What is Architecture?
A single definition is insufficient to include the term “architecture.” There is much more to architecture than just a phrase. In addition to being a science and a business, architecture is a passion, a vocation, and a calling. Both social art and artistic science have been used to define it. The design of architecture must be of the highest caliber. Marcus Vitruvius, a famous Roman architect and, historian, once said that architecture offers “firmness, commodity, and delight.”
A sense of location and support for all forms of human activity is provided by the architecture. In addition to fostering health and well-being, enhancing lives aesthetically and spiritually, creating economic opportunities, and leaving a legacy that reflects and represents culture and traditions, architecture helps the man-made fit in harmony with the environment. One must first comprehend architecture to comprehend architectural stereotypes. One must comprehend the individuals who contributed to the existence of architecture after having a basic understanding of it. The architects are the most significant of these entities.
What does one understand by the term “stereotypes”?
According to the Cambridge dictionary, the definition of “stereotype” is “a set idea that people have about what someone or something is like, especially an idea that is wrong.” Due to its intensive nature, architecture takes a lot of time. A mentor is necessary for an architect because they are constantly learning and need to catch up on industry trends. One needs to be aware of the several drawbacks to the architectural profession. Many stereotypes have been around for a long time and are still being used today.
What are the stereotypes in architecture?
Beginning at the very top. The major monuments that define history and culture were created by architects and left to the world. The architectural profession was once seen as honorable, but as time has gone on, numerous shifts have taken place in the field. Many alterations resulted in both good and terrible outcomes, as well as some outstanding architectural accomplishments. Here are a few vicious myths about architects and architecture.
- Are all the architects rich?
Many students choose architecture as a career because they believe it would provide them with a better financial future than other professions, however, the harsh reality of this field is very different. To get a decent job, one must put in a lot of hard work. Finding a job that pays “Great” in the Indian context is nearly as difficult as counting all the stars in the sky. The positions in the field of architecture don’t pay well in India, and that is the most severe reality. On the other hand, when one establishes his Architectural practice, he can make a good living. However, starting one’s own business in this day and era with so much competition is difficult. enough. However, compared to other professions in their respective countries, architects in Europe and America make roughly 65% more money.
- Architects’ work is just sketching and making drawings.
The average person has no idea what an architect does. One of the misconceptions about architects is that all they do is sketch and draw, and this is the most annoying thing an architect will ever hear. A skilled practitioner with extensive education is an architect. He combines the best qualities of practically all engineers in history. The illustration that follows gives us a general understanding of what an architect undertakes to accomplish his projects. A short portion of the story is illustrated in the diagram below. The truth is that each of these elements needs input from a variety of advisors. To achieve a shared objective, you need a team that collaborates. However, an architect must first and foremost comprehend the contributions of each professional and what they all contribute to the project.
- Compared to other courses, architectural studies are much simpler.
Studying architecture is one of the most difficult courses in the world. Architecture students are some of the most hardworking individuals because of the sleepless nights and the long hours spent in front of their architectural drawings and computers. Architectural studies take a serious mental toll because there is no correct answer in architecture, unlike in mathematics and engineering. The architect, the customer, and, to a lesser extent, the general public all participate in this subjective process. There is no written formula for architecture. Aesthetics, theory, historical study, sociological awareness, technical prowess, building science, understanding of zoning and codes, etc. are all factors that need to be studied.
A professional in the construction sector is not an architect. One must be very knowledgeable about every area, but a consultant simply needs to be well-versed in a very small portion of the total scope of work. The range of issues that an architect must consider to produce a sensible design is fairly extensive and frequently far wider than the general public assumes.
- Architects are Artists
Architects are incredibly creative individuals with unique perspectives on the world. They also possess a creative eye. They are excellent with new concepts as well as technicalities. Even though not all architects are talented painters or sketch artists, they nonetheless use a lot of creativity when developing their designs. So, certainly, architects are artists, but not all artists are architects.
- A person who practices architecture gets more fashionable and gains a keen sense of style.
Architects are often stereotyped as being fashionable. However, this is entirely subjective and varies from person to person. Some architects appear serious and poised, and and then some architects are least concerned about their appearance. Therefore, it essentially varies from person to person.
What modifications are needed in our nation’s architecture profession?
In today’s world, the first and most crucial requirement for architecture schools and colleges is to provide education in a way that prevents students from becoming demotivated or experiencing heartbreak. This is because to work with the best productivity, one needs motivation, But at the moment, architectural education and studies put a lot of mental strain on the students. Throughout their tenure in colleges or other institutions, students experience constant mental pressure. As a result of this mental stress, many people are abandoning their jobs in architecture, the authorities must address this issue.
The fact that reality is considerably different after completing architectural studies is a second issue that needs to be addressed. Although students in architecture programs learn how to be creative, they are not taught the management skills that are crucial when applying for jobs or opening their businesses.
The underpayment of architects in India is the final issue that needs to be addressed. Every person who underwent rigorous training and hard effort to become an architect deserves the luxury that this profession offers, just like attorneys and doctors do. However, out of 100 architects, only two are currently enjoying that luxury, which is a matter of concern. Only the architects themselves can find a solution to this issue. Every architect wants to be respected by others, but sometimes they don’t value their work. Before gaining the respect of others, architects must first respect themselves and the wider architectural community. An architect is a professional who deserves every luxury, just like other professionals.
Online sources
WHAT IS ARCHITECTURE?
Available at:
https://medium.com/@AAA_Publication/what-is-architecture-1b52f5339c2a
What is Architecture
Available at: https://raic.org/raic/what-architecture
DEATH IS NOT AN EXCUSE FOR AN ARCHITECT
Posted by Guneet Khurana
Available at: https://gees7.wordpress.com/2013/05/24/death-is-not-an-excuse-for-an-architect/
Architectural Stereotypes
October 25, 2020, by Bob Borson
Available at: https://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/episode-061-architectural-stereotypes/
What Did I Learn in Architecture School?
BY DAVID PASTRE
Available at: https://caccstudiov.com/2010/10/03/what-did-i-learn-in-architecture-school/
