Tech's architecture program may be redesigned

The proposed changes include a massive overhaul of Tech’s undergraduate program to prepare students for a fast-changing work force. A new bachelor of science in design would replace the current undergraduate degrees in architecture, building construction and industrial design.

“The question is how do you evolve and cultivate change that allows the college and institution to remain at the forefront,” Dean Alan Balfour said, adding specifics are still being developed. “What I want above all is a richer experience for undergraduates.”

The discussions have been going on for almost two years, and college leaders plan to announce next month a series of meetings with students, alumni and industry leaders to get feedback.

About 1,100 undergraduates are enrolled in the College of Architecture.

Incoming freshmen won’t see any changes at first, but the new curriculum could begin their sophomore year. The college could bring the changes before the State Board of Regents as soon as spring 2010, spokeswoman Teri Nagel said.

Currently all students take the same freshman courses to learn the different design disciplines and the skills and approaches each use.

The proposal would provide students with a common sophomore year as well, focusing more on real-world problems and situations within architecture, construction and industrial design. The plan would allow students to focus on specific disciplines during junior and senior years.

Balfour said the goal is to teach “problem-seeking and problem-solving” skills.

Joseph Razavian, a rising senior in the building construction program, is concerned about merging the three degree programs. Building construction has a more scientific approach, while the other two degrees have a more abstract emphasis, he said.

“I don’t understand how this will work,” said Razavian, who is the college’s representative to Tech’s Student Government Association.

“There are still a lot of questions about what the new curriculum will look like and few answers.”

He questioned whether graduates holding the proposed bachelor of science in design would be marketable.

Balfour said graduates will be able to find work, but many go on to graduate school.

Pat Jones, senior vice president with the consulting firm Draper & Associates, said she doesn’t hire anyone without a master’s degree or plans to get one soon.

Jones, who graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in building construction, said she’s excited by the proposed changes.

“In my view, the program is shifting from its historical roots to something better,” Jones said. “They are trying to graduate leaders who have a world view. It is different from what I had in the 1970s, but the change is needed.”

Another Georgia Tech alum, noted architect Tom Ventulett, agreed it is becoming more important for students to understand each discipline and how it operates.

Ventulett is chairman emeritus of tvsdesign, which designed the Georgia World Congress Center, the old Omni sports arena and the CNN Center.

“Sometimes there is too much competition between the disciplines,” he said. “The more they can come together and learn from one another, the better. This will give students an advantage.”

College of Architecture

The undergraduate program at Georgia Tech’s College of Architecture offers bachelor degrees in architecture, building construction and industrial design. Here are the number of undergraduate students enrolled in each program last fall:

Architecture: 582

Building construction: 320

Industrial design: 193