| Title |
Historical Development of Architectural Specialization |
| Keywords |
Architectural Sociology ; Specialization ; Deprofessionalization ; Proletarianization ; Market Control |
| Abstract |
The sociological research of profession argues that professions have experienced deprofessionalization(developed by specialization) and proletarianization(controlled by bureaucratic organization). To test these thesis, this study analyzed the case of architectural specialization, initiated by AHA plan. The AHA planed to certify hospital architects and develop the roster of qualified hospital architects who can take care of AHA's hospitals. After serious conflicts, AIA membership voted not to accept the plan due mainly to two reasons of the deprofessionalization and proletarianization of architects. This historical case regarding architectural specialization shows that the difficulties to keep a unified architectural identity. Reasons include desire to control market and failure to reach agreement about architectural identity, causing dual identities as an art and a profession. Artist-architects favored the generalized practice, while professional-architects agreed on the specialized practice by utilizing professionalism. Market control, however, was the most influential motive behind this reasoned argument because architecture is one of the pure market professions. |