Narratives and Reflections on the Changing Identity of the Project Office. Adaptable Models and Institutional Change
Strand 1
Time: 11:50am to 12:10pm
Presenters: Martin Andrews and Nicola Crowson
Abstract:
Since the inception of the PO in 2008, it has undergone three distinct phases of development, each shaped by shifting institutional demands and the broader context of architectural education. Through a series of completed project case studies, this chapter documents each phase, highlighting how the PO has responded to the complex and often competing needs of students, academic staff, clients, and university administrators. The narrative offers insights into how the PO has transitioned between business models to maintain relevance, financial sustainability, and pedagogic value within a UK higher education setting. The chapter explores the adaptive strategies employed by those who have held leadership roles and the organisational challenges encountered along the way. By situating these developments within a wider discourse of institutional change, the chapter contributes to an emerging body of literature on live projects and practice-based learning in architecture education. This work offers reflections and practical guidance for academic staff seeking to establish or evolve similar project offices. The presentation concludes with a forwardlooking discussion on the potential trajectories of the PO, proposing adaptable models that could support its continued growth and relevance in a rapidly changing, and challenging, educational landscape.