Service-learning and community outreach in architecture curricula

With the next century approaching it is time to reflect on architecture education. The standard practice of teaching studio is through the development of theoretical projects disconnected from the needs of people and places and the understanding of different cultures. The outcomes of the thoeretical studio projects are strongly developed, controlled, formal solutions with little understanding of the architectural intervention in communities. Considering the impact of the built environment on society, as educators we have the opportunity to develop studio education by connecting our students to communities, cultures, people and places Within our cities, and to define the social responsibility and role of the architect and architecture education in the future.