"A polymath (Greek polymathēs, πολυμαθής, "having learned much") is a person whose expertise spans a significant number of subject areas." (source: wikipedia)
Are architects polymaths? Knowing erverything and capable of doing great and original work in every area of the discipline of architecture? From urban design to detail drafting, from sociology to green building, from cost calculation to drawing? But - do architects really have advanced knowlegde in all these fields?
"People with many interests do exist - and this is usually what we mean when we talk of a 'uiversal genius'. People with outstanding accomplishments in many areas are unknown. Even Leonardo performed only in the area of design despite his manifold interests; if Goethe's poetry had been lost and all that were known of his dabblings in optics and philosophy, he would not even rate a footnote in the moste learned encyclopedia." (source: Peter F. Drucker, The Effective Executive, p. 74)
Architecture is based on division of work, not only within structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers and other specialists, but also internally. It is a cliché, assuming that architects can do everything. Every project phases need specially trained people, however, boutique practices do not have these resources. So, what can you contribute?
4 comment(s):
i completely understand your concern, I have been struggling with the same lately. Architecture as a field has reached a level of specializations that it becomes impossible to be the all knowing renaissance man...instead it has now come down to a choice of how you can make yourself useful to these practices...all this specialization has just reduced design to be another consumer item like a car or a toothbrush devoid of history...as long as it works right and the client is happy.
I was in the middle of writing a blog entry on exactly this issue when I found yours. As the body of knowledge required to create a building becomes more and more separated, the propensity for mis-coordination and missed opportunities grows. We need to figure out how to reverse this trend. One way is to redefine the business models we work under, such that all these individuals are better able to work as a team. I can see Integrated Project Delivery helping this for several reasons. For one thing, IPD practice forces professionals to rub shoulders in the same room, which means architects are learning from builders and engineers, and vice versa.
Speaking from personal experience, I am both an Architect AND Builder. It is all I have done my entire career. There are many layers to the physical creation of a building and yes the "polymath" individual excels whether they are on the design, construction or Owner side. These versatile skills are what we teach to our interns. Excellent overview!!
Doulgas A. Mummaw, AIA, NCARB
My construction tecniques professor said:
-architects know nothing about everything
-engineers know everything about nothing
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