CHALLENGES OF THE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION COURSES AND MODEL OFFICES IN ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM

Abstract

In view of the increasing uniformization of behavior, knowledge and human values,
the aim of the article is to analyze how public university education and, to a lesser
extent, private universities, particularly regarding the courses of Architecture and
Urbanism, evaluate the reality of cities. It is argued that university education is criticized
for being distant from immediate and local references concerning the implementation
of interactive systems able to address social and instructional needs simultaneously.
When the context of the university is considered as singular, concerning responsibility of commitment, university extension can be regarded as relevant. New
approaches regarding university extension are pointed out as a way of dissolving
boundaries between teaching and learning; university and society; theory and practice.
The Model Offices of Architecture and Urbanism are presented to further the discussion, illustrate concepts and methodologies that adapt projects to urban demands and broaden the horizons of real experiences.