It is good to hear a voice of reason and rational thought over whether architecture schools should cut student numbers (Debate March 15), in the form of Owen Luder’s viewpoint.
It is worrying, however, that there is a suggestion that there is a shortage of technically skilled people out there. In my view this isn’t the case. It is about time this debate was seen in the true context of the broad range of people who work in the architectural sector, particularly CIAT members.
My own experience is one of having seen many offices of technically skilled people lose their jobs — due in part to the recession and also to the poor management skills of those running practices. While there are those who have the right business and management skills, they are often looked down on as somehow having sold out.
Luder is right to say we need to focus on the business of architecture and look long and hard at the priorities in education. There must also be a drive to link those with the right experience to the education system as this will be the only way to drive architectural professionals back to a position of respect in the industry.
We will not achieve this by just shouting demands for the protection of function when many people I have experienced have woefully poor skill sets.
James Francis
via bdonline
Too many schools
Outside of London I see no need for any city to have two schools (Debate March 15). Manchester and Edinburgh are an example of two schools merging.
I see no reason why Belfast, Canterbury, Glasgow, Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield need two schools, and no way that two schools in a city equals the
demand for that local economy.
London is a world city, at least eight times the size of Birmingham. Saying that, I think one school in London could close.
Chris Church
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