Integrating Community Engagement in Architectural Education: A path to skill development

Ida Marlina Mazlan; Noor Fatehah Mat So'od; Ilyana Sujak; Nor Syawallina Azman; Nurhayati  Zulkeply; Yakubu Aminu Dodo

doi:10.21834/e-bpj.v10i32.6676

Authors

Ida Marlina Mazlan Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia 2. School of Architecture and Built Environment, UCSI University, Malaysia.
Noor Fatehah Mat So'od School of Architecture and Built Environment, UCSI University, Malaysia.
Ilyana Sujak School of Architecture and Built Environment, UCSI University, Malaysia.
Nor Syawallina Azman School of Architecture and Built Environment, UCSI University, Malaysia.
Nurhayati Zulkeply School of Architecture and Built Environment, UCSI University, Malaysia.
Yakubu Aminu Dodo Architectural Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v10i32.6676

Keywords:

Community Engagement, Hands-on Learning, Student Skill Development, Architectural Education

Abstract

This study examines the integration of community engagement in UCSI University's Diploma in Architecture program, focusing on its role in enhancing student learning and skill development. Fifty-two students participated in projects with local communities, NGOs, and industry professionals, applying academic knowledge to real-world challenges in design, construction, and documentation. Data from observations and surveys show significant improvements in technical and interpersonal skills. The study highlights institutional support's role in embedding community engagement into education, fostering holistic learning, professional growth, and social responsibility, and preparing future architects to tackle real-world challenges through community-driven design practices.

References

Ahmed, S., & Khan, R. (2022). Outcomes of community-engaged architectural education: A comparative study. Education for Sustainable Development, 14(2), 210-225.

Boud, D., Cohen, R., & Sampson, J. (2006). Peer learning and assessment. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 24, 413–426.

Brown, A., & Smith, J. (2021). Community engagement in architectural education: Trends and transformations. Journal of Architectural Education, 75(2), 123-135.

Carpenter, R. G., Valley, L., Napier, T., & Apostel, S. (2013). On higher, studio pedagogy: A model for collaboration, innovation, and space design. In Cases on Higher Education Spaces: Innovation, Collaboration, and Technology. IGI Global. Available online: https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/content/72683 (accessed on 12 November 2013).

Chansomsak, S., & Vale, B. (2010). The roles of architects in sustainable community development. Journal of Architectural/Planning Research and Studies (JARS), 6(3), 107-136. https://doi.org/10.56261/jars.v6i3.168728

Chen, L., Wang, Y., & Zhang, H. (2021). Participatory design in architectural studios: Lessons from Asia and Europe. International Journal of Art & Design Education, 40(3), 456-470.

García, M., & López, R. (2022). Global trends in community-engaged architectural education. Architectural Research Quarterly, 26(4), 321-335.

Karimi, H., & Farivarsadri, G. (2024). Exploring the collaboration skills among architecture students: A quantitative study in North Cyprus. Buildings, 14(7), 1984. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14071984

Martinez, P., & Thompson, K. (2023). Design-build programs: Bridging theory and practice in architectural education. Journal of Design Studies, 18(1), 89-104.

Mazlan, I. M., Jamail, M. I., Che Ani, A. I., Mat Jusoh, A. H., & Mohammad, N. (2024). A perfect graduate? Employers' perspective on future-ready architecture graduate skills. Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Co-Curricular Learning Experience (ICCLE 2024), 20-21 June, Kuching, Sarawak.

Mazlan, I. M., et al. (2023). Integration of design and theory courses in architecture learning for introductory-level students. In Nia, E. M., Ling, L., Awang, M., & Emamian, S. S. (Eds.), Advances in Civil Engineering Materials (Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, Vol. 310). Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-8024-4_12

Montt-Blanchard, D., Najmi, S., & Spinillo, C. G. (2023). Considerations for community engagement in design education. She Ji: The Journal of Design, Economics, and Innovation, 9(2), 234-263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sheji.2023.05.002

Nasir, M. A. M., Janikowski, T., Guyker, W., & Wang, C. C. (2020). Modifying the Student Course Engagement Questionnaire for use with online courses. Journal of Educators Online, 17(1).

Nguyen, T., & Harris, E. (2023). Ethical considerations in community-engaged architectural education. Journal of Ethics in Higher Education, 12(1), 67-82.

O’Connor, M., & Mendez, C. (2021). Power dynamics in community-engaged design: A critical perspective. Architectural Theory Review, 25(3), 278-293.

Patel, N., & Lee, J. (2023). Sustaining community-university partnerships in architecture: A case study from South Africa. Community Development Journal, 58(1), 45-60