In the last decade or so architectural schools have become truly international in their intake, as students select from courses worldwide. This creates a bewildering choice for schoolleavers and undergraduates shopping for a degree. A situation that has been exasperated in the UK by the professional institutions devalidating some of the most prestigious architectural schools.
Reputation is no longer enough to go by. Different institutions produce very different types of architects, whether it be an emphasis on building techniques, digital techniques, business or pure design.
This is to be a touchstone publication for anyone involved in architectural education, whether they be an entrenched academic or student. It provides four interviews with the most influential educators/heads of schools Peter Cook & Christine Hawley; Elia Zenghelis & Eleni Gigantes; Anthony Vidler & Mark Wigley; and Leon van Schaik & Tom Heneghan - and short self-biographies of eleven further prominent figures, including Paul Virilio, Dalibor Vesely, Beatriz Colomina, Brett Steele and Kevin Rhowbotham, as well as with educators from countries of recent change, such as China, Russia and South Africa. The back section is dedicated to a listing of architectural schools and institutions.
