E-Learning in Architecture: Professional and Lifelong Learning Prospects

E-learning in architectural and spatially related fields can be examined from two different
perspectives, each having quite specific and complex implications. By discussing e-learning
in architecture we inspect the scope of e-learning tools and practices within the architectural
domain, the visual nature of education and professional training of architects, and the state
of the art of e-learning implementations, together with their practicality and limitations.
While these are the first areas that come to mind when considering e-learning in relation to
architecture, there is another also very relevant and sometimes overlooked aspect: that of
e-learning about architecture. In the latter, we introduce not only the professional but also
the broader, non-expert public into the process of acting within, and shaping of, their spatial
environments. This aspect raises burning questions regarding the communication abilities of
the actors involved, holding their attention, ingraining sustainable principles and getting the
messages across the invisible, but perennial expert / non-expert divide. E-learning in and
about architecture not only offers opportunities for both sides to learn but also to get to know
each other better.
The chapter first introduces and highlights the common aspects of e-learning within the
architectural domain, followed by e-learning for experts, through what we have named
e-learning in architecture, describing specifics and presenting an example of one of the
e-learning initiatives. It is followed by a subchapter describing aspects of e-learning about
architecture and sustainable principles of space interventions for broader audience of nonexperts
involved in the lifelong learning processes (LLP). Similarly, the subchapter concludes
with an example of an e-learning tool in action and the reflections on the research presented.
The chapter concludes with discussions of ‘lessons learned’ and ranking of new opportunities
in professional and lifelong e-learning prospects in architecture and its related fields.