Why Study Architecture?
Studying architecture is an exciting prospect for many in the world of art, design and creativity. It’s an exploration of form, construction and light, by turning the imagination into reality. Traditional architecture concepts have been explored for hundreds of years, giving contemporary architects the opportunity to work in a multi-faceted discipline – one that combines old and new ideas with creativity and skill. From amazing physical structures created to immense digital projects, architecture remains a respected profession that produces great successes.
Architecture is about more than just designing buildings – it’s about how people interact with those buildings and how they are used. This is why architecture is a complex and multidisciplinary subject, bringing together aspects of the arts, the sciences, engineering, law and humanities. With so many components, there’s still opportunity to develop new skills and think in innovative ways in order to create revolutionary designs.
What Subjects To Study For Architecture?
In order to study architecture, you will need to have a rounded knowledge across a variety of topics. It’s not a simple process where you just learn about structural design and materials. Instead, you must be broad and learn about a whole array of topics, with some of the key disciplines being:
- Design: This goes without saying. You will need to get to grips with the principles and elements of design, as well as how to use creative thinking to attain real-world solutions.
- History and Theory of Architecture: You must understand the impact that architecture has had on society, how it plays a role in art and how the environment is affected.
- Structural Engineering: You need to know the fundamentals when it comes to the construction of buildings, such as the forces of gravity, taking into account tension, compression, bending and shear.
- Building Materials: Get to know the various materials available that are used for building projects, from cement and iron to wood and glass.
- Digital Design Software: Whether you’re designing a video game, animation or a fashion range, art and design software are valuable tools, and you will need to learn the basics and beyond.
These subjects can appear overwhelming, but they are just some of the things that you need to consider when studying architecture. You will receive professional tuition, paired with hands-on learning experiences provided to help you become creative, ethical and successful architects.
Looking Into Drafting and Design
Studying architecture also requires an understanding of drafting and design. Drafting is a process that turnts ideas into reality and is an essential part of the architectural process. This allows the drawing up of plans and blueprints that architects use to build or create 3D models.
Design is also a key component, as it provides an understanding of how to work effectively with selected materials, as well as being able to determine the composition behind certain characteristics of a design. The ability to put together opposing elements in a singular design can only be enhanced by effective design processes.
Sustainability in Architecture
Sustainability is an increasingly important factor in modern architecture. As a student of architecture, you will be expected to have a full understanding of what sustainability is, how to manage the resources provided by nature and to minimize the impacts on society.
You will learn about contemporary theories applied to architecture, from materials to energy efficiency, and you will gain the skills necessary to apply these theories in practical, effective ways to ensure that projects become as sustainable as possible.
Learning About Building Regulations
Finally, you will need to understand the building regulations of your local area, or any countries that you intend to practice in. Becoming familiar with fire laws, earthquake regulations, plumbing regulations, zoning and more is a crucial part of studying architecture, as you must abide by these laws in order to be successful.
Understanding the Fundamentals of Architecture
Architectural courses and courses of study are designed to introduce students to these foundational principles. You will learn about the history of architecture, from the oldest examples to the most modern, as well as gain an understanding of the mechanics behind constructing a building and the various regulations you will have to abide by.
Developing Your Creative Side
Architecture also demands a creative side in order to differentiate designs from one another, as well as from what has been done before. You will need to understand the use of colour, form, line and the fundamentals of design if you are to be successful in your chosen profession.
Gaining Knowledge About Construction
You must also be knowledgeable when it comes to the construction industry, such as the use of technology, building materials and regulations. This will ensure that projects are completed correctly, as well as to the regulations of your local area, in order to avoid any legal issues.
Exploring Specialized Areas of Architecture
Students can also choose to specialize in certain areas of architecture, such as healthcare, commercial, residential and environmental. An understanding of how these types of structures can be designed and constructed is essential to becoming a proficient and successful architect.
Integrating Technology Into Your Designs
In order to stay relevant and up-to-date with the modern world, it is essential to know how to use technology effectively. With advanced software such as 3D modelling and animation programs becoming increasingly prevalent, knowledge of such platforms is advantageous when it comes to producing better projects and understanding the potential of your designs.
Gaining Expert Insight Into Architecture
The best way to learn about architecture is to gain insights from professional architects who have direct experience in the industry. This not only provides students with a wealth of knowledge, but also instils them with the real-world practices necessary for success. It is also beneficial for those interested in a career in the field to attend any available events, lectures or workshops on architecture to stay informed and inspired.
Maintaining the Balance Between Old and New
Architecture is often a balance between old and new. It is important to understand the importance of tradition and practices when it comes to architecture, as well as have an open mind to new ideas and innovative designs. This allows for more unique, eye-catching structures that stand out from the monotony of some traditional architectures.
Exploring the Appeal of Art and Geometry
Studying architecture also requires a thorough understanding of the maths and sciences behind structures, including the power of geometry. With regards to art, there is a huge section dedicated to the imagery, sculptures and aesthetics required to make a project stand out and be noticed. This blend of two seemingly opposing fields creates an interesting combination, as well as being hugely beneficial when it comes to designing effective projects.
Understanding the Impact of Architecture
When studying architecture, one of the most important elements is understanding the lasting impact of your creations. Architects build things that last and contribute to society, from places of tourism to historic buildings that people come to visit. Therefore, understanding the importance of architecture in terms of culture, heritage and social impact is essential for those looking to get into the industry.
