Teaching Emerging Construction and Design Technologies in Architectural Curricula A Curriculum Review for Preparing the Next Generation of Architects

This study investigates the extent to which emerging construction and design technologies have been integrated into architectural curricula and examines how current educational structures prepare students for technologically advanced professional environments. Despite the growing emphasis on digital tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), parametric modeling, environmental simulation, and digital fabrication in the architectural profession, many academic programs continue to rely on traditional design-focused pedagogies with limited incorporation of technological content. Using a qualitative methodology, the study analyzed curriculum documents from selected global institutions and conducted semi-structured interviews with architectural educators and practitioners. The findings reveal that technological instruction is often confined to elective courses rather than embedded within core design studios, resulting in a fragmented and inconsistent learning experience. Significant regional disparities were observed, particularly between programs in developed countries and those in developing contexts. Barriers to integration included lack of faculty expertise, insufficient infrastructure, and resistance to curricular reform. However, the study also identified effective models where interdisciplinary collaboration, industry partnerships, and investment in digital facilities enhanced students’ technical competencies. Based on these findings, the research recommends a strategic overhaul of architectural education, including curriculum redesign, faculty development, infrastructure investment, and revised assessment strategies. These changes are essential to aligning architectural education with the evolving demands of practice and preparing a generation of architects capable of leading innovation in a technology-driven and sustainability-focused built environment.

کلیدواژه ها:

Architectural Education ، Emerging Technologies ، Curriculum Reform