Architecture for All

    As much as I have cherished my journey studying architecture, one thing that has always bothered my is the over-emphasis on theoretical design. To elaborate, Samuel Mockbee, founder of Rural Studio in Hale County, Alabama, explains in an article how architectural education has placed too much focus on "fashion, frantic speed, and superstardom." As a result of this, a majority of students' studio projects are buildings that cannot be fabricated in real life. Mockbee refers to this kind of work as "paper architecture." In all honesty, I agree with Mockbee in that a lot of higher education pushes designs that are more avant-garde than anything else. From what I can gather, the reason for this may be because professors want to push students to produce the best work they possibly can. The issue with this is that what is considered "best" is what looks best of paper.

    When Mockbee founded Rural Studio, his mission was to provide "an architecture for all," one that met the needs of the community. What I find truly commendable is Mockbee's pursuit of using local materials and construction techniques that match the character of Hale County. This is because Mockbee defines honest architecture as that which is molded by the culture of its surrounding context. I believe this would be a much better approach to architectural education; one that teaches students how to utilize the characteristics of the site to their creative advantage.

    To be clear, I do not think this is a prevalent dilemma in all higher education. There are plenty of schools that offer a similar education as that which Mockbee sought after through Rural Studio. Nor am I saying architectural design needs to be reduced to the lowest common denominator. On the contrary, there are many schools that over-emphasize the practicality of architecture, thus diminishing the aesthetic quality of student work. What needs to happen is a mutual balance between teaching form and appearance. The key to truly successful architecture is one that stands the tests of time through the harmonization of commodity, firmness, and delight.