Digital Pedagogy

Digital Foundations in the New World of Architecture Production


 Ped.a.go.gy ( /ˈpɛdəɡɒdʒi/ or /ˈpɛdəɡoʊdʒi/[1][2]) is the study of being a teacher or the process of teaching. The term generally refers to strategies of instruction, or a style of instruction.


Has “the digital” been absorbed by the discipline or has “the digital” absorbed the discipline?Depending on your perspective, Architecture either continues to disintegrate (or has reformed) around a new definition of “the master builder”. Digital technology has opened a variety of new career opportunities for the graduates of a digitally advanced architectural education. Some depictions of this trend have the discipline of architecture continuing to fragment into specialties. However, software has established platforms from which the activity surrounding a design project can be directed, managed, and built. But, does the capacity of software to re-center what is required to make a built environment mean that the design and making of such will fall to the historic notion of “master builder” or “the architect”?


I remember when I graduated college at Oklahoma State University in 1989 (yeah I know seems like a life time go and no....don't call me an old man....at least until you hear the rest of the story). Everything we did was on the boards. There was the beginning of a "computer studio" that maybe 6 or 8 computers squeezed in it.  I remember the other students that took the class claimed that this was the way of the future and if you didn't prepare....you wouldn't be ready for the job market! Yeah, well I didn't see that staying up all night trying to figure out how to make the less-than-superior computer crank out.....A LINE! No thanks. Computers in the schools were up to snuff back then like they are now. The businesses were leading the technology. (I feel that roll has reversed in today's market.) Today, as well as yesterday, we have different avenues that we can become an "expert" within the architectural world. Vendors, signage, Specification writer, Inspectors, Hospital Designers, School Designers, Construction Managers and on and on.  Those opportunities are still there today and more. The technology has opened more doors for more people to specialize in a field but also allows the everyday Architect to become a bit more versed in MORE of the architecture. Maybe not the "Master Builder" any more, but a "Master Builder Manager".


Much of what applies to the general education of an architect can also be said for the digital portion of architectural curricula. Some students come to the university with digital media skills, some are autodidactic, a large number are waiting to be taught and some either struggle to absorb digital skills or probably do not fit a life in architecture. In the midst of this new landscape, sketching and drawing freehand has become more important and necessary. Ironically, less time is provided to build these “old” skills because more time goes to learning a variety of digital skills.


Do you remember in "drafting class" they would make you handwriting in Drafting style lettering over and over and over. It was like you were in first grade again. Reading Writing and Arithmetic. Those skills I learned make my handwriting an art....still to this day.  Some of those I have encountered even within our office has terrible handwriting skills. Just different era that was taught to them. They grew up on the computer.  I can still (and do often) crank out a quick sketch that is presentable to the client for  preliminary idea or even for detail needed in the field for a contractor.  This skill has been one that the newer generation of architects have not acquired and has been lost by many.


Synthesizing digital media training and tool use into an already demanding professional curriculum along with the financial demands of upgrading and absorbing changes in this technology is, overwhelming for students, faculty, pedagogy, and the institution not to mention the real world office environment. Small businesses cannot afford the newest software (that used to produce a new version version other year, now produces one every 6 months or so.) School have the opportunity to obtain grants, scholarships etc. for these capabilities....the work force has only their client to BILL OVERHEAD to hopefully upgrade their systems. I will be the first to say that the newer technology is a blessing for production purposes....but Architecture still needs to be taught! We all just need to  reorganize to accommodate this paradigm shift.

In regards to Pedagogy.....Ionic DeZign Studios does consider itself a "teaching work environment". You cannot learn all the things you need to about the world of architecture in school.  It takes real life, real time experience to understand all the "practices" of architecture. Yes, practice until we get it right....and then practice some more...isn't that what your football coach used to tell you all the time? I can teach architecture to these new aspiring architects...but they certainly teach me about the new computer technology. Together we make a great team!

Adapted and edited from George Proctor's writing submitted the the white paper report by ACADIA 2003

The Team

Building a design team is much like trying to build an NFL team. Or maybe it is like raising a family.

Our small young office at Ionic DeZign Studios has always tried to be a teaching firm.  There were times that all the employees were OLDER than me. I guess I was getting taught during that time.  Now, I have mostly passed the time barrier, and have become teacher again. I was watching the television show "GREY'S ANATOMY" this week and it reminded me about a teaching/practice environment.  It sort of freaks me out the thought of some medical student guessing about my diagnosis and getting it wrong but still operating on me. I don't think architecture is quite that intense.....or for that matter, that dramatic. The learning aspect is important in architecture.  It used to be that ATB's (Architect's-To-Be) had to learn from seeing what takes place in the field. And I mean...IN THE FIELD.  Going out and seeing the contractor's build what you have drawn.....and yes, seeing what you have drawn wrong too!  Without mentors in the architectural field, these young professionals would not get the opportunity to grow, learn and mature. I have always hoped that this is what we offer Team Ionic....that opportunity to grow.

The Team is like a Family.
We are a close knit group of individuals that work hard, play hard and (hopefully) enjoy what we do. I get the wonderful opportunity to share in the lives of individuals as they come through our doors and spend time together in work as well as hear the stories of their lives. That is what makes us a family and what I believe makes us different.  I care about them as people, not just another employee.  But there comes a time (just like in a family) that they need to move on.  Letting the birdies fly from our nest. Our hope as parents is that we get to see our children everyday.  After all we have put a lot of time and energy into these "children". However, as employers we understand that growing sometimes means leaving us for other opportunities.  Other locations. Other possibilities. It isn't easy to let some of them go.  But you understand.  Hey this is business.

The Team is sometimes like trying to build an NFL team.
Jeff Fisher yesterday retired from coaching the Titans after 17 seasons. During that time he has seen many players come and go.  He has even seen the team move from one city to another! This is pretty much the rule that happens in football.  There will be players that get there right out of college and learn all they can.....then others that come in from a trade or negotiation. Each coach tries to build the best team they can to reach the Superbowl.  Every year, some come and some go.  Some even get cut. Some retire. When you build a great team for a season it feels so great.  All the pieces fit together so well.  But, next year comes and some of the faces change. When a star player leaves, you wonder how you will ever replace them. It leaves a hole.  You know what, that hole will be filled, and you never know, it might be by somebody amazing that you never expected. Hey this is business.

This is the CIRCLE OF LIFE or.....OF BUSINESS. It is a sad day when we see one of our "children" leave.  But we know that is was great just to have the opportunity to meet at this cross road we call LIFE. We have the good fortune to make a new friend.  A colleague....and maybe send out a teacher that will share the wisdom we passed on to them. We understand the principal of "givers - gain". We will probably get back far more than we ever will be able to give. That is just the weriod way it all works. You cannot expect them to stay forever.  Hey this is business......but I would like to think it is a bit more.

To all my friends.  Thank you for the opportunity to share in your lives....even if it just for a short while. Hey, this is more than just business.....it is Life.  Without relationships, it doesn't mean much. Stay safe my friends!