This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Committee on Architecture for Education and Committee on Design .
-------------------------------------------
Whenever I write about creativity, my focus has always been on architecture education and professional practice. In both cases, creativity is a critical ingredient for achieving excellence in our work. But lately, I have been studying public education of children, and to my surprise, creativity is just as critical for them as it is for architects. I have found this issue to be delightfully more universal than I originally thought.
I have often stated that many of the most common teaching techniques used in architectural education actually kill creativity rather than nourish it. I'm hearing critics of public education say the exact same thing about their world for many of the same reasons.
There are a few youtube videos out there that have been seen by thousands of school teachers, and you should see them, too, if you haven't already. One is by Matt Damon (and his mother), and the other is by Sir Ken Robinson. Pay careful attention to their comments about creativity and individuality. I think you'll find this fascinating. At least it is for me.
Sir Ken Robinson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U
Sir Ken Robinson again: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG9CE55wbtY
Matt Damon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqOub-heGQc
-------------------------------------------
Rich Farris, AIA
Author of "Principles of Creativity, Architecture's Insight to Invention" (Amazon)
Dallas, Texas
-------------------------------------------