Should Architectural Education Be The Simulation of Profession? An Evaluation with Semi-Structured Interview Method in the Fields of Academy, Office and Construction

The fact that architecture has a dynamic relationship with technological and social developments requires architecture education to have the same dynamic reflexes. The aim of this study is to discuss the impact of architectural education on different platforms (office, construction site, and academy) and to reveal its role in today's architectural practice. This study mainly discusses the hypothesis that “architectural education is the simulation of professional practice” within the experts’ opinions in different fields. For this purpose, purposive sampling technique based on the criteria is taken into consideration in order to determine the study group. Participants in the study are composed of people who have studied architecture and have great experience in his / her preferred field of profession. Semi-structure interview technique is used in this study which covered qualitative data collection techniques. According to the evaluation of the themes revealed in the light of the findings of this research, architects working at the fields of office and construction state that architectural education should be the simulation of professional practice. However, architect working at academy field emphasizes that the education should not simulate professional practice and it should provide a more free environment rather than the boundaries of professional practice.