Architects plan, design and observe construction of structures for human occupancy and habitation.The work involves creativity and requires co-ordination with professionals working in the construction sector. Architects are responsible for planning, designing and supervision of constructions of all types of structures. Architects know about the technical requirements for a building and assume responsibility for the complex engineering details.The training of architects makes it a very distinctive and creative field. The projected need for architects has not been met due to limited growth in training facilities.
The architect's work
The contract an architect works for varies. He may work on a project for a residential building, a commercial complex or an industrial estate. The contract may be for a new structure or for conversion of an existing structure. The architect's work has two facets:- designing a building to the satisfaction of clients and protecting the public health, safety and welfare. The work begins with the assessment of what the client wants, from the initial concept to the finished product. Consideration for location, design regulations, geological constraints such as the water table, etc. are all considered while planning. The architect needs to keep in mind the funds available and special features desired. Once the ideas have been confirmed the architect sketches and makes plans which are detailed and show sizes, specifications and estimates of the cost of building material. The final design indicates the exact dimension of every portion of the building including the location of electrical outlets and fixtures, windows, doors and other features of the building.
Sometimes architects build models for a more graphic presentation of the project. The interior layout of the buildings is also designed by architects.
An architect needs to be conversant with engineering principles and construction methods and materials, and must have a know how of the trends in use of materials. Construction projects are so varied and the requirements diverse hence it is not uncommon to find architects specialising e.g. in the construction of dwellings, schools, hotels, banks, airports, supermarkets etc. Urban Planning, landscape design, architectural journalism, teaching, furniture designing and interior designing are allied fields which are recognised as specialised areas of study and practice.
Abilities and requirements
An architect is a designer with engineering skills. The job demands keen intellect, an ability to absorb, understand and use very technical data, manage costs, plan projects and work with diverse people to get the structure up. Prospective architects should be numerate, should be able to combine creativity and imagination. They need to be sensitive to the social and environmental needs. Imagination and observation are assets for the architect which add dynamism to his professional skills. Administrative skills are needed for dealing with people from different backgrounds during the construction process. The work also involves dealing with legal documents and procedures which require architects to understand complicated legal language related to the profession. Financial evaluation, cost analysis and business transactions require numerical ability as well as the ability to conduct these matters executive like.
Their duties demands a variety of skills - design,engineering, managerial and supervisory. An architect must live to make things and be willing to take risks to try something new. Flexibility and patience, hardwork and creativity are at the core of the profession. Determination and perseverance are critical specially for young architects who may have to often break their backs over the drawing boards and work late into the night regularly. Becoming successful requires good communication skills, organisational abilities, salesmanship, flexibility, technical competence, keen sense of observation, appreciation of colours, proportions and building materials, and most of all the ability to express visions and ideas through sketches and designs.
Preparing to become an Architect
Good academic skill - Students who have keen interest in Physics and Maths and can understand basic concepts with ease are more suitable for the study of the theoretical aspects of Architecture. Engineering drawing or mechanical drawing is useful and students good at this subject can go through the aptitude test with comparative ease.
Analytical and Reasoning ability - Completing simple sequential items needs interpretative and analytical reasoning. If you have good logical reasoning and can see figural relationships to determine sequential forms in the correct order as given in tests of logical reasoning you will probably fair well in an Architecture entrance test.
Perception and Observation - Do you recall the ceiling of the best cinema hall in your city? What have you noticed regarding the variety of flooring materials used these days? Do you remember details when you recall the structure of buildings?
General Awareness - Any one entering the marketing field is generally aware of leaders in the field. You wish to become an Architect - how much do you know of famous architects and their work? Awareness about political, religious, historical events and a keen desire to keep yourself abreast with the physical, chemical and mathematical concepts are perhaps useful for the potential Architect. So get going, look around at inspiring structures, the modern pieces of work and set your imagination free.
The Architecture course
An architecture course is a 5 year programme after class XII. It encompasses areas such as :
Architectural design -This is the study of social and environmental factors while determining the built form, technology involved in the construction process, concept of space and form and the perception of culture and nature of peoples for whom the structures are made.
