Architecture Program Report Tulane University New Orleans ...

have a close mentoring relationship with an instructor in order to achieve the required
task-based synthesis of knowledge. Architectural programs are thus based on low
student to teacher ratios, and are consequently labor intensive.
Fourth, the comprehensive integration of digital technologies throughout the design
process (and for faculty, staff and students alike) and in professional practice is requiring
a significant investment on the part of schools. This investment in educational equipment
and the necessary infrastructure to support new digital and materials technologies was
not previously required of the schools, and as such represents an exceptional economic
challenge.
Finally, fundraising is a historically difficult task for schools of architecture. This based
not only on lower architect compensation levels, but on a lack of tradition for alumni
giving and the support of other interested individuals.
b. Competitive Educational Environments
The Tulane School of Architecture competes on several levels for students, faculty and
recognition. The first of these, though perhaps not the most significant, exists at the state
level. There are currently five accredited architecture programs within the State of
Louisiana, including Tulane. However, Tulane has the major distinction of being the only
private university in the mix, with both positive and negative results. On the one hand,
students and faculty are drawn to the reputation of Tulane in general, viewing it as a
university of distinction in the State of Louisiana. On the other hand, economic forces—
public and market forces in particular—sometimes dictate that funding for the Tulane
School of Architecture is of a lesser priority than state-affiliated schools.
The second 'competitive environment' is regional in nature, and is an arena in which the
School of Architecture competes admirably for students and faculty alike (the regional
group of schools includes only two schools designated as "peer institutions").
Third, the School of Architecture competes nationally for excellent students and faculty.
Because of the status of Tulane University, the reputation of the School—and its prime
location in New Orleans—the School of Architecture is able to attract students and
faculty of the highest quality (as noted below in the SWOT analysis). Principally from the
Northeast and Northwest, students represent almost all the fifty states and several
foreign countries.
Lastly, the School of Architecture has competed historically on the international stage for
students with excellent profiles. Lately, these numbers have fallen short of ideal due to a
rather inactive post-professional program (which is being remedied, as outlined below),
as well as the higher profile of international programs for the study of architecture.
Nonetheless, there is an historic 'draw' of students from Latin America and the
Caribbean regions, which adds to the diversity and reputation of the program. New
agreements with schools such as the Brandenburg Technical University (BTU) in
Cottbus, Germany—a semester-long exchange program—and the School of
Architecture's agreement with the Vienna Technical University (Technische Hochschule
Wien) have also upgraded the visibility of the program on an international stage.
Additional programs based on international agreements are in the offing as well.
While the Tulane School of Architecture is, at least in part, competitive with the nation's
architectural programs of excellence, it is only weakly so. The current strategic planning
initiative reflects new programs of development and educational opportunities for the
School of Architecture that will further the program in its pursuit of excellence at the