Blog

What Do We Study In Architecture?

Architecture degrees are a standard and competitive option because they combine both sides of the brain and provide exciting graduate career opportunities that are both emotionally and financially rewarding.

The degree combines art, science, and technology, necessitates the development of an interdisciplinary skillset, which includes elements of mathematics and engineering, creativity and awareness of advanced technologies, social issues, and cultural trends. To study architecture at university, you must be dedicated, imaginative, and reasonable. If you are interested in architecture, design, and infrastructure, this might be the course for you.

What is architecture?

The term “architecture” has many different definitions. The art and science of planning and constructing massive structures and buildings is known as architecture.

Many who want to study architecture would be interested in both the sciences and the arts, and architecture admissions qualifications usually take creative abilities and mathematical proficiency into account.

Studying architecture will provide you with clear comprehension and respect for the systems in which we work today.

However, it will also allow you to look forward to the future of design and how designs will be developed and applied.

What is an architecture degree?

Architecture is the design and construction of buildings that incorporate art, mathematics, science, and logistics. An architecture degree can teach you how to draw realistic architectural plans by hand or using computer software.

Mods such as sustainable design and planning for the future are available for research.

You’ll also take algebra, astronomy, chemistry, computer science, and art courses.

Architecture degrees are well-known for being difficult, but still very gratifying.

Types of architecture degrees

There are various types of architects with specialized skills in various areas, so take a look at the list below to see which one appeals to you the most.

1. Landscape architecture degree

Do you enjoy the great outdoors and green spaces?

Landscape architects build and design just that.

Landscape architects build visually appealing landscapes for people and communities through the design of parks, gardens, housing developments, walkways, and the selection of flowers and plants.

To be effective in this sector, you must be:

Imaginative

Creative

Personable

Excellent communicator

Artistic

Logical

You should also be familiar with environmental and conservation concerns to help the designs.

Interior architecture degree

You can study architecture alongside interior design at London Metropolitan University, but this is a distinct discipline from standard architecture and focuses on the interiors of current structures.

2. Urban planning

This architectural style focuses on the design of the built environment, such as the construction of towns and cities.

It is primarily concerned with the design of urban spaces.

You will also consider the impact of your plans on the communities that will be working and living in the area in this line of work.

Each specialization may be offered as a module as part of an architecture degree to allow students to pursue their interests further.

Check with the institutions you’re interested in to see what topics they offer, as they can vary greatly.

Why study architecture?

Attending and graduating with a degree in architecture is one of the best experiences a student can have.

Even if students never pursue a career in architecture, the experience of architecture school is highly beneficial and rewarding for everyone who attends.

Here are six compelling reasons why you should study architecture.

1. Travel

Learning about architecture will expose you to a long and illustrious list of human-made wonders from all over the world.

During your first year, you will most likely study structures in some of the world’s most populous cities, such as Paris, London, and Barcelona.

Because a large portion of the subject is taught by going outside and gaining inspiration, you will most likely have opportunities to visit these cities and experience the buildings firsthand.

2. Practice

An Architecture degree will teach you how to design buildings so that they complement existing structures and provide efficient services.

You’ll learn how to think about the environmental effects of your designs and how those designs can be incorporated reasonably.

Many courses have placement years in which you can work with a trained architect and learn directly from them.

It is a significant benefit since this type of vocational training is uncommon.

3. Diversity of study

Architecture degrees perfectly combine arts and science by combining functional craft and historical theory.

You’ll learn about the relationship between geopolitics and the design of historical buildings, why context influences how a building is constructed, and how to measure angles, use equations, and analyze sketches.

When you graduate, you will have a diverse skill set.

4. Contact time

One-on-one instruction and seminars characterize architecture programs.

The majority of courses rely on frequent input and constructive criticism to promote gradual improvement.

Tutors take the time to work with you and are typically very approachable.

5. Make an impact

Architects have a significant impact on communities and the people who live there.

They build many of the facilities that people need for living, studying, and enjoying themselves, such as recreation centers, schools, and housing estates.

If you study this topic, you may be working towards something truly significant.

6. Collaboration

The study of architecture necessitates a great deal of collaboration.

You might frequently find yourself in the middle of a group project, collaborating with others to achieve a common goal.

That is not easy, but it does aid in the growth of transferable skills such as empathy, understanding, delegation, communication, and leadership.

7. Problem-solving skills.

Architecture school teaches you how to analyze data and knowledge to construct a building or solve a problem.

The solutions never come immediately; they come after extensive investigation of the problem and several iterations of trial and error before a perfect solution is found.

