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Another “unfiltered” critic argues that architecture education is the root cause of the profession being undervalued and widely misunderstood. The defense of the profession, we contend, must begin in academia, where the core problem lies in situating architecture schools to comply with—and be dictated by—non-architects who neither understand nor uphold the profession’s essential competencies. This external oversight has diluted the foundational truths of architecture, eroding its rigor and distinct identity over time.

By allowing administrators, accrediting bodies, and university structures dominated by non-practitioners to shape curricula and priorities, schools in...

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This podcast episode is a one-off reaction piece to the discussion on "What makes a good studio master?" It refers to the Malaysian Architecture Education context and the premise from the problem of bureaucracy. 

The assertion here argues that formal qualifications (PhD, Part 3 registration, 5+ years industry/teaching experience) proposed by the Malaysian Board of Architects (LAM - Malay Acronym) are irrelevant for design studio masters, who need to have both talents in teaching, as well as being a good designer.

True effectiveness lies in three key roles—coach (tracking pro...

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Architecture education and the problems of competent graduates have been discussed elsewhere in Talk Architecture podcast, but this topic shows how much things have changed in architecture education and how it affected the curriculum.

So, this morning I asked Grok: Do you think that more and more architecture education and the ranking system serves the developer’s agenda than society’s needs?

Grok says: Yes, absolutely — and the trend has been accelerating dramatically over the past 15–20 years. Architecture education and especially the global ranking systems now function more as...

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The “research-framework” approach to design theses is a myth and must end.

Best industry preparation: give the entire studio one real, complex, shared urban site and force students to solve 10–15 genuine, layered design problems from day one. This final episode of a 3-part series explains how using two cases almost a decade apart.

2008–09 (wrong way): 24 students → 24 different (often easy/speculative) sites → pretty drawings, 2–3 shallow problems, bored students, weak graduates.

2019–20 (right way): one tough shared site (e.g., PJ Old Town market + ur...

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In the second part of this three-part series on the “context specificity” approach, we explain a design thesis studio philosophy that insists on “real site + real community issues only,” with the focus placed on identifying and solving authentic design problems.

The studio runs for a full academic year, structured as:  

Research is integrated into the architectural design process rather than treated separately: it occurs primarily through initial site analysis, t...

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For a design thesis, context specificity approach is the answer, the only way to get students of architecture to be ready, equipped, going into the architecture industry because that's the way the industry works. There is no place for speculative design, prototypes or fantasy design, as you will not be able to overcome the challenges of the industry.

This episode is the first part of the three-part series, focused on identifying design problems rather than speculating with a problem statement and hypothesis ala research framework. The site is very important to...

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For Architecture Academics, a special podcast on: Why Research Framework cannot be used in Architectural Design, specifically in the Architecture Studio Design Thesis Curriculum.

An introduction to a topic addressing what is currently wrong with the way we teach architecture in universities where research and publication becomes increasingly important and how we have lost our way in producing credible architecture graduates. Refer to the link below on a previous Facebook post (for context to this podcast episode).

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19ziXahE2D/

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The seven principles of sensory-driven architecture, which focus on engaging human senses to create meaningful and immersive built environments, are often derived from the broader concepts of sensory design. 

1. Sight (Visual Engagement)

2. Sound (Acoustic Harmony) 

3. Touch (Tactile Experience)

4. Smell (Olfactory Design)

5. Temperature (Thermal Comfort)

6. Movement (Kinesthetic Awareness)

7. Emotional Resonance (Human-Centered Experience)

This episode, Naziaty Mohd Yaacob, discussed the above principles with disabled persons needs in mind.

© 2025 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob. Image by Naziaty Moh...

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The concluding part (Part 2) of this proposition of using sensory-driven architecture principles to achieve inclusive and therapeutic spaces as explained by Naziaty Mohd Yaacob, is based on a research to combine architecture, disability and phenomenology. 

Based on an internet literature search, the 7 principles of Sensory-driven Architecture Principles are: 

To achieve inclusive and therapeutic spaces that possesses the following:

References to Juhani Pallassmaa's The Eyes of...

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A new season on Sensory-driven Architecture principles and ideas.

The first part of this proposition of using sensory-driven architecture principles to achieve inclusive and therapeutic spaces as explained by Naziaty Mohd Yaacob, started on a research to combine 'architecture', 'disability' and 'phenomenology'. Definitions and approach to how we could go about as architects go above and beyond accessibility and universal design is articulated in Part 1.

Reference to Juhani Pallasmaa's The Eyes of the Skin and Kevin Mark Low's small projects plus ideas on Universal Design principles.

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The Concluding Part [Part 2] of the series on Women Architects in Leadership Roles, Ar. Lillian Tay discusses a variety of issues from gender roles in taking care of children and the challenges to women architects who decided to start a family, how the local government can provide for nurseries in office areas and whether there is the glass ceiling for women architects.

Bio: Ar. Lillian Tay is the Vice President of Veritas Design Group, est. 1987. She was trained at Princeton University and worked at Kohn Pederson Fox in New York. Lillian...

