What is the Architectural Association School of Architecture, and where is it located?

The Architectural Association School of Architecture, commonly known as the AA, is the oldest private school of architecture in the United Kingdom. It is located in London, England.

What is the motto of the Architectural Association School of Architecture?

The motto of the Architectural Association School of Architecture is "Design with Beauty, Build in Truth."

When was the Architectural Association established, and what type of institution is it?

The Architectural Association was established in 1847. It operates as an independent institution, meaning it is not part of the state-funded university system and does not participate in the UCAS application system or university rankings.

Who are the current and recent directors of the AA School?

As of August 2022, Ingrid Schroder is the Director. Prior to her, Eva Franch i Gilabert served as director from 2018 to 2020, with Samantha Hardingham serving as interim director between 2017 and 2018. Brett Steele was director from 2005 to 2017.

What was the primary reason for the founding of the Architectural Association in 1847?

The Architectural Association was founded in 1847 as an alternative to the prevailing system of training architects through apprenticeships. This apprenticeship system was criticized for lacking guaranteed educational quality, professional standards, and being susceptible to vested interests, dishonesty, and incompetence.

Who were the key individuals involved in proposing the establishment of the AA?

Robert Kerr and Charles Gray, who were both articled pupils, proposed the idea of a systematic course of training provided by students themselves, leading to the formation of the Architectural Association.

Where did the Architectural Association hold its first formal meeting, and who served as its first president?

The first formal meeting of the Architectural Association took place in May 1847 at Lyons Inn Hall in London. Robert Kerr, one of the proponents of the school, became its first president, serving from 1847 to 1848.

What were some of the early premises occupied by the AA?

From 1859, the AA shared premises with the Royal Institute of British Architects at 9 Conduit Street. Later, in 1891, it moved to rented rooms in Great Marlborough Street.

When was the AA School formally established, and when did it move to its current location?

The AA School was formally established in 1890. It moved to its current location in Bedford Square, central London, in 1917.

Besides its main location in Bedford Square, what other premises does the AA School occupy?

In addition to its main location in Bedford Square, the AA School has acquired additional premises in London, including a property on John Street, a property on Morwell Street behind Bedford Square, and a 350-acre site at Hooke Park in Dorset.

Which notable figures have addressed students at the AA School throughout its history?

Historically, students at the AA have been addressed by figures such as John Ruskin and George Gilbert Scott in the 19th century. More recently, notable speakers have included Richard Rogers, Zaha Hadid, Rem Koolhaas, Denise Scott Brown, and David Chipperfield, who is also an alumnus.

When were women first admitted to the AA School, and what was the context?

Women were first admitted as students to the AA School during World War I in 1917. This occurred almost 20 years after the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) had admitted its first female member.

Who were some of the early female students admitted to the AA School?

Some of the first women to enter the AA School, which had previously been exclusively for males, included Ruth Gollancz, Winifred Ryle, Irene Graves, and Gillian Harrison (née Cooke).

What was the AAXX program, and what did it commemorate?

The AAXX program was a year-long initiative in 2017 that celebrated the centenary of the first women's entry into the AA School. It included a book publication titled 'AA Women in Architecture 1917–2017'.

What are the main divisions of courses offered at the AA School?

Courses at the AA School are divided into two main areas: undergraduate programs, which lead to the AA Diploma (recognized for RIBA/ARB Part 2 qualification), and postgraduate programs.

Can you name some of the specialized postgraduate programs offered by the AA School?

The AA School offers several specialized postgraduate programs, including Landscape Urbanism, Housing and Urbanism, Sustainable Environmental Design, Histories and Theories, and Emergent Technologies. Other programs include Projective Cities, Design + Make, and the Design Research Lab.

How does the AA School's independent status affect its operations and student applications?

As an independent school outside the state-funded university system, the AA does not use the UCAS application system and does not participate in university rankings. This independence allows it to operate outside traditional academic structures.

