Black Book - School of Architecture - The Chinese University of ...

Message from the DirectorLast year was very eventful at the School of Architecture, with the inaugurationof the School, a change in the curriculum, preparation for the new buildingfor Architecture, and the accreditation exercise. We were particularlyexcited about the commendations of the accreditation board members fromthe Hong Kong Institute of Architects, Architects Registration Board, andCommonwealth Association of Architects. With the grant of an unconditionalterm of validation to our programmes for five years as a result, all membersof the School, staff, students and alumni alike, are invited to help us furtherour strengths, and advance the role of architectural education in this region.3The new curriculum structure the School advocates has greater pedagogicalintegration between studios and required courses. The BSSc (AS)programme is a pre-professional degree aimed at equipping students with acomprehensive understanding of the many facets of the built environment, itsinterface with society, and the critical skill of creating such environment. TheMArch programme is positioned as a professional degree with an academicconcern of educating students for the profession.New this year is the Certification in the MArch programme -- students whowish to acquire advanced knowledge and to explore design possibilitieswould now be able to do so in courses and studios within four concentrationareas: Computational Design, Conservation Design, Sustainable Design,and Urban Design. Certification in any one of these areas would signify anin-depth exposure, understanding, and advanced skill in design explorationin that particular area. Students would have a full two years to fulfill thenecessary requirements without having to declare the concentration at theoutset of entering MArch programme. I hope students can take advantage ofthis scheme which has been welcome by the profession.I trust that for all of us, this coming year will prove to be another milestone inyour professional pursuit. This year should see that all of us make headway incritical competence in the discourse and practice of architecture. Wish you alla very exciting year to come.Nezu Museum, Tokyo, Kengo KumaHo Puay-Peng