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In Part 1 of the series on Women Architects in Leadership Roles, Ar. Lillian Tay discusses on a wide range of issues regarding women architects, starting out in the beginning, the role of women in general, whether there is discrimination in architecture and architectural practice in reality.

Bio: Ar. Lillian Tay is the Vice President of Veritas Design Group, est. 1987. She was trained at Princeton University and worked at Kohn Pederson Fox in New York. Lillian returned to Kuala Lumpur in 1991. At Veritas Design Group, she provides the design direction  and was l...

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A Teaser introduction on a conversation with Ar. Lillian Tay in the series on Women Architects in Leadership Roles. (Part 1 & 2 - coming soon.)

Bio: Ar. Lillian Tay is the Vice President of Veritas Design Group, est. 1987. She was trained at Princeton University and worked at Kohn Pederson Fox in New York. Lillian returned to Kuala Lumpur in 1991. At Veritas Design Group, she provides the design direction  and was leading numerous award-winning projects. Lillian contributes to society as the Malaysian Architecture Institute (PAM) President from 2019-2020 and sits on the Board of A...

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The Concluding Part [Part 2] of the series on Women Architects in Leadership Roles, Ar. Almaz Salma Abdul Rahim discusses on how younger women architects need to find that balance in their profession, flexibility arrangements with your boss, having empathy with your staff, the importance of "me time" and resetting your mind over the weekend, the importance of learning from one another in an office and the construction industry and learning how to market oneself with your various skills.

Bio: Ar. Almaz Salma Abdul Rahim, Managing Director of Almaz Architect Sdn Bhd.  T...

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Commentary on the article entitled "Being an architect isn't worth it" says commenter published on 15 August 2025.

Naziaty Mohd Yaacob argued that the connection to bridging the gap between architecture education and practice is to breakdown what exactly is the learning to acquire skills and knowledge to be an architect when it comes to 'design' as the student needs to get this part right, which is identifying and solving the 'design problem'.

Link to the Dezeen.com article

© 2025 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob.

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In Part 1 of the series on Women Architects in Leadership Roles, Ar. Almaz Salma Abdul Rahim discusses on networking at top management level, advice when fresh graduates started out in employment, stepping out of the comfort zone and keep on challenging oneself and even marketing for oneself, the importance of the right mentor, and how acquiring knowledge and keep on doing so helps you to gain confidence, amongst other issues of managing an office.

Bio: Ar. Almaz Salma Abdul Rahim, Managing Director of Almaz Architect Sdn Bhd.  Throughout her 41 years of e...

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A Teaser introduction on a conversation with Ar. Almaz Salma Abdul Rahim in the series on Women Architects in Leadership Roles. (Part 1 & 2 - coming soon.)

Bio: Ar. Almaz Salma Abdul Rahim, Managing Director of Almaz Architect Sdn Bhd.  Throughout her 41 years of experience in the industry, she has been involved in over 250 design works in Malaysia winning awards. She was the convenor of Singgah KL, a Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) event in 2025 promoting the architecture profession.

© 2025 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob. Image contributed by Ar.  Almaz Salma

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The Concluding Part [Part 2] of the series on Women Architects in Leadership Roles, Ar. Cheryl Quan discusses about the issues women architects face when "maternity leave" happens amongst other issues, the role of the institutions such as PAM, and more detailed deliberations on the Malaysian Architecture Week (MAW) and the awareness needed to get the public to know about the architect's role and function in society.

Bio: Ar. Cheryl Quan is the principal of Cheryl Quan Architect and partner in OTCQ architects, a practice focused on responsive, community-driven, and environmentally conscious...

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In Part 1 of the series on Women Architects in Leadership Roles, Ar. Cheryl Quan discusses about her experiences and challenges in her practice and recounted how she struggled in the beginning when there were clear gender-based biases she was up against. As one of the main curator of the recent exhibition and talks in conjunction with the Malaysian Architecture Week (MAW), after a seven year sabbatical, she found confidence again to be part of the architecture fraternity and contribute to the development with her contemporaries, moving forward.

Tune in to find...

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A Teaser introduction on a conversation with Ar Cheryl Quan in the series on Women Architects in Leadership Roles. (Part 1 & 2 - coming soon.)

Bio: Ar. Cheryl Quan is the principal of Cheryl Quan Architect and partner in OTCQ architects, a practice focused on responsive, community-driven, and environmentally conscious design. She was named one of the 40 Under 40 Emerging Architects in 2023. Known for her material sensitivity and a willingness to embrace experimental approaches, Cheryl explores how innovative use of materials can shape tactile, immersive spatial experiences.

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The Concluding Part [Part 2] of the series on Women Architects in Leadership Roles, Ar. Aisyah Razin explained on how it is important to "always be curious, consistent and grounded" for women architects to negotiate the building industry. The content is more on how you need to manage yourself with other people.

More podcasts on this topic coming soon with interviews lined-up.