What is notable about the AA School's student body in terms of nationality?

The AA School enrolls a higher proportion of students from overseas compared to many other architecture schools in the UK, indicating a significant international presence.

What role does the AA Bookshop play at the school?

The AA Bookshop houses a collection of architectural literature and also serves as a platform for the AA's own publications, making it a central resource for students and the public interested in architectural knowledge.

What is the tradition of AA Publications?

AA Publications has a tradition of publishing emerging architects, artists, and theorists early in their careers. It also occasionally publishes established figures from other fields, such as Salman Rushdie. The publications department produces the journal 'AA Files' and the annual 'Projects Review'.

What is the AA Print Studio's function?

The AA Print Studio is responsible for the design and editing of AA publications, including the 'AA Files' journal and the 'Projects Review'. It was originally established in 1971 as part of the Communications Unit.

How is the AA School governed?

The AA School operates under a unique democratic structure where both staff and students elect the director and a majority of the members of its governing board.

What controversy occurred in November 2017 regarding staff at the AA?

In November 2017, the AA reportedly planned to make 16 staff members redundant, which included the entire publications and exhibitions departments. This news emerged shortly before the search for a new director began.

What issues led to the dismissal of Eva Franch i Gilabert as Director?

Eva Franch i Gilabert was dismissed in July 2020 following votes of no confidence. The stated reasons included her failure to develop and implement a strategy and maintain the confidence of the AA School Community, which were considered failures against her contractual objectives. Her dismissal occurred despite some academics supporting her and alleging systemic biases and sexism.

How did the dismissal of Eva Franch i Gilabert impact the school's reputation?

The dismissal of Eva Franch i Gilabert, particularly the handling of allegations of bullying and sexism, reportedly damaged the AA school's reputation, leaving 'a cloud over the school' according to architectural magazine Dezeen.

What does the gallery section of the article showcase?

The gallery section displays several images related to the Architectural Association School of Architecture, including pavilions, the AA Gallery, the school's exterior with a pavilion, and an interior view of an exhibition.

Can you name a few notable alumni of the AA School and any major awards they have received?

Notable alumni include Will Alsop (Stirling Prize, 2000), David Chipperfield (Stirling Prize, 2007), Zaha Hadid (Pritzker Prize, 2004; Stirling Prize, 2010, 2011), and Rem Koolhaas (Pritzker Prize, 2000). Many other distinguished architects are also listed as alumni.

Who are some of the former directors of the AA School listed in the article?

Former directors listed include Howard Robertson (1929–35), Alvin Boyarsky (1971–90), Alan Balfour (1991–95), Mohsen Mostafavi (1995–2004), Brett Steele (2005–2017), Eva Franch i Gilabert (2018–2020), and Samantha Hardingham (interim, 2017–18).

Who are some of the notable current and former teachers at the AA School?

Notable teachers mentioned include Virgil Abloh, Charles Jencks, David Adjaye, Will Alsop, Wiel Arets, Ben van Berkel, Tatiana Bilbao, Alison Brooks, Nigel Coates, Mark Cousins, Zaha Hadid, Rem Koolhaas, Daniel Libeskind, Achim Menges, and Bernard Tschumi.

What is the significance of the AA's location in Bedford Square?

The AA School moved to its current location in Bedford Square, central London, in 1917. This historic square provides a central and well-known base for the institution.

What is the AA's approach to its teaching staff?

The AA School draws its teaching staff from progressive international practices. These staff members are reappointed annually, which facilitates a continuous renewal and exploration of architectural graphics and polemical formalism.

What is the AA's relationship with the UCAS application system?

The AA School is an independent institution and does not participate in the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) application system, distinguishing it from many other UK higher education institutions.

What does the article mention about the AA's former radio station?

The article notes that the school formerly had its own independent radio station, indicating a broader engagement with media and communication beyond traditional academic outputs.

What is the purpose of the 'AA Files' and 'Projects Review' publications?