The design process is what we call this. The same design method and logic that is used to design a building can be used to solve a wide range of problems that are unrelated to architecture.

If you understand and identify the design process, it will alter how you handle challenges in all aspects of your life.

What do we study in architecture?

Architecture degrees are a highly sought-after and competitive option.

Studying it at university necessitates the development of a unique set of skills that combine the creative and logical sides of the brain.

Courses incorporate elements of mathematics and engineering, as well as creativity and knowledge of current technologies and cultural trends.

Architects, in contrast to other occupations, work mainly with their hands and do very little reading and writing.

This element is practiced from the start at university.

The method varies by university, so you can look into the different courses and attend open days.

A lot of architecture is taught outside the school, rather than in the classroom, so features like field trips and year abroad are appealing additions to the curriculum.

Structural engineering, architectural history, urban design concepts, and building material studies are all important components of BA or BSc programs (bachelor’s degrees).

Degrees teach aspiring architects everything from how to precisely draw 3D designs – both by hand and on a computer – to design theories.

Some learning institutions focus on providing students with a thorough understanding of architectural history, while others focus on the industry’s practicalities right away.

Modern universities emphasize management and construction skills, preparing students to operate construction sites.

The acquisition of functional design skills is an essential component of an architecture degree, which means that a significant amount of time is spent working on studio-based design projects.

Drawing abilities, as well as digital illustration and architectural modeling, are honed.

At the master’s level, students can study architecture or pursue more specialized courses such as architecture and environmental design, interior design, or urban design, among many others.

An Architectural Education

Architectural education, like the practice of architectural thinking, is rich and diverse.

You won’t just take one ‘architecture’ course at Architecture School; you’ll take a variety of them.

Initially, each strand of research will appear to be very distinct – some will be science, some historical, and some more artistic.

However, as you advance through your studies, the fields of learning can increasingly overlap.

Your final ‘thesis’ project will generally be your opportunity to put everything you’ve learned into one well-thought-out (and usually very exciting) project.

Courses at Architectural School

Typically, you will spend each year focusing on the following areas of skill development:

Architectural design

  • Finishing design projects on your own or in a group;
  • Working in a specialized studio space;
  • Concentrating on applying your abilities to a project – a problem
  • Methods for learning and testing design are being developed.
  • Use analog and digital drawing and modeling techniques.
  • Honing presentation and communication skills.

Construction

  • Understanding the properties of materials;
  • Studying construction processes and methods,
  • Understanding the development of detailing;
  • Understanding the principles of durability and weather-tightness, as well as the factors that influence these;
  • Learning about finishes, including how to achieve them and the benefits and drawbacks of various applications.

Theory

  • fully understanding the design process;
  • comparing the current practice to various theories;
  • considering design as a form of research
  • creating a personal ethos and identifying like-minded thinkers
  • comprehending the connection between architecture and other practices

Professional Practice

  • investigating various types of architectural practice
  • knowing the phases and stages of practice
  • taking into account the most critical management elements;
  • a financial overview of projects and the architectural business
  • comprehending architects’ legal and ethical responsibilities
  • attaining an understanding of construction contracts and how they are managed.

Architectural Communication

  • Modeling, sketching, and drawing
  • design, layout, and presentation of graphic materials
  • techniques for computer design
  • communication in writing
  • Giving a presentation and communicating orally

Structures

  • The study of structures is fundamentally concerned with how buildings remain standing!
  • being familiar with the structural components of buildings;
  • understanding the forces acting on a building and how we can design to manage these forces
  • calculation of structural elements
  • recognizing the structural capacity of various materials and construction methods;
  • recognizing how structural thinking can improve architectural design

History

  • comprehending various styles, movements, and timeframes;
  • connecting technological advancements to changes in architectural design
  • considering how various cultures have historically responded to their cultural, geographical, and climatic needs;
  • how broader social, economic, and climatic change affects architecture

Careers in Architecture

Completing a degree in architecture can be a long and arduous task, but it can also be remarkably gratifying.

Despite this, many newly graduated architects are uncertain where to begin or have decided that they do not want to be architects at all.

Here is a list of careers you can pursue with a degree in architecture, which may help some people resolve the intimidating task of starting to think about and prepare for the professional life that awaits them.

Landscape Architect

Designing outdoor environments, such as infrastructure, public spaces, agriculture, and forestry, is crucial not only for building the webs that connect our urban and rural spaces, but also, and perhaps more importantly, for responding to globalization and climate change.

Among other items, landscape architects work in stormwater management, environmental conservation, and recreational areas.