Structures & Building construction - This is a technical subject which incorporates study of principles of structural design, historical perspective as well as current trends in the use of building materials, processes of construction, materials, techniques and skills used in the building process.
Science and services of construction - This incorporates study of the processes of environmental control, waste disposal, study of climatic conditions as important elements of building science.
Building management -This encompasses an understanding of the processes involved in the documentation of a project which includes contract procedures, financial estimates, surveying etc.
Design and art in architecture - Architecture involves aesthetic activity. Design concepts which are indigenous, multicultural and current are covered. Aesthetic sensitivity to various styles is also included.
History of Architecture
Settlement Planning -This incorporates study of urban planning, environmental, local and regional considerations etc.
In the last two years of the 5 year programme students get practical experience on a project. They coordinate with a variety of tradesmen e.g plumbers, electricians, carpenters etc.while working on the project. They have to learn about the variety of construction related products available in the market.
Students have to undergo a compulsory training of 6 months duration with an architect's firm on completion of the course. All architects have to get themselves registered with the council of architects .
Where to study
Most institutions select students through an entrance examination. Admission to engineering colleges having a department of Architecture is made through an entrance test which is the same as the pre engineering test except that it includes an aptitude test. The School of Planning and Architecture(SPA) in New Delhi includes a subject test paper also to test the candidates for their theoretical base of science. The Centre of Environment Planning and Technology in Ahmedabad selects students through an aptitude test. Some institutions also give weightage to the Board scores. There are over hundred institutions which impart training in Architecture. Selection test aims to identify aptitude, analytical reasoning, perception and observation.
Architecture institutes in Gujarat, Delhi, Rajasthan,UP, Haryana, Punjab are as follows:-
- School of Architecture,Centre of Environment Planning andTechnology(CEPT),Navrangpura, Ahmedabad-380009.This instituion aims at training architects with strong design concepts and produces good academicians.
- Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur-721302
- Sir JJ College of Architecture,78/3 Dr DN Road,Mumbai-400001.Mumbai produces sleek interiors men and women.
- University of Roorkee, Architecture College, Roorkee-247662. The architects trained at this college are considered to possess technical competence.
- School of Planning and Architecture, 4, Block -B, IP Estate, New Delhi.(SPA is renowned for providing practical experience and the students are exposed to architectural activity in the city.)
- Faculty of Technology &Engineering, MS University of Baroda,Vadodara-390001
- Institute of Environmental Design,DCPatel School of Architecture,Vallabh Vidyanagar-388120
- TVB School of Habitat Studies,Sector-D,Pocket-II, Vasant Kunj,New Delhi-110037
- Vastu Kala Academy, Aruna Asif Ali Marg, New Delhi
- Jamia Millia Islamia ,Jamia Nagar,New Delhi.
- Sushant School of Architecture,Sushant lok,Gurgaon.
- CR State College of Engineering, Murthal(Distt.Sonepat)-131039
- Giani Zail College of Engineering& Technology,Bathinda-151001
- Malviya Regional Engineering College ,Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg,Jaipur-302017
- Zakir Hussain College of Engineering & Technology,Aligarh Muslim University,Aligarh-202002
- Government College of Architecture,Tagore Marg,Lucknow-226007
- Guru Nanak Dev University, Department of Architecture, Amritsar143005
- Chandigarh College of Architecture,Chandigarh-160012
- Choturam State College of Engineering, Murthal-131039
Indian Institute of Architects, Mumbai's northern India Chapter( 8-B Shanker Market,New Delhi -110003 Ph.3311699) offers Associateship to diploma holders in Architecture.The 4 year course( 4 semesters) can be done through correspondence.There is an examination at the end of semester 2 and 3.A thesis has to be submitted and viva taken to get the associateship.The Associateship membership is considered equivalent to a B.Arch in India as well as abroad. Diploma holders must have a year of experience before they can enrol for the course.The membership course can be pursued by Interior Designers, Assistant Architects and Architectural Draughtsmen.
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