'AA Files' is a journal produced by the AA Publications, and the 'Projects Review' (also known as the AA Book) annually documents the work undertaken by members of the school across all its programs, from Foundation to Graduate levels.

What is the significance of the AA's location in London?

Being located in London, a major global city, provides the AA School with access to a rich architectural environment, numerous professional practices, and a diverse student body, contributing to its international reputation.

What does the 'Promotional content' notice at the beginning of the article suggest?

The notice indicates that the article may contain promotional language or external links that are not strictly encyclopedic. It encourages improvements to ensure a neutral point of view and the addition of encyclopedic text.

What is the AA's student enrollment in undergraduate and postgraduate programs as of 2023?

As of 2023, the AA School had 562 undergraduates and 361 postgraduates enrolled.

What is the significance of the AA's 'independent' status in relation to university rankings?

Because the AA School operates outside the state-funded university system and the UCAS application process, it does not participate in university rankings, focusing instead on its own pedagogical and professional standing.

What is the AA's approach to curriculum development, as suggested by the mention of teaching staff?

The AA School emphasizes drawing its teaching staff from progressive international practices and reappointing them annually. This strategy aims to ensure the curriculum remains dynamic and at the forefront of architectural exploration, focusing on graphics and formalism.

What does the article imply about the AA's historical approach to architectural education compared to traditional methods?

The article implies that the AA was founded to offer a more systematic and potentially less biased approach to architectural education compared to the traditional apprenticeship model, which was seen as prone to inconsistencies and abuses.

What is the role of the AA's website and publications in its outreach?

The AA's official website (aaschool.ac.uk) and its publications, such as 'AA Files' and the 'Projects Review', serve as key platforms for disseminating information about the school's activities, research, and student work to a wider audience, both nationally and internationally.

What does the mention of 'AAXX' and the book 'AA Women in Architecture 1917–2017' highlight about the school's history?

These initiatives highlight the school's efforts to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of women in architecture, particularly marking the significant milestone of admitting women in 1917 and reflecting on their presence and impact over a century.

What is the geographical extent of the AA School's premises?

The AA School's premises are primarily located in central London, specifically in Bedford Square, with additional London sites on John Street and Morwell Street. It also possesses a significant rural site of 350 acres at Hooke Park in Dorset.

What does the 'Authority control' section at the end of the article signify?

The 'Authority control' section links the AA School to various international and national databases (like ISNI, VIAF, GND, Library of Congress) and academic repositories (like CiNii). This is a standard practice for encyclopedic articles to provide standardized identifiers for entities, ensuring consistency and aiding in data management and cross-referencing.

What is the significance of the AA School being referred to as 'independent'?

Being an 'independent' school means it operates outside the direct control and funding structures of the UK government's higher education system. This allows it greater autonomy in its curriculum, governance, and operational decisions, but also means it does not receive state funding typically associated with universities.

What does the inclusion of a map frame suggest about the AA School's location?

The inclusion of a map frame, likely generated using Wikimedia Maps, visually pinpoints the AA School's location in London, providing users with geographical context and the ability to explore the surrounding area.

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Overview

Premier Institution

The Architectural Association School of Architecture, widely known as the AA, stands as the United Kingdom's oldest independent school dedicated to the study of architecture. Established in London in 1847, it has cultivated a distinguished reputation for pioneering architectural education and fostering innovative design practices.

Global Reach

The AA is recognized for its international perspective, attracting a significant proportion of students from across the globe. This diverse student body contributes to a vibrant academic environment, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and a broad understanding of architectural challenges worldwide.

Hub of Innovation

Beyond its core academic programs, the AA serves as a dynamic center for architectural discourse. It actively hosts exhibitions, lectures, symposia, and publishes influential architectural literature, positioning itself at the forefront of contemporary architectural thought and practice.

