A Time for Leadership

Posted: September 8th, 2009 | Author: Jonathan Bahe | Filed under: Best Practices, Economy, Leadership, Professional practice, Publications, Uncategorized | Tags: , | 2 Comments »

I recently have been rereading “Building Community:  A New Future for Architecture Education and Practice” — more commonly known as “The Boyer Report” — written by Ernest Boyer and Lee Mitgang. This project, led by the Carnegie Foundation in partnership with the AIA, AIAS, NCARB, ACSA, and NAAB, was initiated in 1987 and published in 1996. Many of the profound observations made by the report are as applicable today as they were 15 years ago. I believe that as a profession we still have a long way to go in addressing, much less meeting, the charges set forth by the authors. It is in many ways disheartening that we have failed to deal with these vital issues as a profession and yet slightly encouraging that the same issues remain at the forefront of discussions in many leading institutions and professional practices across the country.

I have been particularly struck by the last of the seven goals set forth by the authors, that of service to the nation. This motivational section takes a  profound look at the role architecture and design can have in the creation of better neighborhoods, communities, and nations. As the authors so eloquently state,

“Perhaps never in history have the talents, skills, the broad vision and the ideals of the architecture profession been more urgently needed. The profession could be powerfully beneficial at a time when the lives of families and entire communities have grown increasingly fragmented, when cities are in an era of decline and decay rather than limitless growth, and when the value of beauty in daily life is often belittled. Surely, architects and architecture educators, as well as the organizations that represent them, ought to be among the most vocal and knowledgeable leaders in preserving and beautifying a world whose resources are in jeopardy.”

In this time of continued uncertainty for our profession and for our planet and its people I believe it is time for us to step forward into the role that Boyer and Mitgang challenge us to achieve — that of vocal and knowledgeable leaders. Now more than ever, the vision and talents of our profession are needed in our communities. Design thinking can and should be at the forefront of decisions we are making about our future. Rather than sitting on the sidelines hoping that the past returns or bemoaning the current state of affairs, we — collectively and individually — must lead. We can contribute greatly to the discussions. I firmly believe this is the opportunity our profession has been looking and waiting for. It’s time for leadership!