Do buildings speak to you? Not literally, of course, but are you always admiring the curves, shape and body of architecture, imagining what the designer was trying to convey through its shape?
If so, perhaps the study of architecture is something for you to pursue. But wait— there is a lot more to studying architecture than admiration of amazing design, and some of these discoveries may make you turn and run far away from the idea of being an architecture student. Here we outline seven things that we think every student should know or consider before entering into the study of architecture. Hopefully, after you read this you will be even more compelled by the craft and ready to enrol.
1. University options
There is really no way around it, if you want to be an architect then you have to receive a higher education. Much like any other professional field, architecture is a field of experts requiring significant education and experience. Colleges and universities offering a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture are going to be your best bet when it comes to achieving the right education in this field.
2. Be prepared to study hard
The educational aspect of this career begs to be repeated. Some may breathe a sigh of relief upon graduation; however, a career in architecture requires a life-time commitment to continued education—especially for those who want to create a competitive edge in the market.
The face of cities and architecture is continually in flux, so an architect that wants to lead the way and succeed must be willing to continue their education throughout the span of their career.
3. Architecture requires strong Math skills?
There is a question mark to this title because some architects may actually disagree with the idea that strong Math skills are paramount to being an architect as the equations they use in their everyday working tasks are rather simple, rudimentary math; however, universities still require excellent high school Math scores.
4. Be a creative problem solver
So you don’t have to have the amazing Math skills of Thomas Edison, and we haven’t said it yet, but you also don’t need to have the drawing skills of Picasso, but you DO need creative problem-solving skills.
5. Learn the great Architects of the past
Delving into the past is always a great idea, no matter what career you are interested in pursuing. Everyone can learn a lot about the past greats in their fields of study. This really rings true for a student of architecture as there are so many amazing historical architects.
6. Travel to well-designed cities
In addition to studying the great architects, we suggest you travel to cities where amazing architecture and design is displayed. Of course, you are a student who, we are sure, has very little money to travel the world, but there may be some amazing architecture at your front door.
7. Be prepared to want to run for the hills
So you have been successfully accepted to a great school of architecture—Now get ready to want to run for the hills. This is a personal experience that many students of architecture have described, so know that you are not alone in this desire to yell, What have I done; What was I thinking?
The book, The Life of an Architect, offers some sound advice for up-and-coming architects. Perhaps read the book, take a deep breath, and stick with your studies, ignoring the sensation to give up and head for the hills.