Critical Practice Theory (MANIFESTO)
By triangulating between the worlds of theory and practice we aim to develop your critical understanding of the agency of the architect in relation to others in the construction industry and creative economy, and the value architectural design skills can bring to the built environment and other fields.
The manifesto is your opportunity to articulate a personal definition of your professional purpose, making conscious ambitions about your future trajectory, and encouraging commitment to an evolving framework or map in order to strategise a route to it. You will need to read, listen and research subject areas and themes in order to place yourself within the evolving network of practices.
The Critical Practice Manifesto will set out an agenda for the future of architectural practice both as an overall strategy, and in terms of how you might help achieve this personally. Most importantly this is an opportunity to advocate for the change you want to see, and demonstrate why this is important to you.
The manifesto should consider the role of the architect in addressing pressing concerns confronting the profession, and the planet as a whole. Framing intentions within the theories and issues surrounding the history of the profession and the context of contemporary practice, you will need to set out:
WHAT is needed to be done,
WHY this is necessary, and
HOW the propositions would be implemented.
O.1 The influence of history and theory on the spatial, social and technological aspects of architecture.
O.2 Understand the nature of professionalism and the duties and responsibilities of architects to clients, building users, constructors, co- professionals and wider society.
O.3 Discuss the different organisational structures to operate ethically and successfully in practice including the role of the architect within the design team and construction industry recognising the importance of current methods and trends in the construction of the built environment.
O.4 Demonstrate knowledge of the basic management theories and business principles related to running both an architect’s practice and architectural projects, recognising current and emerging trends in the construction industry, as well as regulatory frameworks and procedures, and the industries and organisations that affect the process of bringing design concepts to fruition.
O.5 Demonstrate a critical awareness of how knowledge in other disciplines can have an impact on the practice of architecture and a critical understanding of the ways knowledge is advanced through wide- ranging practical and theoretical research to produce clear and logically structured arguments verbally and in illustrated written work relating to architectural theory, culture and design.
O.6 Identify individual learning needs and understand the personal responsibility required to prepare for qualification as an architect.
