Though architectural theory often preaches an ethos of democratizing openness, the Free School of Architecture is the first educational institution to act on those principles. The school, which will open in 2017 in Los Angeles, is a completely tuition- and salary-free non-profit organization dedicated to exploring "the edges of architectural education."
Like any graduate program, architecture schools tend to be incredibly expensive. After attending, many students are left with massive debts, and still more hopeful architects are barred at the gate simply due to lack of funds. By removing these barriers, the Free School of Architecture hopes to become an institution that truly welcomes all ideas, regardless of economic standing.
Though not yet accredited -- and critical of the accreditation process in general -- the school is being run by famous architect Peter Zellner.
What's Driving This Trend
- Tuition-free Architecture Education
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Providing equal access to architectural education by removing financial barriers.
- Democratizing Architectural Education
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Exploring new models of education to make architecture more accessible to all individuals.
- Non-profit Architectural Institutions
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating non-profit educational institutions focused on exploring new frontiers of architectural education.
Who This Affects Most
- Education
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing new approaches to provide affordable and inclusive education in the field of architecture.
- Non-profit Organizations
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Establishing non-profit organizations to address the gaps in architecture education and promote accessibility.
- Architecture
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Rethinking the current education system to make architectural education more affordable and accessible.