© 2025 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob. Image contributed by Ar. Aisyah Razin

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In Part 1 of the series on Women Architects in Leadership Roles, Ar. Aisyah Razin discusses about the importance of mentors, getting the right opportunity and architectural company in the beginning, creating a high content value in yourself, having the right mindset and priorities, amongst other things.

Tune in to find out more and do give your opinion / feedback on what you think on this matter.

Bio: Ar. Aisyah Razin is an emerging Malaysian architect redefining leadership with clarity, conviction, and just the right amount of chaos. As Technical Director...

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A Teaser introduction on a conversation with Ar Aisyah Razin in the series on Women Architects in Leadership Roles. (Part 1 & 2 - coming soon.)

Ar. Aisyah Razin is an emerging Malaysian architect redefining leadership with clarity, conviction, and just the right amount of chaos. As Technical Director at TriArch Architects Sdn Bhd (formerly S&A Architects), she oversees a range of architectural works, with recent focus on high-rise residential developments - balancing design integrity with real-world complexity. A 2023 PAM 40under40 honouree, she’s also a part-time tutor at University of Malaya and a...

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This commentary is a reaction to Ar. Firadaus Khazis’s post where he stated that architecture graduates has problems with “not just plans, sections, elevations, but the ability to sketch out ideas, details, and solve problems on the spot”.

The root of the problem is in the lack of teaching and learning of the students in architecture school to acquire the right skills to work out design problems from the very beginning and how the architecture curriculum failed to uphold the basic foundation of learning to be an architect. Many factors contri...

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Since March 2025, we have listened to the conversations with Kevin Mark Low on The Balanced Education Model, the MAW Review and did episodes on social media comments coming from the the architecture fraternity (with episodes on  the Dumbing Down of Architecture Education), so ... what have we learned so far?

We can't ignore the 'elephant in the room' and it is the "Failure in Teaching Architecture Design". Specifically the disappointment in not helping students and graduates build that confidence. 

Hence the topic is on 'Formalism, Relationships and Guidance' (based on th...

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Based on a post by an architect asking for solutions to a "popular opinion" that he kept on hearing architects say, which is " how university graduates / architectural education don’t meet the standards / not up to par", and asking that those people who complains to offer solutions, this episode is on exactly that. The solution to the 'dumbing down of the architecture education' that is happening right now. 

© 2025 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob. Image of 'Kevin Mark Low giving a lecture' taken by Naziaty.

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Based on a post by a civil engineer / surveyor that was critical of young architects in particular, whom was called "make-up artists" that makes decisions for the the consultants team, based on marketing and pitching ideas with the client and not even gone to the site, had people commenting. Thus the case being made resulted in Naziaty Mohd Yaacob's commentary on what is one of the most glaring problem in architecture education - the lack of feeling and knowing what an architect need to do even in the first degree of architecture.

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This is a criticism of the trend to oversimplify "architecture education" in my opinion, so that "design" (competencies) can be controlled. All architects and architectural designers need to be livid about this, and nothing else.

I saw a post that the UIA Education Committee wants to have a webinar called "Aligning Education Across Allied Built Environment Disciplines". I copied this quote:

This panel discussion seeks to explore innovative ways to bridge disciplinary boundaries without compromising the core competencies. 

"Integrating disciplines is not about diluting expertise but about e...

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Expanding on the last episode on 

The MAW Review: A Commentary on the Malaysian Architecture Dialogue

Let's focus on The MAW Review 2 and delve into the keywords found during the discussion on "awards", "heroes" and "pride". I added "managing egos" to the 'pride' discussion as an afterthought on what we need to do in the architecture industry and although it is not the main part of the conversation, much of it has to happen some how. A lot have been said about "awards", and I would like to comment f...

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The Malaysian Architecture Week is still on-going and Naziaty Mohd Yaacob managed to catch up with what's happening by coming for the Borak Borak 04 session and listening to the speakers and the conversations after left me thinking that a small opening was created by the architecture fraternity to be more open and more critical on architecture practice and education. This is my review on the event and other thoughts.

© 2025 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob. Image of a person interested with Ar Dexter Koh's exhibition work. (Taken by Naziaty)

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The Concluding Part [Part 2] of the series on Women Architects in Leadership Roles, Ar. Dr. Eleena Jamil explained the concept of a "glass ceiling" for the women architect in the Malaysian architecture industry that is predominantly male-dominated, and among other things gave suggestions on what institutions could do to provide the support needed for the women architect to better serve the industry.

More podcasts on this topic coming soon with interviews lined-up.

© 2025 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob. Image contributed by Eleena Jamil Architect. https://ej-architect.com/

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In Part 1 of the series on Women Architects in Leadership Roles, Ar. Dr. Eleena Jamil discusses some questions posed by female mid-level architects such as: Have you ever faced discrimination, even subtly, when working on large-scale projects involving many male consultants, clients, and contractors? and; Have you ever faced resistance or bias when stepping into leadership roles in architecture? 

Tune in to find out more and do give your opinion / feedback on what you think on this matter.

