The Decision to Study Architecture: A Sociological Study

Nelson, Bardin H.

doi:10.2307/1423938

Cited by 1 publication

(6 citation statements)

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“…Research conducted in the USA suggested that practicing architects view creativity as the skills which differentiated their profession from others, i.e. they have been socialised to view it as a core value of the profession (Blau, 1984; Nelson, 1974). Importantly, the majority of US architects have reported a lack of opportunity to use their creative skills (Blau, 1984).…”

Section: Occupational Context: the Architectural Professionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It has been suggested that architectural students have inaccurate perceptions of the role of an architect, which can lead them to doubt their career choice. Nelson (1974) reported that architectural students who did not personally know architects and had no work experience within architectural practices were more likely to experience doubt over their career choice. In addition, he reported that a desire to be creative and undertake design influenced the vast majority of architectural students in their decision to choose the profession.…”

Section: Occupational Context: the Architectural Professionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This research was carried out over 30 years ago in the USA, and there is a need to explore the relevance of this to architects working in the UK. As Nelson (1974, p. 83) states: “A better understanding of what architecture is about … would perhaps save students time, money and mental anguish”. If once in education, students are still not exposed to the realities of the profession, those entering the workplace may experience similar mental anguish to that described by Nelson (1974).…”

Section: Occupational Context: the Architectural Professionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As Nelson (1974, p. 83) states: “A better understanding of what architecture is about … would perhaps save students time, money and mental anguish”. If once in education, students are still not exposed to the realities of the profession, those entering the workplace may experience similar mental anguish to that described by Nelson (1974). It has been argued that the role of the UK architect is changing due to the growth of building contracts such as Design and Build which can transfer design responsibilities from architects to building contractors (Symes et al , 1995).…”

Section: Occupational Context: the Architectural Professionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Practicing architects have reported frustration over their perceived lack of opportunity to exercise their creative skills (Cohen et al , 2005). This mismatch between expectations and the reality of the architectural profession may result in some distress (Nelson, 1974). This paper aims to further understand the processes which lead architects into the profession and how this impacts their experiences of working life.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Anticipatory socialisation amongst architects: a qualitative examination

Sang

Ison

Dainty

et al. 2009

Education + Training

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PurposeThose entering the architectural profession tend to be motivated by a desire to undertake creative design, although studies have revealed that many practicing architects feel they lack sufficient creative opportunities. Proponents of anticipatory socialisation argue that experiences prior to entering an occupation influence job satisfaction once engaged in employment. Given concerns over the retention of architects, there is a need to explore practising architects' motivations for entering the profession, how this affects their anticipatory socialisation and their experience of working life. This paper aims to explore this issue.Design/methodology/approachSemi‐structured interviews were undertaken with 23 practising architects based in the UK, exploring the anticipatory socialisation of architects focussing on issues of career choice, expectations of the profession, experiences once working within practice and job satisfaction.FindingsMany respondents had chosen to enter the profession out of a desire to be creative and their university education furthered this desire. The reality of working life was very different, with much time spent on administrative tasks. For some, this gap caused disillusionment with the profession and adversely affected their job satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper discusses the possible impacts of poor anticipatory socialisation on practicing architects and the profession. Recommendations are made for further research including a large scale survey of the profession.Originality/valueThe data presented in this paper help researchers and practitioners to understand architects' motivations for choosing a career in the profession and provide guidance for how the mis‐match between expectations and the reality may be overcome.

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Section: Occupational Context: the Architectural Professionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Occupational Context: the Architectural Professionmentioning

confidence: 99%