Fostering sectoral competitiveness and adaption: 4IR in architecture curricula of South African tertiary institutions

Conceptualisation and design functions in the built environment is set to be revolutionised by system innovations propagated by the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR). Related technological advances constitute a gamechanger in building design and construction, altering the nature of skills requirements for roleplayers in the architecture industry. As system innovations may significantly disrupt the sectoral status quo of service providers and consumers, so too may the proliferation of advanced Building Information Modelling (BIM) and parametric design technology alter the modus operandi of architecture professionals. In the developing country context, the need exists to ensure the relevant roleplayers are empowered with the required skills to ensure timely and continuous sectoral adaptation to retain competitiveness. The objective of this research is to evaluate the content inherent to knowledge transfer in the architecture schools of South Africa’s tertiary education institutions, with the aim of determining the exposure of prospective professionals to technology-related system innovations. A quantitative research methodology is utilised where the curricula of selected architecture schools are assessed based on their incorporation of themes relating to 4IR. In this evaluation, criteria is developed based on input from the relevant Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) and subsequently applied on selected curricula using a self-ranking method. The research findings illustrate that there is a relatively limited incorporation of 4IR-related themes in selected South African architecture curricula. Recommendations include, inter alia, a knowledge-based infusion of potential technological applications in said curricula to foster ongoing sectoral adaptation and competitiveness in South Africa.