Bio: Eleena Jamil is a Malaysian architect born in Penang. She g...

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Kicking off with a teaser on a series on Women Architects in Leadership Roles with Ar. Eleena Jamil, the Principal of Eleena Jamil Architect, an Adjunct Professor and was in the Dezeen Architect of the Year 2018 and featured in 100 Women: Architects in Practice, published by RIBA in 2023. There will be two parts of the interview with your host, Naziaty Mohd Yaacob, discussing among other things, about gender roles, work-life balance and advice on how to negotiate the male-dominated field of architecture.

© 2025 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob. Image contributed by Eleena J...

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This is a warm-up introduction to the bigger topic of "Women in Architecture" which is part of a new series. Using an article as a reference to a general topic: 

Five Reasons Why We Don’t See More Women In Leadership Roles

LINK

Mila Smart Semeshkina (the author of the article) proposed there topics:

1. Gender Bias; 2. Lack of Role Models; 3. Work-Life Balance; 4. Stereotypes and Expectations; and 5. Limited Access to Networks and Opportunities

This podcast episode is provided with the first-time commentary for the beg...

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A new series on the critical model of disability, where under the 'architecture and disability' umbrella, using readings and commentaries, we analyse the article by Matthew Allen (2021) in Part 1 episode.

Designing for Disability Justice: On the need to take a variety of human bodies into account

© 2025 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob. Image of a street lamp by the author.

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A new series on the critical model of disability, where under the 'architecture and disability' umbrella, using readings and commentaries, we analyse the article by Matthew Allen (2021) in Part 2 episode.

Designing for Disability Justice: On the need to take a variety of human bodies into account

© 2025 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob. Image of a hospital foyer by the author.

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A new series on the critical model of disability, where under the 'architecture and disability' umbrella, using readings and commentaries, we analyse the article by Matthew Allen (2021) in Part 3 and concluding episode.

Designing for Disability Justice: On the need to take a variety of human bodies into account

© 2025 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob. Image of a street corner by the author.

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The continuation discussion on a "Conversation with Kevin Mark Low on The Balanced Education Model - Part 2", with your host, Naziaty Mohd Yaacob, concentrates on these points on architecture education:

1. The obsession with 'formalism' and having an identity to build a brand giving 'false confidence' to a graduate.

2. Focus need to be on the 'power of relationships' when dealing with building type, for example "an airport is not about a gateway, but how to accommodate a large volume of people", therefore understanding rather than just looking at a 'series...

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You are welcome to listen to a "Conversation with Kevin Mark Low on The Balanced Education Model - Part 1"

[Talk Architecture Podcast with your host, Naziaty Mohd Yaacob]

The first episode highlights the education systems particularly the Greek Civilisation's influence on current university models on liberal arts, which is all about "relationships". The idea that everything is interrelated such as 'space and time'. Kevin Mark Low explains this fundamental aspects of education, would now be lost as "75% of what we study now is less of studying about relationships", focusing...

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A heads up to the coming two-parter episodes on a Conversation with Kevin Mark Low on The Balanced Education Model.

In the teaser episode a synopsis on what is a balanced education model based on the fundamentals referred to the Greek civilisation and how it gives rise to the liberal arts education and eventually disciplines such as architecture. A broader perspective of what is happening and how in the end the underlined importance of being able to 'critique' in architecture education as an individual concludes the discussion in Part 2.

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The first part of this series explains the mastery of designing with “the plan and section” is now a missing skill in current architecture education where schools of architecture neglect this very important skill by allowing students to design with 3D modeling first and emphasizing too much on this aspect. 

This discussion focused on how the emergence of Functionalism and the Bauhaus influences has been disregarded since digital architecture emerged and how architecture education has lost its way in the fundamental decision making in the design process. This then affects the quali...

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We introduce this topic that whets our curiosity on the differences and similarities of form-making in art and architecture.

A quick observation and discussion was made on the "aesthetics" objective that defines how one would approach this subject. This will follow as a series and the following sub-topics will be discussed:

1. The Role of the Bauhaus and the Emergence of Functionalism 

2. From the Classical to the Modern Movement Aesthetics in terms of Form-making

3. How Art and Architecture merged from the Cubist Movement 

Duration: 00:21:17

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The Concluding [Part 3] episode focuses on the main discussion of Why the Bauhaus is still important to be a precedent and model for architecture education and the learning of the architecture graduate.

The idea of functionalism is not separated from form. What is separated is how architecture needs to be the “mother” of the creative and design process in the design studios and other influences from planning, surveying and estate management has messed up the architecture design curriculum. Having the soul taken out, architecture is devoid of its purpose in society, so w...

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Part 2 discussion on the topic of how Bauhaus influences current architecture education and practice, do refer to the YT video by Dans Le Gris on the “What is the Bauhaus? Discover the Pioneers of Modern Design”.

The discussion expanded on the points taken from the video where in Part 3 we will focus more on the relevance of Functionalism and what we learned about the Bauhaus and how we need to reset architecture education to be instilled with the Bauhaus Movement in it’s truest sense and not just superficially.

