Studio Culture History

November 2000 – AIAS establishes Studio Culture Task Force to study effects of current architectural education practices on students and consider alternatives.

2001 – Studio Culture is brought to the forefront of the AIAS Advocacy agenda.

December 2002 – The Redesign of Studio Culture was published as the product of the AIAS Studio Culture Task Force’s research. It is authored by then AIAS Vice President Aaron Koch, current AIA First Vice President Katherine Schwennsen, FAIA with contributions from Thomas Dutton and Deanna Smith.

July 2004 – NAAB adopts a 13th Condition for Accreditation (Condition 3.5) requiring schools to have a written policy regarding the culture in their studio environments.

October 2004 – The AIAS and the University of Minnesota host the Studio Culture Summit as a forum for a heightened level of dialogue among those with interests in the shape of studio life and architectural education.

July 2005 – The AIAS publishes the proceedings document from the Studio Culture Summit, authored by facilitator Clark Kellogg.

July 2008 – The AIAS publishes "Toward an Evolution of Studio Culture." The document contains the results of the 2007 Administrators Survey on Studio Culture, the 2008 AIAS Council of Presidents Survey on Studio Culture, lessons learned from peer reviewed studio culture policies, and a summary of best practices, guidelines and recommendations for a more effective studio culture narrative. As such, it represents a significant step forward in the Studio Culture initiative. Visit the "Publications" section to download a copy.