Architecture in Senior Secondary School Education

Abstract

This project introduces architecture into the three senior years of secondary schooling in Hong Kong (secondary four to six, leading to university entry) through the collaborative efforts of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA), the Education Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR government, scholars and researchers from the Faculty of Architecture and the Department of Education in the University of Hong Kong (HKU), and with funding from the “Create Smart Initiative” (CSI) under the Hong Kong SAR government. The project started with research on the needs and practices of teachers and students in various school subjects, including arts, science, technology, and liberal studies. These were matched with the expectations of cross-boundary teaching with reference to architecture as held by the Education Bureau, and of promotion of architectural excellence as held by the HKIA. Researchers mapped the existing secondary school curriculum against relevant topics in architecture to compile positive reference materials and devise exercises for use in classes. PowerPoints, teaching notes, videos, and guided tours were developed for use as components of the teaching kit, the principal outcome of the project. There were also “train-the-trainers” sessions especially designed for teachers. Such materials and formats are now standard reference for secondary schools. The intent of the project is to promote better comprehension of theories and technologies for better-quality architecture by forging a closely related link with subjects familiar to students.