Bulletin Spring‧Summer 1992

What is Special about the Curriculum? To f u l f il the requirements for professional recognition, the department has planned a two-tiered academic programme. The first part of the programme is a three-year (four for sixth-form entrants) course leading to the Bachelor of Social Science (Architectural Studies) degree. The second will be a two-year course leading to the Bachelor of Architecture degree. A further requirement before taking the Hong Kong Institute of Architecture (HK I A) Professional Examination consists of two years of monitored practical training. Students will, however, have the option of fulfilling one of those two years between the two degrees. A distinguishing feature of architectural education is the central place occupied by design studios. Architectural education is characterized by its requirement to teach both fundamental knowledge and artistry. Donald Schon, professor of philosophy at MIT, says, 'Architecture is a hybrid, an occupation concerned with the design of usable structures and an art based on the forms of buildings and the experience of passage through their spaces.' In order to master the intricacies of designing buildings that are simultaneously functional, economical and visually pleasing, students must do design work over and over again, with problems of increasing complexity and scale. The studio provides the setting for that learning. If one were to visit the studios during class, in the evenings, or on a week-end before a project is due, one would see students at their desks sketching, making models and drafting. They would be engaged in activities common to architecture students throughout the world but which always seem strange to others. There seems to be no end to the work. It is usually obvious when a usual academic assignment is finished, but an architectural project seems to never end. There • Did you have any special expectations when you applied for admission? Stanley: When I submitted my application, I already had a fair idea about the curriculum and the subjects I was going to learn, so I couldn't say I was looking for anything special at that time. I only hoped that the teachers would be knowledgeable and dedicated. Tina : I expected to gain a lot of professional knowledge in architecture. Daniel : Well, as I'd never been exposed to this subject before ， I only wanted to learn all that should • After studying for eight months as an architecture student,how do you feel now? Stanley: I 'm quite satisfied. The course is substantial, and architectural design is my favourite subject. But sometimes I am nonplussed by the differing opinions of the teachers. Tina : So far so good, I would say. The teachers have been doing their best and giving us every attention they can. But I 'm still bothered by their differing standards in assessing our assignments. Daniel : I enjoy my new experience here very much. Besides gaining specialist knowledge, I have learnt how to cooperate with others. • How do you find the course content and the pace of teaching? Stanley: This year the emphasis is on required courses. We don't have sufficient time for electives and General Education courses. It is even more difficult for us to find time for extracurricular activities. A closely-packed programme seems to be common in all architecture departments. Tina : Most of our lessons begin at around eight in the morning, so we have to get up very early. Department of Architecture - 5