Future skills and professions in the architecture sector
The field of architecture, partly identified by its regulated profession, is currently poorly defined due to a lack of knowledge about the diversity of professions practised by holders of a state diploma in architecture (or even a licence to manage projects in their own name). The practice of architecture within architectural firms is regularly recorded and monitored (30,000 architects), but only concerns two-thirds of graduates of France’s national schools of architecture (ENSA). The remaining third practise their profession outside architectural firms, in sectors of activity that are poorly understood due to the lack of a census and qualitative and quantitative socio-demographic studies.
Furthermore, training in the architectural profession must adapt to the needs of society in general, and more specifically to the expectations of the various players involved in the design/construction/management of the built environment, which is currently undergoing a major transformation. Today, it is vital to take stock of the new knowledge required by architects in the face of environmental demands, the now major issue of work on existing buildings and the contribution of digital tools. Since 2005, the programme has been based on the LMD model, with a very open range of double degrees, co-accredited masters and specialised post-masters, complemented by an accreditation to manage projects in one’s own name, which gives access to the regulated markets after obtaining a state diploma at master’s level. However, it offers only an embryonic range of vocational training courses, and has only recently begun experimenting with work-linked training.
Continuing education, for its part, is in the process of being reconfigured: currently dispersed within the constituent bodies of the sector and insufficiently mobilised by practitioners, it would gain by also relying on the National Higher Schools of Architecture, for which this is one of the missions.
Bringing together the twenty ENSAs in France, their teaching and scientific networks and their partnership chairs, as well as members of the Observatoire de l’Economie de l’Architecture (OEA) such as the CNOA, the UNSFA, the AFEX, the MAF, the architecture branch, the syndicat de l’architecture, the MIQCP, etc., the aim of this project is to gain a better understanding of the architecture sector so that it can be better trained to meet society’s needs, better structured and better deployed in various sectors of activity.
In this context, three forward-looking diagnostic methods will be used. The first will consist of compiling socio-demographic data on the sector and existing data on training to highlight the shortcomings and needs identified by the various players in these two areas. The second stage will involve analysing the impact of societal transitions (digital, environmental, enhancement of existing architectural and urban heritage) on existing structured training courses. The third mode will deploy the methods needed to identify emerging architectural practices. The results of these diagnostics will be formalised in specific deliverables.
These three diagnostic methods will also be used to draw up hypotheses for skills reference frameworks, which will take the form of a fourth deliverable. The drafting of this deliverable will provide input for a subsequent phase of reflection, aimed at developing both the initial training courses and the professional and continuing training courses provided in France’s national schools of architecture.
Calendar : 2022-2023 – Cadre “Compétences et métiers d’avenir” (CMA)
Partners:
20 ENSA, Observatoire de l’économie de l’architecture et l’ensemble de ses membres, Conseil National de l’Ordre des Architectes (CNOA), Architectes français à l’export (AFEX), Union nationale des syndicats français d’architectes (UNSFA), Branche architecture, La Mutuelle des architectes Français (MAF), Business France, Le Syndicat de l’architecture, Ministère de la culture (Direction générale des patrimoines et de l’architecture, direction de l’architecture), Mission interministérielle pour la qualité des constructions publiques (MIQCP), Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine (CAPA), Académie d’architecture, Ministère de la transition écologique, Ministère de l’Europe et des affaires étrangères, Union nationale des étudiants en architecture et paysage (UNEAP), Réseau RAMAU, Réseau ENSAECO, Réseau Architecture & Culture numérique, Réseau APC, Réseau PaPier, Chaire Le logement demain, Chaire Acclimater les territoires post-minier, Chaire EFF&T, Chaire Nouvelles urbanités face aux risques naturels : des abris ouverts, Chaire Architecte, Design, Santé : ARCHIDES, Chaire Le littoral comme territoire de projets, Chaire Nouvelles ruralités – Architectures et milieux vivants, Chaire Territorialisation, Chaire ressources naturelles renouvelables, climat & architecture, Chaire Habitat du futur, Recherche, expertise et pédagogie en architecture, Chaire Digital RDL – Research by Design Laboratory – Design environnemental – Architecture 2.0, Chaire mobilités métropolitaines innovantes, Chaire architecture et construction bois : du patrimoine au numérique
MAP’s role: Co-piloting the Architecture & Digital Culture network
Contact: Isabelle FASSE