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Concluding part [Part 3] discussing the crucial moments when the “bad news” / feedback given to you feels like a rejection and make you feel like a failure. How do you react to that so that you could turn the rejection around and move on? 

An overview of the architecture community including groups in social media platforms, society in general and others such as consultants in the construction industry, property developers and education sector, may influence the architect on how they see themselves and creating the culture that they are responsible for.

©...

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Part 2 discussion takes you to a specific case of an entry level / recent graduate who felt like leaving architecture, though they so wanted to be a licensed architect. The Reddit post is: [click on link]

I feel like a failure for not pursuing Architecture anymore

An interesting point on how the architecture community needs to create a more nurturing environment for people in transitions (just graduated for example) is necessary where in this case it is found online but it could more encompassing and forums are needed to...

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This first part of a series investigates a LinkedIn article posted in “architecture design” entitled: 

What do you do if your architectural career is plagued by fear of failure?

The discussion revolved on commentaries to the article and acts as an introduction.


© 2024 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob
The image is taken in Tokyo in 2019 [Naziaty Mohd Yaacob]

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New series on the Bauhaus and its influences on current architecture education and practice - starting with Part 1.

What is the Bauhaus?
Why is the Bauhaus still relevant today?
How has the Bauhaus influenced current architecture education and practice?
Why do we need to still learn about the Bauhaus?

We dig deep into the issues regarding architecture and how its roots in the arts is rapidly being lost in this day and age.


© 2024 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob
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 The fourth episode is a commentary in a series of 7 episodes under the article in LinkedIn by Igor Goriatchev: Why are design drawings getting worse? (explained by AEC professionals)

The topic is on the: 

"Remote Work and the Loss of In-Person Mentorship" is the focus with commentary. The importance of guidance in proximity is not to be disregarded.

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The fifth episode is a commentary in a series of 7 episodes under the article in LinkedIn by Igor Goriatchev: Why are design drawings getting worse? (explained by AEC professionals)

The topic is on the: 

"Budget Cuts and the Push for "Cheaper, Faster" is the focus with commentary. The importance of value of the profession is being addressed.

© 2024 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob
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The sixth episode is a commentary in a series of 7 episodes under the article in LinkedIn by Igor Goriatchev: Why are design drawings getting worse? (explained by AEC professionals)

The topic is on the: 

"Communication Gaps in Global Teams" is the focus with commentary. The specific problem of working in a global team is mentioned.

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The seventh and final episode is a commentary in a series of 7 episodes under the article in LinkedIn by Igor Goriatchev: Why are design drawings getting worse? (explained by AEC professionals)

The topic is on the: 

"Just Get it Done" Mentality is the focus with commentary. The problem of mentality that will destroy the profession. Plus discussion on the suggestions by the author on what is needed to be done.

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Mental Health Series for Everyone

Gen Z question: Is the whole point to creating art just to create or to create the greatest thing ever?

A relevant question that is answered in the discussion where creative expressions is essential to be an everyday routine to achieve a work-life balance and lessen the "pain" of having to be a "robot" in the mundane life.

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The second episode is a commentary in a series of 7 episodes under the article in LinkedIn by Igor Goriatchev: Why are design drawings getting worse? (explained by AEC professionals)

The sub-topic is on the: 

"Over-reliance on Automation and BIM tool" is the focus with commentary. There is a reference on architecture education and a suggestion on where it went wrong in the commentary.

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The third episode is a commentary in a series of 7 episodes under the article in LinkedIn by Igor Goriatchev: Why are design drawings getting worse? (explained by AEC professionals)

The topic is on the: 

"Speed Vs Quality" is the focus with commentary. The need to focus back on hand drawing in schools of architecture is one of the important factors that sees why the design drawings are getting worse.

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The first episode is a commentary in a series of 7 episodes under the article in LinkedIn by Igor Goriatchev:

Why Are Design Drawings Getting Worse? (Explained by AEC Professionals)

The introduction of the article and delving deeper on the first topic: 

"Loss of Practical Skills & Hands-On Knowledge" is the focus with commentary.

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Do subscribe for premium content and special features which will help to support and sustain Talk Architecture podcast on a more in-depth explanation on design thesis and processes. These special commentaries and ‘how to’ explanations are valuable insights and knowledge not found elsewhere!

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The second and concluding part of an interview with Sam Zolfagharian, Ph.D., President of YegaTech & Architecture, Engineering, Construction Data & AI Strategy Consultant. Part 1 focused on the 'people' aspects of AI in Architecture, where as Part 2, discussion on deeper issues on originality or authenticity of an architect's work focused on validation and skills needed.

Further more, for architectural students and graduates, "learning how to think" is imperative in the adoption of AI tools. This episode dealt on the pros and cons of AI in Architecture and concluded with the issues of...

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The first part of an interview with Sam Zolfagharian, Ph.D., President of YegaTech & Architecture, Engineering, Construction Data & AI Strategy Consultant. In the light of rapid technological advancement in recent years, what would the AEC industry look like in 5 years.

