Re: actual practice

Jonathan,

        Could you explain in more detail why the world needs less
architects so students like myself can understand your statement. Is it
similar to the concept of fewer lawyers i.e. that ease of access to
lawyers allows for unnecessary lawsuits? Are architects designing
unnecessary buildings? I think we need to understand the domain of our
influence, however ambiguous or variable, to better direct our efforts.
        Also, during my undergraduate education in architecture, I worked
at an architecture firm for about two years, full time during breaks. This
experience seemed common among my colleagues who seriously were planning
on practising after school. Is sounds to me like working during school is
rare, especially at an architecture firm. Is this true? Does this vary
with the type of school i.e. technical, etc...?

Curious,

Scott Paterson
M.S.A.A.D. Columbia University
Post-Professional Degree Program


On Mon, 18 Sep 1995, Jonathan Cohen wrote:

> >About a year ago I posted a long message with some information on how I
> >think schools are doing a fine job when it comes to design and
> >presentation education, but they are missing the boat when it comes to
> >giving a well rounded image to students of what they will be doing on a
> >day in day out basis in the actual practice of architecture.
>
> The "actual" practice of architecture consists primarily of grovelling for
> work. The only truly valuable skill one can bring to practice is "getting
> the work", something that isn't covered in school at all and probably
> shouldn't be.
>
> Architecture is such a seductive thing to study in school that few students
> realize how little the world needs more architects. What students should
> realize is that they are their professors' meal tickets and should expect
> to be treated accordingly.  Enjoy it while you can - there aren't jobs for
> you when you graduate.
>
> Jonathan Cohen
>
>
>