Rethinking Architectural Education Towards a Better Practice International Conference at BAU

The Faculty of Architectural Engineering at Beirut Arab University organized the First International Architectural Conference entitled “Rethinking Architectural Education: Towards a Better Practice”, from the 9th to 11th of March 2016. The event was held at Debbieh Campus, with the participation of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), and was attended by a large number of researchers, architects and specialists in the field of architectural education, as well as academic staff-members and workers in the industrial and architectural sectors.
The Conference aimed at developing Architectural Engineering in the light of the rapid advances and challenges experienced, through the activation of the academic aspect, represented in the development of curricula and stimulation of research. The aim was also to provide the job-market with distinctive cadres and opening horizons for new visions, ideas and mechanisms, based upon the international validation attained by the Faculty in 2012.
The three-day conference included a number of seminars and workshops dedicated to highlighting the professional challenges and the possibility to promote the profession in parallel with relevant academic and research activities.
The Dean of the Faculty of Architectural Engineering Prof. Ibtihal Bastawisi, reviewed in her speech the various developments witnessed by the Faculty, pointing out that the role of faculties of architecture and postgraduate studies has changed. Thus they no longer provide traditional forms of education, but rather a modernized form of learning, that aims at dealing with current challenges and the job-market. It also aims at providing adequate skills and adopting developmental methods. Prof. Bastawisi also expressed her gratitude to the RIBA for their contribution and cooperation.
In turn, Prof. David Gloster, the Director of Education of the RIBA, stated that the Faculty of Architectural Engineering is rewriting the standards of engineering education. He also praised the Faculty’s efforts to propose and lead such development, advising the students to listen attentively and develop their knowledge through the exchange of innovative ideas.
President of Beirut Arab University Prof. Amr El Adawi, , in his speech maintained that architectural education now follows profound standards in the light of the developments and factors affecting the field. These pose a challenge for the student, requiring the learner to develop their academic knowledge and adapting it to the job-market in relation to their abilities. Students are also encouraged to engage in research, to be able to discuss any content relevant to the field. 
In parallel with the Conference, an exhibition of students’ Projects from various international faculties that have been validated by the RIBA was held. This is the first time for such an exhibition to be held in Lebanon. It presents an important opportunity for the architectural students at Lebanese universities to view outstanding projects that are comprehensive in terms of studies, design and innovativeness. The exhibition will extend until the end of March 2016.
Further, a gala dinner was held in honor of all those who contributed to the success of the conference. The dinner was held at the Phoenicia, and was attended by HE Sajaan Kazzi, Minister of Labor, who praised the University for its Mission to promote education in Lebanon. The Dean of the Faculty was also honored and received a shield in appreciation of her efforts to advance knowledge. In his capacity as the Lebanese Minister of Labor, he also hailed the role played by multinational academic staff-members in advancing education in Lebanon.

The Conference concluded with a number of recommendations, the most prominent of which is to emphasize continuity, by preserving architectural principles in combination with modernization to remain abreast with world developments, and to emphasize the basic role of architectural engineering in the service of the community.
Participants at the Conference emphasized on the role played by modern technology through the use of architectural software that does not adversely affect the development of architectural thought.
There was also an emphasis on the importance of achieving integration and constant interaction between the content and the methodologies of architectural programs, together with the regular revision of rules and curricula to remain abreast with both architectural education and job-market requirements.