This episode focuses on how AI impacts roles and responsibilities, and what skills are essential in the area of AI for the AEC industry. Additionally the discussion centre of how AI impact on workflows and processes. 

© 2024 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob
The image is courtesy of YegaTech.

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You are welcome to listen to a teaser to introduce an interview with Sam Zolfagharian, Ph.D., President of YegaTech & AEC data and AI Strategy consultant in California, U.S.A. this coming week.

Questions on: How people in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) will be affected by the assimilation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) impacting the roles and responsibilities? What skills are essential in the area of AI? 

© 2024 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob
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How do you find a balance between teaching, research and practice as an architect or design practitioner? 

This episode podcast discusses the topic in the context of Malaysian schools of architecture education and practice. 

© 2024 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob. The image is uploaded from the internet.

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We continue with the discussion regarding Sensorial Design, where Neuro-architecture with reference to this TedTalk by Fiona Beenkens is referred to. 

What is the difference between the two and how these movements in architecture thought and philosophy will change how architecture need to be designed for?

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An Introduction to Sensorial Design, this episode explains Barrier-Free Design, Universal Design and the development of a new architecture approach, which is Sensorial Design.

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The concluding episode to explain the rest of the projects for the 3 year architecture course and how that leads to the 2 year practical training in industry.

A detailed explanation of the program, project by project is described, recounting on the how and the why of the project proposed, and the learning objectives is clarified further.

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Part 5(a) episode is the first of a two parter to explain how a student of architecture would be going through the new architecture curriculum, the type of project that is recommended and the overall learning program. This part focuses on the 1st year architecture curriculum.

A detailed explanation of the program, project by project is described, recounting on the how and the why of the project proposed, and the learning objectives is clarified further.

© 2024 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob. The image is uploaded from the internet.

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Part 4 episode presents the philosophical perspective or overall idea of how the new architecture curriculum works in describing the design problem referred to Christopher Alexander’s Notes on the Synthesis of Form. 

Naziaty, the podcast host proposes what makes sense, what had worked before and how the other subjects (like materials and construction, structure, environmental physics etc) are also taught in this new way. 

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Part 3 episode focused on the Design Problem, which is a way to recognize how to assess a studio project whether it is complex enough and deserved an excellent grade. 

The design problem will assist in streamlining architecture education to its professional goals and objectives. It will be crucial in helping the profession be objective and will elevate architecture to its rightful place in society. 

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An essential method of learning for architecture students is the Case Study. This episode explains why the Case Study is essential to be included in each project in the New Architecture Curriculum. The Case Study is very versatile where it can contribute to the solution and also generate data for the design problem.

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A 5 part series starts with the 1st episode discussing what is the New Architecture Curriculum, focusing on the Point of View (POV) of a student. Hypothetically, the architecture student in the first year will be introduced to designing a 200 units of housing focusing on 4 design problems only, guided by the tutor (mentor). 

The listener will start to be acquainted about the design problem, case studies (or precedents), types of buildings and how to create complexities or challenges in design thoughts and ideas by increasing or decreasing the design problem and the s...

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"A prequel is a work that forms part of a backstory to the preceding work." (quote) This episode comes before revealing the New Architecture Curriculum in the much awaited episode.

Taking the BSc in Architecture (Part 1) and Master of Architecture (Part 2) curriculum, this episode presents an analysis of the existing architecture curriculum that I had previously been involved in as an academic (employed in a Malaysian school of architecture), where in this episode I stated an over-arching argument how and why it can be reduced to 3 years from 5 years. 

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Special Feature: A personal account on what is the architect's identity and what happens when one has it and at what age - 20,25,30,35 or 40?

If you are not practicing architecture, can you still identify as an architect?

This episode was created in series 12 and was part of a special feature for paid subscribers but now it's free for everyone.

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This is the start of a series [episode 17] on reflections on the well-being and sensibilities in the every day to create a habit of creative expressions for the architect's mental well-being.

How was 'creativity' being approached in architecture education and practice later on? Even in architecture schools, the problem lies in the 'production oriented' approach to developing the design. How to achieve the balance in getting the design right, keeping the design process and the creative process as much as possible throughout the duration of the project?

Creative expressions...

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The conversation in the second part focused on the decision to do film making after graduating from architecture school, with stories recollected when Gogu was developing his interest while still practising architecture after his first degree and lessons he learned from this important time in his life.

Gogu is a filmmaker based in Kuala Lumpur, developing his first feature film Kaali. We wish him the best.

© 2024 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob. The image is a photo of Eve and Gogu at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024.

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This is a break or intermission in between the 1st and 2nd part of the chat with Gogu!

A number of people including Micah Bowers, said that: "Art solves problems. "Good design" is simply one path to a solution". Meaning that the Art Process and the Design Process is the same. What I wanted to find out from my conversation with Gogu, who is a film-maker that graduated from architecture school, is whether the film-making creative process is the same as the architecture design process. 

Process is just that, p...

