Review article
https://doi.org/10.5673/sip.52.3.3
Towards Socially Responsible Architectural Education
Ana Nikezić
; Faculty of Architecture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
Nataša Janković
; Faculty of Architecture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
Abstract
In higher education architecture is traditionally considered either an artistic or an engineering
discipline, while its other aspects (sociological, economic or ecological) are overlooked or
neglected. Based on the results of the research carried out at the Faculty of Architecture in
Belgrade (Master of Architecture programme) during the elective course “Re-Birth: New life
of abandoned spaces“, this article examines how, shifting from a strict academic framework,
architectural education can contribute to the formation of expert, versatile and socially responsible
architects. The idea of the course was to position a specific place and its community
within the structure of architectural mechanism, rather than look at it in a merely physical
context where the community is an obstacle and a burden. When we sum up the working
method and the interpretative potential of the subject through students’ works, the research
discussion points to the value of the “learning based on the place“ method in architectural
education and possible ways of strengthening the connections between the place, the local
community and architecture. The role of architecture is to open up space for dialogue which
will help improve the heritage and advance the local community. Three facts emerge from
the research. Firstly, the role of architecture can change by redefining its attitude to man and
place and thus encouraging the social interaction. Secondly, the characteristics of architecture
should change according to the purpose and significance of a particular place - the cultural
landscape is shaped in such a way that the most striking components of architectural intervention
are sound, smell, touch, light and shade, the psychological experience of space. And
finally, architectural intervention should optimally shape a concrete place with regard to its
population and cultural and historical references.
Keywords
architectural education; social responsibility; specific characteristics of a place
Hrčak ID:
128782
URI
Publication date:
20.10.2014.
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