Ten semesters, five years numerous subjects are taught and are studied, out of which there are few subjects whom one cannot just neglect studying deeply, and these subjects play the role of the foundation in one’s architecture career. The following subjects are crucial and extremely important for any architecture student to study thoroughly.
Neither any masterpiece in architecture nor any brilliant architect was created without any knowledge of specific subjects that need to be implemented in a design. Architecture is not just about designing a building it is about bringing a structure to life with all the necessary stuff just done right.
Every architecture college has a curriculum that is followed and then after successfully passing in the exams held one is qualified to be an architect, bestowed with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. Ten semesters, five years numerous subjects are taught and are studied, out of which there are few subjects whom one cannot just neglect studying deeply, and these subjects play the role of the foundation in one’s architecture career. The following subjects are crucial and extremely important for any architecture student to study thoroughly.
1. Design
Not to mention, architecture is designing. Designing cannot be taught, yes I do agree with this but one needs to be taken through the journey of the same. For one cannot just start himself designing, one should be taken through the journey, the adventures, and the thrill of designing. The basic thing an architect does is design thus, it is the crucial role of the fraternity, the staff to imbibe the seed for the need of designing and how to design amongst the students.
2. History of Architecture
I believe, “There’s no future without history”. Thus studying the history of architecture is very important. One cannot design without understanding how structures have been designed earlier, in the era without any advancement in technology, brains were the only equipment back then, but it was enough. We are bound to study history to have a look at the legacy which ought to be carried forward by us via our designs. Thus, I consider the History of Architecture as a crucial; and important subject to study and understand by any architecture student.
3. Graphics
I’ve always explained the importance of graphics in the studio. There’s no architect without the knowledge and skill of putting your design in a graphical format. Graphics is a subject which teaches you to express your design and is a medium through which you can put forth your ideas. I’ve always been told that Graphics is the most significant subject to study in any course of architecture.
4. Computer Technology
Our generation is rightly said, Tech-Gen. Technology has spread its hands in all the courses of life and is of no wonder that technology and computers are playing a crucial role in architecture as well. Most architects work extensively with computers, using them to develop and design their ideas.
Touch screen technology, extensively used these days allows architects to sketch directly into software that can be translated into 3D modeling apps. Using visual scripting tools such as Grasshopper and Revit, architects can streamline their processes, quickly iterate, explore and deliver solutions. Computer technology is the future! And to withstand this future there’s no escape from technology and thus, is an extremely important subject in Architecture to be taught in the colleges.
5. Working Drawing
A working drawing is a scale drawing that serves as a guide for the construction or manufacture of something such as a building or machine. It is the most important subject for undergraduate students. This working drawing is what will be taken forward for the sanctioning work and also will be considered for the actual site work.
6. Climatology
The study of the climate is considered very crucial in architecture, and climatology teaches the same. Study of climatic conditions, wind direction, sun path, shadow angles, etc which can help better one’s design is what the subject aims for. Knowing climate helps in the development of a stabilized and fine design.
7. Building Services (Sanitation)
As an architect, we design a space where one resides. Services such as drainage, toilets, electricity, etc are to be taken into consideration. All these building services are taught under the subject Building Services and Sanitation and if not taken into consideration a design cannot be called a complete.
8. Theory of Structures
Structural Engineering is itself a whole another branch in designing and construction, but the basics of the subject have to be known and understood by architecture undergraduate students. The theory of Structures is thus a subject that helps one understand how a design can be bought into life in the form of a structure with structural members like beams, columns, etc.
It is widely observed that students do not pay attention and do not bother about studying while in college and later regret the same while working as architects. Thus, according to me, these are few very crucial and extremely important subjects which should and have to study and understand, yes! Understood by architecture students as we’ll need the help and guidance of these studies in the future while we’ll be creating wonders of the world!
