The Relationship between Theory & Practice in Work-based Disciplines, the Case of Urban Design Field

Practice domain in parallel with academic domain, has an important role in career development. The main goal of this paper is presenting ideas and solutions for enhancing the adaptability of students graduating in career-based fields confronting professional areas. The urban design discipline has been emphasized in this paper. The identified themes such as globalization and Digital technology achievements like other domains of built environment knowledge, probably first appeared as problematic for practitioners rather than educators; this would be consistent with common understandings that practice knowledge (rather than theory knowledge) is a priori in professional, practice based disciplines such as urban design & architecture. It is inevitable, especially in Iran. Condition that the knowledge required to participate in the life-world of practice following graduation is emergent, and probably non-learning, prior to engagement with practice. The findings of this research promote undergraduate education that is conceptualized and implemented, through critical work-based teaching and learning strategies, to prepare people to adapt to the ambiguous, knowledge-building nature of practice.