Creating Better Projects Through Rethinking Architectural Practice

Abstract

This doctoral project outlines the evolution of architectural practice, presents standards that have influenced the practice of architecture and the built environment, and introduces an alternative model to providing better projects. Because the built environment is largely composed of architecture, the understanding of architectural practice is important in the quest for creating better projects. The processes, strategies, and standards by which architects practice ultimately affect each project. How can the practice of architecture enhance environments for the end user, lead to an improved means of providing their service, and create better value architecture? The research for this project consists of three parts. Section one outlines the historical evolution of architectural practice from the “master builder” to the contemporary architect. The evolution investigates the changing roles of the architect over the years, the purpose of the architect in society, and the development of a professional practice of architecture. This section begins to evaluate the social implications that affect the design and production of the built environment. The second portion questions how the practice of architecture can create better projects. Part two sets the criteria for project quality, determined by defining standards that make a project “better”. In addition, this section will investigate current influences in architectural practice that impact project quality. The five influences I introduce are: the client and consumer, industry members, professionalization, the design and delivery process, and education and training. The goal of this section is to understand the architect’s challenges within practice that affect the quality of a built project. Section three of this study is a compilation of the research that rethinks the practice of architecture, formulates an alternative path for creating better projects, and poses further questions for the continued evolution of the architect.