This may be the road for you if you enjoy working with and in nature.

Urban Planner

The dynamics of urbanism are increasingly changing as a result of a steadily increasing proportion of our population moving into urban areas.

The urban environment’s complex state makes it an exciting direction to take as an architect, covering everything from economic and demographic shifts to sustainable growth.

It is an important responsibility of our profession, but it is also a difficult one; it necessitates adaptability and large-scale problem-solving.

Restoration Architect

The heritage and history of our cultures as represented by architecture are not only beautiful glimpses into the past but also critical to understanding our society as a discipline.

It is impossible to please everyone when it comes to building conservation and renovation.

Despite the sometimes rather beautiful solutions, the media often portrays restoration as a “heritage massacre.”

Research Architect

As a result of the latest wave of digital design and the relentless advancement of digital technology, methods of representation and expression are rapidly changing. The influence of information technology on architecture has been profound, and it is far from over.

These continuous changes are made possible in part by the exciting research being conducted by architects, which does not simply consist of constructing structures, but rather focuses on how these innovative technologies can enhance our work.

Political Architect

Some claim that architecture is by definition democratic; however, being involved in a city’s or country’s political decisions is a different story.

Architecture is more than just the creation of beautiful objects; it also serves a function in the organization of society.

Terroir, for example, has collaborated with the Burnie City Council as well as the Parramatta City Council in Australia to advocate for a specific framework for the city, forecast what could happen, and design a set of parameters for the city’s evolution.

It is an example of architecture influencing politics rather than politics influencing architecture.

Extreme Architect

Extreme weather events such as flooding, heatwaves, and hurricanes are expected to become more common as climate change progresses.

Existing extreme conditions, such as deserts, are likely to grow as a result of phenomena like desertification.

Being an architect who specializes in severe weather conditions is not only an incredibly interesting way to approach the topic but also extremely useful in helping us adjust to our planet’s future.

Industrial Designer

Due to their strong artistic links, many architecture firms have branched out into industrial design.

However, as opposed to large-scale structures built for a particular context, the industrial design focuses on smaller-scale objects of mass production.

If the idea of creating something massive, lasting, and landscape-altering sounds too daunting, industrial design is a brilliant, smaller-sized option.

Textile Designer

Textile design necessitates sensitivity to color, tactility, construction, patterns, and shapes, all of which are developed during any architecture student’s years in school.

In some cases, the relationship between “skin” and structure is much more literal than that of a house, when the two blend together.

In many respects, high fashion is reminiscent of architecture, embracing the geometric and sculptural constructions of modern buildings.

Production Designer

Despite the fact that a set or a stage is a much smaller platform than a virtual planet, designing theatre and film sets allows for the same amount of creative flow.

It relieves the stresses of conventional spatial design and language, allowing for more evocative, sensual, and story-driven interactions while still using all of the expertise and skills gained from an architecture education: time constraints, conceptual environments, and collaborative imagination.

Key skills

An architecture degree will typically provide you with the following skills:

  • Creating highly detailed drawings and plans by hand as well as using computer-aided design software
  • The ability to work independently as well as part of a trained team
  • The current design and planning laws and regulations knowledge
  • Hands-on problem-solving abilities
  • Strong written and oral professional communication skills
  • Working ability to meet deadlines and client briefs
  • Budgeting and cost-estimating abilities
  • Reports and proposals must be written and presented.
  • Understanding of changing trends and chief issues in the architecture industry
  • Skills in organization and project management
Amit Kumar

FreeEducator.com blog is managed by Amit Kumar. He and his team come from the Oxford, Stanford and Harvard. At FreeEducator, we strive to create the best admission platform so that international students can go to the best universities - regardless of financial circumstances. By applying with us, international students get unlimited support and unbiased advice to secure the best college offers overseas.

Recent Posts

How to Become Web Developer for Free?

As an entry level software developer, you can typically expect to earn between $50,000 and…

2 years ago

UNESCO Calling Application for International Fund for Cultural Diversity

On March 16, 2022, UNESCO launches the thirteenth call for applications to the International Fund for…

2 years ago

Colleges in France for International Students

Are you thinking of studying overseas, particularly in France? If yes, this article will guide…

2 years ago

Colleges in Germany for International Students

Germany is one of the world's top ten most popular study locations. Every day, Germany…

2 years ago

Best Ways for College Students to Make Money

College life is full of new experiences and ideas. You get a lot to do…

2 years ago

Christmas Presents for College Students

The holiday season has arrived, and it's time to start thinking about Christmas presents for…

2 years ago

This website uses cookies.