What will be the most significant challenge facing architecture and society in 2020? What is the relevance of architecture in this future?
The significant challenge facing the architecture profession in 2020 will be the architect’s capacity to resolving the complexity of demands applied from so many diverse directions on the creators of the built environment. These demands might be enumerated with some brief statements:
- Codes and Standards will demand that building concepts are based on scientific determinants.
- Builders will demand intimate delineation of construction procedures, and system interfaces.
- Owners will demand a single source of responsibility for development, design, construction, finance and operations.
- Governments will protect the environment demanding “zero carbon” designs and scientific analysis of the environmental impact of every structure.
- Clients will demand more efficient buildings with greater distinction.
- The public will demand more public input to design concepts for buildings, neighborhoods, and communities, focusing on quality of life issues.
Two phrases summarize the needs of the architect:
1. The ability to analyze and coordinate complexities through collaboration, and
2. The depth of empirical knowledge about all aspects of the development process from land acquisition through facility management.
The question of complexity, most likely will mean that today’s definition of “Architect”, is obsolete i.e. the designer is king. How much expertise can one individual incorporate into their understanding? Is it possible for a single practitioner to be real estate agent, super designer; environmental/sustainability expert; coordinator of design, construction, financing, operations and approval processes; materials guru; systems selector and integrator; facility manager and perform all these tasks within guaranteed time and budget dictates?
Even today, we do not operate independently. The idea that a Registration makes one competent to perform all the services included under our umbrella is ludicrous. Only through the collaboration of knowledge based expertise do we have the ability to undertake the complexities that face us as professionals.
How will a future “architect” think/operate in 2020, and what skills will be required?
Most Architects will perceive themselves as knowledge based specialists. In mid and large size offices in 2008, the division of tasks is divided among individuals with experiences and knowledge in specific areas. Programming with the client, schematic design, document production, specifications, sustainability issues, estimating, interiors, renderings, communications/coordination, and many other specific tasks are assigned to various team members. Generally, however, we still think of ourselves as all around architects, capable of performing any task assigned.
In 2020 the concept of generalist will be revised. Some architects may be coordinators of the design/construction process, leading an industry team which brings together specialists to jointly execute a project. Most architects however, will be those specialists, bringing a depth of knowledge that can only be termed task specific expertise, not generally achieved today by a majority of practitioners and definitely not taught by the majority of architectural education programs. We still value the “designer” moniker. In 2020 we will honor all task experts! The designer will be but one expert in the process and that individual had better utilize empirical knowledge to justify every decision about a design concept.
The word “my” will become a much stronger “our”. An architect’s identity will be equated with the team that completes a significant work enhancing communities, enrich the quality of life for citizens, and serving the public as well as the client. These facilities will use materials that are renewable, structures that are demountable, and produce zero-carbon. The team’s ego will be massaged, not by glossy pictures in peer magazines, but by recognition in public communiqués and respect from the average citizen.
Leadership will be the key to being in a position of decision making in the design/construction industry. Being the leader of the design team will not be enough to insure client trust. Only the few architects who invest themselves in finances, real estate, design knowledge, and have a depth of construction expertise will be in positions to interact with and influence the client.
The question is not how architects will think, but how the individual architect will think, and then how that architect will dedicate himself or herself to the tasks necessary to become a knowledgeable leader and collaborator.
Why are students uniquely positioned to address these issues?
The above is a new mindset. Instilled concepts are hard to change, and often, if revised, result in muddled thought patterns. Students start with a fresh perspective, they have the chance to see a more collaborative and factual world. Students have the opportunity to delve deeply in their greatest interest area, with years ahead of them in which to expand the depth of experiences that will give them the ability to communicate with unique tools while learning an expertise. And, they are in a community where they can interact with other disciplines and individuals from diverse cultures. This community will allow them to develop specialized expertise yet with a global comprehension. What an opportunity!
About Douglas Steidl, FAIAA founding principal of Braun & Steidl (est. 1983), a general-practice architectural firm and recipient of AIA Ohio’s Gold Medal Firm Award, Doug Steidl directs the firm in its work providing architectural planning and interior design services for widely-recognized university, medical, religious and commercial projects. Presently, the staff of Braun & Steidl Architects consists of 41 professionals, including 13 registered architects. First elected to the AIA national Board of Directors for a 1998-2000 term, Steidl went on to serve the AIA as Vice President 2000-2001, Treasurer 2001-2003, and First VP 2003-2004. Steidl is also the 2008-2009 President of the National Architectural Accrediting Board.
