We use cookies to give you a better experience. Carry on browsing if you're happy with this, or read our cookies policy for more information.

Skip main navigation
Home / Teaching / Professional Development for Teachers / Inclusive Learning and Teaching Environments / Challenges of architecture

Challenges of architecture

Looking at the impact of where courses cross between science and art requiring support that covers aspects of both areas of learning.
Close up of student hands working on an architectural 3D model
‘Architecture bridges the sciences with the arts. Students who succeed in architecture are balanced individuals who can manage the rigor of the rational and the ambiguity of the intuitive.’ Texas Tech University College of Architecture
The challenges posed by architecture courses cross those met in art, science and business courses and require all the strategies found in the Higher Education Acacademy’s resources on Inclusive Curriculum Design in Higher Education which are available to download in PDF format. Key pointers include:
  • providing very clear information about course requirements as students may underestimate the time commitment and complexities of individual modules
  • awareness that students may not disclose the extent of their disabilities and the challenges of the course may increase over time causing stress related issues
  • encouraging skills that include heightened visual spatial awareness, design and creativity being aware that if the individual has dyslexia or other learning difficulties they may need additional support with written assignments and assessments
  • flexibility and strategies to work in different ways such as the use of architecture software for training and tutorials as used by Plymouth University
  • introducing role models and mentors to support and encourage disabled students over the long course
You may also be interested in other related resources which can be accessed from the ‘See also’ section at the bottom of this page.
Read about the challenges Stephen Ware faced on his architectural course and reflect on his comments.
© This work is created by the University of Southampton and licensed under CC-BY 4.0 International Licence. Erasmus + MOOCs for Accessibility Partnership.
‘Architecture bridges the sciences with the arts. Students who succeed in architecture are balanced individuals who can manage the rigor of the rational and the ambiguity of the intuitive.’ Texas Tech University College of Architecture
The challenges posed by architecture courses cross those met in art, science and business courses and require all the strategies found in the Higher Education Acacademy’s resources on Inclusive Curriculum Design in Higher Education which are available to download in PDF format. Key pointers include:
  • providing very clear information about course requirements as students may underestimate the time commitment and complexities of individual modules
  • awareness that students may not disclose the extent of their disabilities and the challenges of the course may increase over time causing stress related issues
  • encouraging skills that include heightened visual spatial awareness, design and creativity being aware that if the individual has dyslexia or other learning difficulties they may need additional support with written assignments and assessments
  • flexibility and strategies to work in different ways such as the use of architecture software for training and tutorials as used by Plymouth University
  • introducing role models and mentors to support and encourage disabled students over the long course
You may also be interested in other related resources which can be accessed from the ‘See also’ section at the bottom of this page.
Read about the challenges Stephen Ware faced on his architectural course and reflect on his comments.

Want to keep learning?

This content is taken from University of Southampton online course
Inclusive Learning and Teaching Environments
View Course
See other articles from this course
This article is from the online course:

Inclusive Learning and Teaching Environments

Created by
Join For Free

News categories

Other top stories on FutureLearn

FutureLearn offers courses in many different subjects such as

This article is from the free online

Inclusive Learning and Teaching Environments

Created by
Join For Free
FutureLearn - Learning For Life

Our purpose is to transform access to education.

We offer a diverse selection of courses from leading universities and cultural institutions from around the world. These are delivered one step at a time, and are accessible on mobile, tablet and desktop, so you can fit learning around your life.

We believe learning should be an enjoyable, social experience, so our courses offer the opportunity to discuss what you’re learning with others as you go, helping you make fresh discoveries and form new ideas.
You can unlock new opportunities with unlimited access to hundreds of online short courses for a year by subscribing to our Unlimited package. Build your knowledge with top universities and organisations.

Learn more about how FutureLearn is transforming access to education

Register to receive updates

  • Create an account to receive our newsletter, course recommendations and promotions.

    Register for free