The Architecture Schools Database is a new digital platform designed to showcase the work of architecture schools from across the world. The free-to-access website provides a searchable aggregator of the design studios and research projects being undertaken in schools where architecture is taught in English. The database allows academics and students to give their work a prominent public face and to discover colleagues with shared research interests. It forms a valuable resource for prospective students considering where to study and, having been designed so that entries from past years will remain available to view, it will grow into a significant historic archive.
The site is an ambitious extension of a prototype launched last year. The new version, which was designed by graphic designer Joe Gilmore, gives users more flexibility over how their work is presented, includes a powerful search function and enables any student or member of staff at an architecture school to contribute to the project directly.
Phineas Harper, Deputy Director of the AF who led the creation of the database said: "The culture of architecture schools tends to be highly siloed. It is often impossible to see the points of connection between different institutions prior to the end of year exhibitions by which time the opportunity for dialogue and collaboration has passed. Even something as simple as two units who are looking at the same site coming together for a day of shared crits could be an eye-opening and productive experiment. The Architecture Schools Database is conceived as means of brokering those conversations."
The project is still in Beta and is constantly being improved and expanded but is now open for user to create accounts and begin adding work.
Tutorial
Ellie Howard, a architecture tutor has created a short tutorial for how she uploaded the brief she set for her students in the CASS' Unit 15.
Questions
If you have questions or comments about the database please write to Phineas Harper on phineas@architecturefoundation.org.uk