Historical Trajectory

Genesis and Evolution

Founded in 1847, the AA emerged as a progressive alternative to the traditional apprenticeship system, which was perceived as inconsistent in quality and prone to malpractice. Its establishment was driven by students seeking a more structured and rigorous educational framework.^[2]^[3]

1847: Formal establishment following a merger with the Association of Architectural Draughtsmen, with Robert Kerr as the first president.
1859: Shared premises with the Royal Institute of British Architects at 9 Conduit Street.
1890: Formal establishment of the AA School.
1901: Relocation to the former Royal Architectural Museum in Westminster.
1917: Moved to its current principal location in Bedford Square, London, later expanding to additional sites.

The institution has hosted influential figures such as John Ruskin and George Gilbert Scott, and later, prominent architects like Richard Rogers, Zaha Hadid, and Rem Koolhaas have been associated with the school.

Premises

The AA's primary campus is situated in the historic Bedford Square in London. Over time, the school has expanded its footprint to include additional properties in central London, such as premises on John Street and a significant rural site at Hooke Park in Dorset, spanning approximately 350 acres.

Women at the AA

Pioneering Admissions

Women were first admitted to the AA School in 1917, during the period of World War I, marking a significant shift from its historically male-only composition.^[11] This occurred nearly two decades after the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) admitted its first female member.

Notable early female students included Ruth Gollancz, Winifred Ryle, Irene Graves, and Gillian Harrison (née Cooke).^[14]

Centenary Recognition

The year 2017 marked the centenary of women's admission to the AA. This milestone was celebrated through a year-long program titled AAXX, which highlighted the contributions and experiences of women within the institution. A commemorative book, AA Women in Architecture 1917–2017, was published to document this history.^[15]

Academic Programs

Undergraduate and Postgraduate

The AA offers distinct educational pathways, primarily divided into undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Undergraduate studies lead to the AA Diploma, which is recognized for RIBA/ARB Part 2 professional qualification.^[2]

Postgraduate offerings include specialized courses such as:

Landscape Urbanism^[16]
Housing and Urbanism
Sustainable Environmental Design
Histories and Theories
Emergent Technologies^[17]
Design Research Lab
Projective Cities
Design + Make
Interprofessional Studio

Faculty and Pedagogy

The school draws its teaching staff from progressive international architectural practices. This model ensures that faculty are actively engaged in contemporary design discourse and research. The annual reappointment of teaching staff facilitates a continuous renewal of pedagogical approaches and exploration of architectural ideas.^[18]

Institutional Standing

Independent Status

The AA operates independently of the state-funded university system and the UCAS application process. This autonomy allows the institution to maintain a unique educational model and avoid participation in standard university rankings.^[19]

International Enrollment

Compared to other architecture schools in the United Kingdom, the AA enrolls a notably higher percentage of international students. This global demographic enriches the school's academic environment and reflects its worldwide recognition.

Publishing and Media

AA Bookshop and Publications

The AA Bookshop serves as a significant resource for architectural literature and is a primary platform for the AA's own publications. AA Publications has a history of launching the careers of architects, artists, and theorists, and has also published works by established figures from diverse fields.^[20]^[21]

AA Print Studio and Radio

The AA Print Studio, established in 1971, is responsible for the design and editing of AA publications, including the journal AA Files and the annual Projects Review. Historically, the school also operated its own independent radio station, AAIR.FM.^[22]^[23]

Institutional Governance

Democratic Structure

The AA operates under a unique democratic governance model, wherein both staff and students participate in the election of its director and a majority of the governing board members.

Leadership Transitions

The institution has experienced periods of significant change and controversy regarding its leadership. Notable events include planned staff redundancies in 2017, the departure of director Brett Steele, and the subsequent tenure and dismissal of Eva Franch i Gilabert in 2020 following votes of no confidence.^[24]^[30]^[31] Allegations of systemic bias and sexism were raised during this period.^[30] Ingrid Schroder was appointed as the new director in August 2022.^[35]

Distinguished Alumni

Influential Figures

The AA boasts an extensive list of alumni who have achieved significant recognition in the field of architecture and beyond. Their work has shaped the built environment and influenced architectural discourse globally.

