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Hi, I am Preeti. Let us start this session with a quotation
Architecture is art we live in. As a civilization, we need buildings. They
are a practical necessity. However architecture makes civilization not
only possible but BEAUTIFUL. No visit to any city is complete without viewing
some of its most famous buildings. St. Paul’s Cathedral in London is one of
its most recognizable sights. Similarly the Louvre Pyramid has become a
landmark of the city of Paris. But architecture is not just about famous
buildings. Moving south to India, you have cost-effective,
energy efficient housing architecture promoted by Laurie Baker and influenced by Mahatma
Gandhi. So, no surprises here – This session focuses
on the role of an architect.
Overview An architect is a licensed professional who
organizes space. Architects design houses, office buildings,
skyscrapers, landscapes, ships, and even entire cities.
Architecture thus, is a branch of engineering. So what are SOME of the branches of architectural
engineering? We have Acoustics and Illumination which deals
with the sound and lighting systems of a building. Then there is Construction Engineering and
Management - The engineers of this field work on the design of a building.
Another branch is Fire protection and light safety engineering, focusing among other things
on efficient fire suppression systems. As you can see, architecture is more than
just the design of buildings.
Pre-requisites Let's continue by looking at some desirable
qualities of an architect. From an educational point of view, you should
be fond of and good in Maths, Physics and Computer Science.
Then there is your aesthetic sense. An architect I spoke to got really excited
when discussing this point. In her words, “2 people can look at the same object and
yet have very different observations”. For example what does this image remind you
of? Some people may see a young, elegantly dressed
lady while some may see the image of an old, frail woman.
However an architect might be able to see both images and perhaps make a few additional
observations. Imagination and Creativity is thus the strengths of a good architect.
You also need to be good in sketching and drawing. Now this is a skill that needs to
be honed over a period of time. Assuming that you fit the bill w.r.t. the
above points, it would make sense to pursue a career as an architect. Generally you have
the following choices: • A 5-year Bachelor of Architecture program
intended for students with no previous architectural training.
• A 2-year Master of Architecture program for students with an undergraduate degree
in architecture or a related area • 3 or 4-year Master of Architecture program
offered to students with degrees in other disciplines
Once you have your degree, the next step is practicing your craft. Now, most of the world's
architects require a state issued license in order to practice.
Joys of the Craft Now let us move into the future and imagine
you as an architect. What are some of the joys of the craft?
The first thing most architects I spoke to mention is the JOY of creation. Your product
is not going to be put in a room or a gallery but there in the open for all to see. This
point can also make an architect quite jittery — is the building I have created going to
stick out like a sore thumb? Or will it give joy and pleasure? Will it add to our culture?
These are some questions always on an architect’s mind.
The field of architecture is dynamic - New materials that are cost effective and more
resistant to natural disasters are introduced periodically. Then there are environmentally
responsible initiatives such as green construction or sustainable building. An architect thus
needs to be a lifelong learner in order to stay ahead in his or her profession.
Challenges of the Craft Let us now let us look at the other side of
the coin. For a good architect the client is always
the prime consideration. However at times you may have a different opinion from your
customer. Then, you may invest a considerable amount
of time, effort and money to win a bid. If the bid fails, it can be a disheartening and
costly affair. This field is linked to the condition of the
economy. If the economy is not performing well, construction of new buildings is one
of the first things that will be in less demand, along with architects.
Prospects After completing their education, it is advised
that students undergo 4 to 5 years of training at a reputed organization. This would among
other things help the student understand client requirements and strike a right balance between
theory and practicality. Furthermore, many EMPLOYERS prefer to hire
entry-level architects who have internship experience. Having this experience significantly
reduces the time and cost an employer needs in getting a candidate up to a desired level
of proficiency. Architects can find jobs in government organizations
such as the Public Works Department, the Archaeological Department, Ministry of defence, Town and
Country Planning Organizations, Housing and Urban Development Corporations etc.
They are also employed in private architectural firms, teaching institutions and real estate
development firms. Architects working independently have good
growth opportunities. With some years of experience behind them,
architects can set up their own business. Conclusion
So this brings us to the end of the session. The idea was to provide you a flavour of the
role. GOOD LUCK