Bridging The Gap Between Architectural Education And Professional Practice In Egypt: Analytical Perspectives And Framework Development

Abstract

Architectural education has historically grappled with a disconnect between academic curricula and the realities of professional practice. This gap is particularly evident in Egypt, where graduates often lack the competencies and experiential foundations necessary to transition smoothly into the professional environment. This paper aims to analyze this educational-practice gap by assessing the current architectural education frameworks in Egypt, evaluating them against internationally recognized standards such as NAAB and RIBA, and proposing a strategic foundation for developing a methodology that aligns academic output with real-world demands. The research adopts a two-phase analytical approach. The first phase presents a theoretical overview of educational quality in architecture, focusing on definitions, accreditation standards, and global models. The second phase critically examines selected Egyptian architectural programs, highlighting structural and curricular deficiencies in meeting professional requirements. The study identifies key gaps, particularly in practical training, interdisciplinary integration, technological fluency, and responsiveness to market needs. Based on these findings, the paper proposes a preliminary framework to enhance architectural education quality in Egypt, emphasizing competence-based design, collaboration with professional bodies, and curriculum reform. The proposed framework serves as a foundation for future empirical validation and adaptation across different academic institutions. This research contributes to the broader discourse on reforming architectural education to ensure it responds more effectively to contemporary challenges and aligns with the evolving needs of the profession and society.