Will Alsop (Stirling Prize, 2000)
Geoffrey Bawa
David Chipperfield (Stirling Prize, 2007)
Sir Peter Cook
Zaha Hadid (Pritzker Prize, 2004; Stirling Prize, 2010, 2011)
Thomas Hardy
Rem Koolhaas (Pritzker Prize, 2000)
Amanda Levete
John Pawson
Cedric Price
Richard Rogers (Pritzker Prize, 2007; Stirling Prize, 2006, 2009)
Denise Scott Brown
Bernard Tschumi
Eyal Weizman
Alejandro Zaera-Polo

Faculty Excellence

Leading Educators

The AA has been shaped by a distinguished roster of current and former teachers who are leaders in architectural practice and theory. Their engagement provides students with direct access to cutting-edge ideas and professional insights.

David Adjaye
Will Alsop
Wiel Arets
Ben van Berkel
Nigel Coates
Mark Cousins
Robin Evans
Zaha Hadid
Louisa Hutton
Jeff Kipnis
Rem Koolhaas
Achim Menges
Mohsen Mostafavi
Farshid Moussavi
Cedric Price
Philippe Rahm
Peter Salter
Matthias Sauerbruch
Patrik Schumacher
Nasrine Seraji
Bernard Tschumi
Dalibor Vesely
Alejandro Zaera-Polo
Elia Zenghelis

Leadership History

Past Directors

The AA has been led by influential figures throughout its history, each contributing to its evolving identity and academic direction.

Howard Robertson (1929–1935)
Alvin Boyarsky (1971–1990)
Alan Balfour (1991–1995)
Mohsen Mostafavi (1995–2004)
Brett Steele (2005–2017)
Samantha Hardingham (Interim, 2017–2018)
Eva Franch i Gilabert (2018–2020)

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References

Records of the Architectural Association

Minutes of an Ordinary General Meeting of the Architectural Association, 17 July 1917; and interleafed circular from AA President, H.M. Fletcher, alteration to By-law No.17 in AA Archive Box C103.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Architectural Association School of Architecture Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not be exhaustive or entirely current.

This is not professional academic advice. The information provided is not a substitute for consulting official AA documentation or seeking guidance from qualified architectural professionals. Always refer to official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Architectural Crucible

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Overview ℹ️

🏫 Premier Institution

🌍 Global Reach

💡 Hub of Innovation

Historical Trajectory ⏳

📜 Genesis and Evolution

📍 Premises

Women at the AA ♀️

🚪 Pioneering Admissions

📅 Centenary Recognition

Academic Programs 📚

🎓 Undergraduate and Postgraduate

👨‍🏫 Faculty and Pedagogy

Institutional Standing ⚖️

🏛️ Independent Status

🌐 International Enrollment

Publishing and Media 📰

📖 AA Bookshop and Publications

🎙️ AA Print Studio and Radio

Institutional Governance ⚖️

🗳️ Democratic Structure

⚠️ Leadership Transitions

Distinguished Alumni 🌟

🏆 Influential Figures

Faculty Excellence 👨‍🏫

💡 Leading Educators

Leadership History 👑

📅 Past Directors

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Premier Institution

Global Reach

Hub of Innovation

Historical Trajectory

Genesis and Evolution

Premises

Women at the AA

Pioneering Admissions

Centenary Recognition

Academic Programs

Undergraduate and Postgraduate

Faculty and Pedagogy

Institutional Standing

Independent Status

International Enrollment

Publishing and Media

AA Bookshop and Publications

AA Print Studio and Radio

Institutional Governance

Democratic Structure

Leadership Transitions

Distinguished Alumni

Influential Figures

Faculty Excellence

Leading Educators

Leadership History

Past Directors

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice