Spring Break
Alumnus works to overhaul architecture major stereotype
Amanda Seitz
Issue date: 11/6/09 Section: Campus
If you've ever wondered where your architecture major friends disappear to on nights and weekends, wonder no more. A recent Miami University graduate is working with higher education institutions across the country to get architecture majors out of the studio and into a more realistic college scene.
Brett Roeth, a 2009 Miami graduate, is serving a year-long term as vice president of the American Institute of Architecture Students. He hopes to see substantial changes to the experience of architecture majors nationwide.
According to Roeth, who featured in Inside Higher Ed magazine for his endeavors, architecture majors experience extreme stress in the studio.
"There are a lot of instances were students will cut themselves because they're working late into the night and they're not thinking clearly," Roeth said. "There's a lot of caffeine, a lot of junk food, anything students can use to get a sugar rush. I think sometimes architecture studios draw a fine line between being dirty and untidy. Typically students do everything they can to stay up as long as possible."
Roeth said he anticipates this type of environment to dissolve from the architecture major. He hopes that universities will start to implement a "Studio Culture Policy" written by students and faculty to define guidelines for architectural living.
"What is needed is an understanding that architects cannot be trained in a bubble," Roeth said. "Architectural practice in our society really requires that people understand things from multiple perspectives."
John Weigand, chair of the department of architecture and interior design, said his program is at the forefront of this development.
"Architectural education has a history of keeping students in the studio late hours," Weigand said. "I think our department is one of the best in the country in keeping balance."
Roeth reinforced this claim with his resume of activities and involvement.
"I tried as much as possible to involve myself in campus life and understand that education is more than just studio," Roeth said. "Miami did a lot to push me outside of my major."
Brett Roeth, a 2009 Miami graduate, is serving a year-long term as vice president of the American Institute of Architecture Students. He hopes to see substantial changes to the experience of architecture majors nationwide.
According to Roeth, who featured in Inside Higher Ed magazine for his endeavors, architecture majors experience extreme stress in the studio.
"There are a lot of instances were students will cut themselves because they're working late into the night and they're not thinking clearly," Roeth said. "There's a lot of caffeine, a lot of junk food, anything students can use to get a sugar rush. I think sometimes architecture studios draw a fine line between being dirty and untidy. Typically students do everything they can to stay up as long as possible."
Roeth said he anticipates this type of environment to dissolve from the architecture major. He hopes that universities will start to implement a "Studio Culture Policy" written by students and faculty to define guidelines for architectural living.
"What is needed is an understanding that architects cannot be trained in a bubble," Roeth said. "Architectural practice in our society really requires that people understand things from multiple perspectives."
John Weigand, chair of the department of architecture and interior design, said his program is at the forefront of this development.
"Architectural education has a history of keeping students in the studio late hours," Weigand said. "I think our department is one of the best in the country in keeping balance."
Roeth reinforced this claim with his resume of activities and involvement.
"I tried as much as possible to involve myself in campus life and understand that education is more than just studio," Roeth said. "Miami did a lot to push me outside of my major."
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