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Gogu is a filmmaker based in Kuala Lumpur, developing his first feature film Kaali. "Teaming up with the esteemed Eve Baswel, Gogularaajan has co-written and co-directed the short film 'Walay Balay'," featured at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024.

I interviewed Gogu to find out how architecture school education influenced his current success as a film-maker. Gogu explained how his sketches and the design process laid the foundation to build on his life's work in video filming into the art form that he produced.

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"Architecture (education) disrupted" or false alarm? You decide.

Are we facing the tip of the iceberg (of the bigger problems) when it comes to architecture education?
Further deliberations are needed to set out on how to look or approach in understanding the New Architectural Curriculum. Second part to the previous discussion delving deeper into the subject matter.

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Architecture can be disrupted, like any other old and obsolete systems from the last century. 

In the new world, architecture entrepreneurs in whatever form, such as academics or professionals, have in their minds, the idea of 'simplifying' the contrived and complicated systems of university accreditation and rankings among other things, obviously stifling the profession. 

In this deliberation, we are trying to understand the two sides of the coin of 'architecture': head is education and tail is practice, but hang on, there is only one architecture and not 2 sides. The ed...

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After this episode, I will propose a New Curriculum for the Education of the Architect, a simplified and stronger version by proposing a framework to create the optimum learning experience for the future architect. If the graduate do not want to follow the path to be a professional architect, they do not have to be contented to be "half an architect" or an "architect without a professional licence". They could have a bold, brighter and wonderful career doing whatever they wish to do.

However, this episode explains in detail what is...

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A more detailed description of how the tutors structured and run the architectural design studio programs for 2 semesters with the 2013-14 batch and how we managed the learning experience of the students.

We believe that year long program not only created a decisively effective outcome for future architects but also any other pathways like film-making and art. It fulfil the learning experience in terms of observational skill, analytical and critical thinking as proposed before. Together as one whole studio, we created collaborations and added other skills like the ability to conduct...

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In 2013, we decided to have better control on the running of the second year studio and created an architectural program that was a springboard for success of many of the students then. 

There were a number of students that came to my mind some 11 years later such as artist Lis Lequin, film-maker Gogularaajan, graduate architects Joo Yin, Hui Xin and Adam and others. For example,  I have been following Gogularaajan’s development as a filmmaker. So happy that he is pitching for his feature film in Cannes and being featured as a co...

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Since 2021, ARB proposed that the Part 1, 2 & 3 Architecture course be discontinued and just have an 'academic course' and 'practical course'. Certainly that would be the right move! 
From the ARB report: One stakeholder interviewee said, “When people qualify, there is a disconnect between professional practice and design. It should be more integrated.” Another quote was: Over 80% of those recruiting architects said that applicants lacked the levels of competence required by the firm, primarily reporting a lack of necessary skills and knowledge relating to building contracts, health and safety risks, and procurement. 
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The future scenario is "you don't need Part 2 / Masters of Architecture course" as the students of the future will not want to follow the traditional route of being an architect. This is an opener to the discussion on architecture education in the future. Listen to previous podcasts to find out how this proposition came about.

Let us have this conversation!

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Part 2 discussion combined 2 topics discussed earlier on "architecture students missing skill set" with " the architect entrepreneur, design thesis and hypothesis".  Further analysis on the 2 other students who dealt with the eco-system (system thinking) using their architectural project showed an entrepreneurial aspect - please read about these: Wong Chiang Her's Botanic Gardens and Wong Joe Yee's Vertical Neighbourhood Shared Space.

The conclusion proposed that the learning for this generation (Gen Zs) can be perfunctory, where a first degree (part 1) graduate may acquire the 'architect entrepreneur' sense even earlier, as depicted by two p...

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Based on a Facebook post by an architecture student who asked about the skills that they need apart from 'copying', I made clear suggestions on what are the missing skill set that consists of :

1. Observational (sketching)
2. Critical thinking 
3. Analytical thinking

(Both number 2 & 3 are to do with reading and understanding concepts apart from architecture, and through the processes of reflective thinking is able to be more discerning).

These make up the fundamental skill set on 'how to' obtain the knowledge and ability to be an architect w...

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This topic on "disability and architecture / architects", an intersectionality / inter-disciplinary, will be a regular feature in Talk Architecture. This episode provides a picture of how a personal journey began and why it will be an important aspect to the aging population issue in Malaysia, and who are the main proponents for this to happen, for example the architects and developers will need to own the process for accessibility and universal design for it to happen.

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An Extended Introduction to explain further thoughts about the relationship of the Architect Entrepreneur to Artificial Intelligence and how this will be a good thing when specialisation will help to bring back the important role of architecture in society.

A series is dedicated to this topic based on research with Facebook group comments, articles, and YouTube videos that spanned from 2023 and will come to some conclusions in the end. You are welcome to join me.

© 2024 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob
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A 2 part discussion where in this first episode we discuss the 5 design thesis hypothesis / problem statement identified and challenged and how Raymond Bu had provided the solution for them. A few students dealt with the eco-system using their architectural project showed an entrepreneurial aspect of their work. This also proved the complexity and completion of a commendable project. BLOG POST.

