Yasmin Ali

Main Plenary Session  - Friday 13th May 2011

This year, RIAS met in Glasgow to discuss an architect's education at the fore of its agenda. This was debated, framed as a enquiry into 'Practice and Pedagogy'.

The main session was held on 13th May at Glasgow's iMAX theatre, and comprised a series of talks from academics from across Scotland in the morning speeches. These were complemented by perspectives from practioners from home and abroad. Highlights included eminent urbanist Jan Gehl's lively presentation on the value of people-led urban design and French academic and architect, Professor Nathalie Kagan, also a RIAS 2011 Award Winner.

Continental Perspectives: Nathalie Kagan

Nathalie Kagan related with eloquence and emotion the life work of herself and her husband, the late Michael Kagan, regards manifold teaching methods in architecture schools. She said when they met they found an affinity in their search for new forms of architectural expression and investigation, whilst 'never taking an easy route'.

True, the methods Kagan relates demand complex thought process from her students. However, the series of exercises are skilfully designed  to equip the students with a grounding of conceptual thinking, which is essential in the genesis of original ideas. In particular, Kagan expresses a desire to foster an approach which 'goes beyond architectural gesticulation': striving for something deeper; something more resonant in her own work and that of her tutees.

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