Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
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, which
serves as the main entrance to the museum 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.
The term architect is also used in other disciplines such as I.T. so I wish to make it clear that
THIS video talks about architectural engineering
Overview Let us push ahead with a definition:
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. Activities such
as site survey, material testing, cost estimation and safety engineering are also looked into.
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. Let me pause for a moment here. I assume you
are a student and having reached this far in the presentation, wish to know what it
takes to be an architect. If this is the case, then these slides are
for you.
Pre-requisites Let's start by looking at some desirable qualities
of an architect. From an educational point of view there are
pre-requisites. 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 touching
upon 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 strength 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. Another architect I spoke to mentioned it
would be ideal if a student could decide by grade 8 or 9 if they wanted to become an architect.
This would give them ample time to develop an aesthetic sense. This can be done by taking
drawing, painting, sculpture, or photography courses – which will help in developing
the ability to visualize and conceptualize, both important skills for an architect
Good communication skills are very useful in this field. On an average day you may not
only be dealing with clients but also with contractors, surveyors, technical staff, engineers,
brick layers, masons, electricians and other professionals. Having such a skill is useful
in getting your work done. 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.
To obtain a license, architects are typically required to meet three common requirements:
education, experience, and examination. • We did cover the education angle earlier
so am skipping this point • The experience requirement for degree
candidates is usually satisfied by an internship (usually two to three years).
• Finally, a Registration Examination or a series of exams is required.
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.
Laurie Baker, a well-known architect once said:
There's an old saying: manners maketh the man. I think they also make good architecture.
As an architect you get to deal with different professionals and this interaction can be
quite enriching. In your day to day work, you could rub shoulders with painters, sculptors,
potters, fabric designers, stained glass window makers and many others.
Then you have the bond you share with various customers - getting to know them, how they
live and work, finding out what sort of a building they dream of. It is exciting to
put on to paper what you think is in their heads, and then to go on altering your designs
until you think you have put down what they want.
For a good architect the client is always the prime consideration and, indeed, his or
her inspiration. 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 needs to be a lifelong learner in order to stay
ahead in his or her profession.
Challenges of the Craft Right, now let us look at the other side of
the coin. As mentioned earlier, for a good architect
the client is always the prime consideration. However at times you may have a different
opinion from your customer. To take a simple example, the client may want a design that
goes totally against your aesthetic sense – and you cannot do much in such a situation.
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.
An average day An architect’s day is divided between time
spent in his or her office and time spent on-site.
In the office, time is spent creating plans and designs, cost estimates and research.
Architects are visual people, so a lot of time is spent making visuals such as 3d computer
models, drawings and physical models. An architect also acts as a co-ordinator between
the client who has something to be built and the people responsible for the actual construction.
This means that considerable time is spent on sites dealing with consultants that help
to realize the building (like structural engineers, acoustic engineers, etc.) as well as the contractors
who manage the construction on the site.
Conclusion So this brings us to the end of the session.
The idea was to provide you a flavour of the role.
Please post additional questions on the forum and I am sure that architects would love to
respond to them. See you in the next session.