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Article Title: Challenges Facing Architectural Education Today: Analytical Study of Curricula Content of Selected Schools in Jordan
by Dr. Rana T. Matarneh

Abstract:
On one hand, computer technology as an innovative tool for distributing professional knowledge and skills is remarkable. On the other hand, its limitations in relation to both architectural education and profession can be a major challenge if architecture is considered to be more than problem-solving (UIA, 2012). Architectural education faces several difficult transformations. Thus it shall, constantly, update itself with the latest technological innovations in order to equip the student with tools to be capable to contribute in a constructive way to improve the contemporary information societies'' life. Moreover, the increased complexity of the role of the architect obliges many international professional organizations and associations (e.g., RIBA, AIA, UIA, etc.) to reconsider the standards of professionalism in architectural practice. This study aims at assessing the validation of the existing study programmes offered at schools of architecture in Jordan. To achieve this objective, the research involved two integrated methods of several workshops and on-line questionnaire surveys that were structured to explore the current Curricular Structure of Architectural Education, and its capabilities to meet the technological, economic, socio-cultural and professional challenges and the demands of our time. Highlighting the synergy between the two, this paper intends to define a precise framework to develop the architectural education and, through that, architectural practice, knowledge and culture in Jordan.

Keywords: architectural education, curriculum, higher education, jordan

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