When I first thought about studying Architecture, two questions came to mind. Why do I want to study architecture and what will it do for me? As with any academic decision, the answers to these questions will inform my future career path and the direction my life will take. For me, the answer is complex and I would argue, personal.
Architecture is a discipline that is constantly changing and evolving. Designing buildings, landscapes and cities requires an understanding of the physical environment. This means understanding the elements and spatial relationships within a given space while also considering the effects of culture, politics, and economics on a structure. The scope of architecture is vast and wide ranging, requiring a strong technical background in cores like engineering, physics, construction and aesthetics.
The thought of being able to design an entire city alone is a thrilling prospect for me. The ability to contribute to the urban vernacular and create spaces that are in harmony with nature, generating less pollution and preserving the environment is an honourable and noble endeavour. At the same time, architecture requires understanding of current trends, societal needs and future trends. This requires research on what makes buildings, cities and landscapes more sustainable and adaptive for both the environment and the people living in it.
For me, the key to successful architecture is patience and a willingness to explore all aspects of any particular project. The materials and methods used in construction should be considered carefully, but with a sense of experimentation. I have always enjoyed exploring new ideas and delving into the unknown. I have a passion for understanding how buildings, cities, and landscapes are designed and built, and exploring ways in which they can be improved.
Studying architecture also provides me with a range of personal and professional skills. It will allow me to explore my creativity and become a better problem solver, as well as increase my confidence and leadership skills. I will develop better communication, research and project management skills that could help me in any field I enter later in life.
Studying architecture involves a great deal of hard work and determination, but it is worth the effort. I believe architecture will not only provide me with the skills I need to develop and advance professionally, but also the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the planet.
Architecture and Sustainability
Sustainability has become a pressing global environmental concern, and architecture provides a unique opportunity for reducing the environmental impact of today’s buildings, cities and landscapes. Through sustainable architecture, a building or urban environment can be designed to consume fewer resources, improve air and water quality, and have minimal to zero emissions.
Architectural designs that take into account natural resources, clean technologies and the environment have the potential to reduce energy and water usage, generate renewable energy and reduce waste. This makes building sustainable structures not only environmentally friendly but also cost effective.
Architects must consider the long term implications of a project, which involves being aware of the current state of the environment and the impacts of their designs. They must also be forward-thinking enough to anticipate future trends, lifestyles and technological advances, ensuring that their designs remain relevant and fit for purpose for an extended period of time.
Incorporating sustainability into building designs has never been more important, and studying architecture provides me with the opportunity to make a lasting difference. I want to be part of a movement that works towards a better future and to ensure that the buildings and cities of tomorrow are sustainable and aesthetically pleasing.
Architecture and Cultural Landscapes
Architecture is not just about designing physical structures, but also entire cultural landscapes. These landscapes are works of art shaped by the collective beliefs, history and traditions of a community, and are often filled with symbolic meaning and cultural artifacts.
Creating a successful architectural landscape means understanding the culture of a community, their patterns of behaviour and their preferences. Architects must be able to design solutions that are both unique and fitting for a certain context. This requires an understanding of the local environment and culture, as well as an effort to incorporate traditional elements with modern solutions.
For me, this is one of the most rewarding aspects of studying architecture. It is not just about aesthetics or technical solutions, but also understanding the people who will use the space and designers must be willing to be flexible and adaptive to the needs and wants of a community. The opportunity to learn about different cultures and journeys, to get out of the traditional studio and collaborate with local communities is a prospect that excites me.
This is also a great opportunity to learn different languages, art forms and gain a better appreciation of cultural practices. Over time, I believe this will enable me to provide more effective and meaningful solutions that completely change and improve how people live, work and play with their environment.
Architecture and Empathy
Architectural designs must be created with empathy. Architects need to not only consider the functional aspects of a project, but also how people will use and interact with their environment. This requires creative problem solving, but also psychological and social insight into the lives of people who will inhabit the space.
In order to understand the needs of others, Architects must be able to relate to different types of people. Combining this empathy with an understanding of the human condition enables Architects to design meaningful and usable spaces. This is another reason I am drawn to studying architecture; it allows me an opportunity to use my creativity, while also giving me the chance to relate to people and build relationships with them.
In the future, I see myself using Architecture in order to positively impact people’s lives. This could be through creating public spaces that are accessible and inviting, designing healthcare facilities that are comforting and therapeutic, or educating people about the value of designing responsibly.
Architecture gives me the opportunity to be creative whilst also making a difference. It’s a unique discipline that combines art, science and technology, and requires a certain set of skills and understanding. The prospect of creating a better future and improving people’s lives is an exciting one, and is one of the primary reason why I want to study architecture.
Architecture and the Future
Architecture will continue to evolve and develop, and studying architecture now will enable me to stay ahead of the curve. By learning the fundamentals of a discipline, I will be better prepared to take on and solve new challenges in the future.
Studying architecture will also allow me to explore new and innovative solutions to existing problems. This could involve exploring new materials and methods, or presenting imaginative and unusual designs. These solutions will require the combination of practicality and creativity, both of which can be learned through a study of architecture.
Studying architecture will also enable me to join a global community of Architects, allowing me to gain insights and inspiration from my peers. This will give me the opportunity to explore new ideas with other likeminded individuals who can help to further my understanding of the discipline.
Studying architecture also provides an opportunity to widen my network. Through exploring other areas of the discipline, such as landscape architecture, industrial design and urban planning, I will be able to establish relationships with people from various backgrounds and disciplines. This will open up a world of new possibilities and allow me to explore my options.
Studying architecture opens up a wealth of possibilities for the future and will give me the opportunity to explore new ideas and contribute to the built environment. I am excited at the prospect of pushing the boundaries of architecture and being part of the future of the discipline.
Architecture and Technology
The field of architecture is constantly evolving, and technology has an ever-increasing presence in the discipline. The development of advanced software and hardware, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and 3D printing, has opened up a new array of possibilities and solutions.
The increasing availability of tools that allow complex designs to be created quickly and accurately creates the potential for Architects to create unique and complex structures. In addition, advances in digital fabrication, computational design and artificial intelligence will enable Architects to explore unfamiliar territories and create new experiences for people.
Technology also provides Architects with the ability to visualise and communicate designs more effectively. Computer-generated images and virtual reality applications allow Architects to better understand the effects of their designs, while also allowing other stakeholders to appreciate and interact with an Architect’s vision.
As technology progresses, so too will the discipline of architecture. Studying architecture now will give me the necessary skills and understanding to be able to grow with the industry and explore new possibilities.
Architecture and the Environment
Architecture and the environment have a close connection; one cannot exist without the other. By understanding and respecting the environment, Architects are able to limit the negative impacts of their designs.
In order to create a truly successful design, Architects need to take into account how their designs will affect the environment. This could involve choosing materials that are both environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing, utilising natural light and ventilation systems, or minimising the amount of energy used in a structure.
Studying architecture also presents an opportunity to explore alternative approaches to building, such as using recycled materials or utilising natural resources. These environmentally conscious designs are not only cost-effective but also beneficial to the planet and its inhabitants.
Designing with the environment in mind is an important part of architecture, and is something that I am passionate about. Studying architecture will enable me to fuse my engineering understanding with my love of nature, allowing me to create sustainable, functional and beautiful structures.
