Work in progress - education and practice: assessment for architecture education

Architectural education has always been a complicated issue. In Building Community: A New Future for Architecture Education and Practice, Boyer and Mitgang concluded, "that architectural education is really about fostering the learning habits needed for the discovery, integration, application, and sharing knowledge over a lifetime". The University of Hartford\´s architecture program is based on the blending academic-based theoretical studies with industry-based problem solving. Our practice oriented architecture department has developed and implemented an innovative assessment plan. This plan implements both traditional and innovative methods for evaluation. Key to the assessment plans success is the involvement of our advisory board members and other practicing professionals. The challenges to architects and educators regarding architectural education are sometimes daunting. Concerns over "lack of integration of technical and practical knowledge into design work is probable the single most widespread area of program weakness". The unique roles of the advisory board members and other practicing professionals help to overcome these challenges. Faculty, administrators, and professionals are working together to develop and implement a solid program for its students, graduates, and the profession.