“Design is not just what it looks like. Design is how it works.”
-Steve Jobs.

Architecture colleges are the places where the most creative minds function together and build each other in order to build spaces in the future. Architecture is not just about educating oneself but creating a whole new perspective to design and develop great ideas. The five-year-long journey in architecture isn’t just about paper, pencil, and drawings, but a lot more than that. Studying in an architecture college one learns some brilliant life lessons as well. Several user-psychologies, contexts, cultures, systems, methods, techniques, and many other minute details make a design complete. Let’s take a sneak peek through this great life turning journey at an architecture college.

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  1. Architecture is not only about thinking but meta-thinking. 

Meta- thinking is the simple process of structuring one’s thoughts. Thinking how you are able to think in relation to the design challenge given is the best way to solve the problems arising in the design. Self-criticism and challenging oneself is the key to get the best possible solution.   

  1. The capability to give up the most loved ideas.

The one, who is capable of taking up criticism for the most loved idea and giving up the same, is the one who learns and understands the most. The juries are all about taking up criticism and defending one’s design to prove the design to be the best possible solution to the design challenge.

  1. Notice the activities and designs while on the go.

Architects are considered to be insightful for the learning not only happens in the colleges but is deeply interconnected with the observations and perceptions that one makes while traveling. Exposure to various experiences enhances the ability to design and understand things better. 

  1. Details are the most important part of a design.

Design is not only about the large scale thought given to a project, but when the designer understands and implements even the finest of detail in it, the good design transforms into an extraordinary one. Even a simple junction or a material transition can make it an architectural moment in itself. 

  1. Specificity makes a design appealing. 

When the drawings are specific and on point relating to a particular subject it focuses on, makes it more appealing in its own way. The drawings should do justice to the thought process and observation making it an idiosyncratic design

  1. Processing is progressing.

Designing is all about being process-oriented and not product-driven. The ability to process and understand things well helps an individual to progress. Learning and accepting new ways makes it more interesting rather than following the same old ideas. 

  1. A good design takes a lot of background research.

Reading and researching about the topic assigned helps one to understand and analyze better. It helps one to make decisions and implement the same while designing. Case studies are the first step to designing anything and everything. It initiates the thinking process in one’s mind.

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  1. Presentation skills and public speaking.

In an architecture college, there are many presentations taking place, from explaining ideas and convincing the skeptical group members to the final jury in front of the panel of jurors. Public speaking is one of the important life skills that help one, grow, and develop. 

  1. Breaking the rules isn’t a bad idea always.

The professors do not always agree to the ideas you present, but the apodictic fact is that viewing the rules as mere barriers can hinder the design thought process, and one will suffocate as a designer. The key is to try and understand the purpose of these barriers by breaking them.

  1. Time management is the key to any and everything.

Good time management learned during the college years by avoiding late nights and on-time submissions can be handy for one’s career as a professional. Due to the great pressure to submit assignments and designs, one can utilize this opportunity to prioritize things and manage time wisely. 

  1. Design is highly subjective.

One’s opinion on design may not necessarily match with everyone. No matter how good the design is, criticism always finds its way. Do not get discouraged by criticism instead learn to accept them or defend them wisely. No design is ever perfect. 

  1. Mistakes help you grow. 

Trial and error learning theory is applicable while designing better. Realizing mistakes and unproductive ideas in design helps one to move to a more viable solution. Nobody is a perfectionist in the world of design.

These ideas may help one succeed in academics as well as in many tricky life situations. Life at an architecture college is a long haul. The five years at the architecture college may be enervating but it is totally worth the knowledge gained in those years. Hopefully, most would agree and relate to the above-mentioned lessons learned in college. These skills attained during the academic sessions would definitely become assets in the professional world.   

Author

Ayesha Nathani, is an ‘extra’ fanatic and ambitious Architecture student, who has enough room for creativity with a touch of rationality. She believes writing an architectural content would enhance the world of drawings and sketches.