

Office Space designed by the Senses

Adaptive Reuse of the Cincinnati Subway System

Reforming Formal Architectural Education

Architectural and Planning Theories