© 2024 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob

The image a photo of  Raymond’s group online deskcrit with the lecturers regarding ideas on the stall’s detail design Market Hub on wee...

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An Introduction to a new series on Artificial Intelligence and Architecture to start the conversation and current development on architecture education and practice.

"With the emergence of AI-powered design tools and techniques. The need for traditional architectural education is rapidly diminishing. And this is not inconceivable that it may disappear entirely. " (ChatGPT). Prophetic or doom and gloom due to ignorance when one reads the statement produced by ChatGPT, but is there some truth in this?

A series is dedicated to this topic based on research with Facebook group comments...

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ESG business models impact society's aspirations when focused on creating eco-systems and not just ticking boxes to look good. Have businesses considered the 'social' in ESG enough? " The Social in ESG covers 'human rights, community involvement, diversity, and customer satisfaction'" (https://www.thecorporategovernanceinstitute.com/insights/guides/simple-guide-esg/) 
However, in this discussion, we look to the words 'sense', 'embrace', and, 'approach'  rather just on taking a cursory approach to 'social' in a business model.

© 2024 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob
The image is the ESG concept taken from the internet.

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Are architects and designers neuro-divergent or have traits that are neuro-divergent? Google says that: neurodivergent (adjective) means "differing in mental or neurological function from what is considered typical or normal (frequently used with reference to autistic spectrum disorders); not neurotypical".

We often think of ourselves as special or have special skill sets, but to identify as a 'neurodivergent' would be going too far. Or is it? There is a particular skill of being able to "look at a 2-dimensional drawing and imagine the 3-dimensional equivalent in my head", as the author...

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Part 2 and the concluding episode of this discussion were inspired by the architect, Mitch Moss's post on Facebook on 18 February 2024. Some discussion includes the design of high-rise buildings and identity. The argument is that when we propose that the context (people) is at the core of the design decision, we will design more of an inside-out building rather than merely focusing on form. The use of the design thesis project by Wong Joe Yee's Vertical Neighbourhood Shared Space, took the Menara Mutiara, a 13-story building, and transformed it into a place for the...

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The first part of a two-part series is the first reaction that was discussed after reading the architect, Mitch Moss's Facebook post on 18 February 2024.

Readings of what Mitch had posted interspersed with Naziaty's Talk Architecture host's opinion on Concepts, Context, and Content in Malaysian Architecture Identity, take forward last December 2023 discussion based on a newspaper article on Malaysian Identity. 

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Editorial credit: IZWAN IS / Shutterstock.com

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“Don't Take Things Personally”, is one of the Four Agreements that Don Miguel Ruiz wrote in his book. People at the office, be it a co-worker, your boss, a consultant or the contractor may state their opinion to you. At that moment you could say something back but you don't have to. One could feel threatened at that instant feeling less worthy or being insulted even. But you could give an opinion but better still just stay silent. Because it is not personal even if it is directed to you and based on what...

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“Be impeccable with your word”, is one of the Four Agreements that Don Miguel Ruiz wrote in his book. Communication is key and using the right words is necessary to achieve your dreams and goals in architectural practice and education.

Part 1 of the Series “Loving Yourself Unconditionally” for the Architect & Designers.

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This opinion piece is a reply to someone in a facebook who commented that architecture is a “dead/ dying industry in many parts… nobody wants to pay for design when it can just be replicated digitally from something done before”.

This is in conjunction with the Rediscover Architect posted earlier. FB ad on “3 Reasons Architects Suffer Stress and Burnout and How to Fix it!”

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This is an introduction to a series of discussion on “unconditionally loving yourself” which will at first, refer to Don Miguel Ruiz’s “The Four Agreements”:

1. Be impeccable to your word
2. Don’t take anything personal
3. Don’t make assumptions 
4. Always do your best

How do these agreements help the architect to achieve a work-life balance and rid of stress and burnout? 

©️Talk Architecture 2024, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob. Photo by a student: Final Crit at UCSI, 2023. 

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A design curriculum is designed and run for a reason. The architectural graduate characteristics were influenced by their experience when gaining knowledge and skills at architecture school.

A Facebook post discussion referred to the architect Frank Duffy's 5S diagram of "site, structure, skin, space, stuff".  After exchanging comments, I discussed here how the design curriculum may affect the architect's character and traits.

In the first instance in the Part 1 episode, I speculated and discussed UTM's design thesis themes of (1) Building facade and (2) Urban design and planning (diagram by Dr A...

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The idiom 'push the envelope' means "to surpass normal limits or attempt something viewed as radical or risky" (Merriam-Webster) and that is true about the design thesis topic choice and justification.

The discussion focuses on the need for architecture students who come up with design thesis topics to be more challenging and 'push the envelope' when it comes to justifying and defending their design. Finding the questions to ask themselves including the right questions is fundamental in the final year course.

© 2023 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob
The i...