Importance of communication skills in architectural education to Raise the efficiency of professional practice of graduates

Year 2023, Volume: 2 Issue: 1, 154 - 163, 30.06.2023

Merna Rafo , Mozahim Mustafa

Abstract

communication skills are among the most essential skills that architecture graduates need, which help them to engage in the labor market. Communication skills are in visual and verbal formats. Visual communication skills are represented by report writing skills, executive graphics, free drawing...etc, while verbal communication skills are represented by the project team, public speaking skills for presenting projects, marketing skills, public relations...etc. After graduation and practicing the profession, many students suffer from a weakness in communication skills for many reasons, despite the emphasis on their importance by the organizing body responsible for practicing the profession such as (NAAB, RIBA, ABET ... etc.).
This study follows the descriptive and analytical approach, whereby the measurement mechanism represented in the questionnaire is used to find out the graduates' proficiency degree in aspects of communication skills, in addition to knowing ways to develop the outputs of architectural education about these skills. The study sample included newly graduated engineers and faculty members who are directly related to the outputs of architectural education and its impact on professional practice and labor market requirements.
The research came out with conclusions, that the graduates have efficiency in some of the aspects of communication skills and lack in other aspects. Based on the conclusions, the research came out with recommendations to cover the lack of knowledge in some aspects of communication skills in architectural education.

Keywords

architectural education, communication skills, professional practice.

Supporting Institution

University of Mosul

Project Number

ICES136

References

• Al-Yousef, Hamid, Salman, (2014), “Orientation towards quality and reliability in architectural education, the Department of Architecture at the University of Technology as a model”, Al-Qadisiyah Journal of Engineering Sciences, Department of Architecture, University of Technology, Baghdad. (Arabic)
• Mohamed, Sheeta, Makram, (2015), “Continuous Development of Professional Skills for Architects in Egypt,” Mansoura Engineering Journal, Department of Architecture, Future University, Egypt. (Arabic)
• Balousha, Al-Mansi, (2014), “The Impact of Developing University Architectural Education on Providing Job Opportunities for Graduates, Case Study - Department of Architecture at the Islamic University of Gaza,” MasterThesis, Department of Architectural Engineering, Islamic University, Gaza. (Arabic)
• Abdeen, (2007), "Development of Architectural Education for Undergraduate Level", Master Thesis, Faculty of Architecture, Damascus University, Syria. (Arabic)
• Badawy, Ashour, Ibrahim, (2009), “The Relationship of University Architectural Education to the Architectural Profession Practice in Egypt,” Master Thesis, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Architecture, Ain Al-Shams University, Egypt. (Arabic) The official website of the University of Mosul http://uomosul.edu.iq/pages/ar/engineering/55301 . (Arabic) The official website of the University of Baghdad https://coeng.uobaghdad.edu.iq/?page_id=15004 . (Arabic)
• The official website of the University of Technology https://ae.uotechnology.edu.iq/images/study%20plan/study%20plan%202012-2017.pdf (Arabic)
• Kazem, Ali, Hamid, (2017), “Developing the quality of architectural learning outcomes in Iraq”, Iraqi Journal of Architectural Engineering, Department of Architecture, University of Technology, Baghdad.(Arabic)
• Esra, B. Kevser, K. (2019). “AN ASSESSMENT OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE TRAINING IN UNDERGRADUATE ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION”, The Turkish Online Journal of Design, p 145 -158, İstanbul Kültür University, Turkey.
• Amanda, W. Joseph,B .(2011). “MIXED MESSAGES: ASSESSING COMMUNICATION IN ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION AND PRACTICE”. Master Thesis, Department of Public Relations & Advertising, College of Communication, Rowan University, USA.
• Natasha,L. (2017). “The Changing Nature of Architectural Education: Do Live Projects prepare students for the realities of architectural practice?”. Master Thesis, Oxford Brookes University,UK.
• Wacław,C. (2020). “Architectural education to improve technical detailing in professional practice”. Global Journal of Engineering Education, Cracow University of Technology, Poland.
• Suchismita,B . Shivashish,B .(2015). “Comparative analysis of architectural education standards across the world”.University of Oklahoma,OK, Jadavpur University ,Kolkata,India.
• David N , Simon P (2000) Changing Architectural Education, London , USA.
• Ahmed,A .(2019). “International accreditation of architecture programs promoting competitiveness in professional practice”. Alexandria Engineering Journal, p .877-883, Department of Architecture, College of Architecture and Design, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan, Department of Architectural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University, Egypt.
• Saba,H. Minoo,Sh. (2020). “THE GAP BETWEEN ARCHITECTURE EDUCATION AND ARCHITECTURAL PROFESSION IN IRAN”. Journal of Architectural Research and Education (JARE), p.121-133, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Design, Art University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran. Official Website Of ABET Organization https://www.abet.org/ . Library ,catalogue of RIBA British Architectural www.architecture.