We all have been in a phase wherein one day we wake up and decide this is something we want to without even knowing what this is. It sometimes feels like we are interested in architecture but no one knows quite what it is or exactly how to go about it. But, something that we all must be sure of is that no architecture school will ever teach us to draw plans or teach us how to build houses here we learn to be an architect we evolve with time and this is what our course teaches us.
Thinking architecturally-which means we tend to see things according to the perspective of the subject, which being architecture. We start off thinking practically, technically, creatively, tend to understand the problem and always focus on finding solutions to all the problems we also tend to re-conceptualize problems as opportunities. We usually tend to get excited thinking about the possibilities of what the project could be, and also about which would make them overcome all the impossibilities into the best possible outcome. The world of architects is more about how we analyse the world and each of us has different visions and response.
Time as a design tool-Every person apprehends time differently. We as architects are always told to meet a deadline, time plays a very important role. Time management is something we are always taught of on how important every minute of our life is. Time brings in the stability and steadiness, that framed the discipline. What a designer should always know is that the time will always tell how successful the design is and if the design will be loved and enjoyed by people. There is a true difficulty in the impact of time, we appreciate time in different ways. The way we approach time will sometimes come with a solution itself.
Architectural education- There is a diversity between college, each college has a different way of approaching and teaching. It’s based on what they feel is the best. When we choose a course we choose architecture but it has a varied and rich range of courses. In the beginning, which might just feel the course to be separated – some historic, some scientific, some more creative. But as time flies we learn how things are integrated, builds confidence for our future in the practice of architecture. We all get a chance to put all together which gives in the confidence to integrate all the subjects together.
Explore being a key to success- Youths are the future, we are never stopped exploring and are asked to be as creative as possible. We tend to travel as much as possible as we get to learn from the past, living in the present, and to picture what the future is going to be like. Observing proves beneficial in making artwork humane centric while giving a sense of direction to our thoughts. Traveling always makes a journey as every architectural masterpiece has its innate essence and aura. Imagine standing in aisles of one of the churches which will help us capture even the smallest detail. For us, it’s very important to focus and see all the details.
Voice out our opinions- The best ideas are never incorporated into projects unless they are heard, presented, and defended. Many details on projects can be improved if we simply point out the better solution. It is always about the best version of ourselves that we supposed to be putting forward. We all have different opinions, which makes us unique and equals different positions. Continuously reflect on your experiences to determine what you want. Make different decisions to attain this position.
Making decisions- Design has a critical impact on user decision-making. As decisions lead to different actions and this might lead to an outcome. The goal is to get the best decision outcome with the least amount of effort. Design plays a very important role in either helping or hindering people in making decisions.
Reading becomes a part of our lives- As architects, we have visual learners we learn to imagine. Reading helps us explore and expanding creativity. It stimulates our imagination to create a new world in our minds. It also helps us in understanding people, places, and society better. Imagining stories helps us activate a particular region of the brain responsible for understanding different perspectives. It helps us with the capacity of the brain to understand as well as mentally react to other individuals and social situations. It helps us calm and reduces stress and pressure that we go through to meet a particular deadline.
We learn to take criticism- In the process of learning, we tend to take criticism. It is always hard to listen to an outsider to observe and tear apart a piece of work that we have put our heart and soul into. But, eventually, with time, we tend to realize that criticism comes along with us in our profession. Every person will have different opinions and we must take things positively and move ahead rather than just thinking about it. Also, it’s totally upon us if we would want to take these criticisms into considerations or just do as what we think is the best for us.
Public speaking/presentation skills- This profession knowingly/ unknowingly teaches us to speak up for our design. But let’s say practice makes man perfect and in an architecture school we tend to get a lot of practice presenting our works. Whether it’s a group presentation or just an individual presentation the main aim is to convince the agenda or purpose behind the design, talking, or defending about it in a review. Architectural school is all about the presentation of all sizes and shapes. We tend to learn how to be perfect in our speaking skills, as we grow it becomes easier for us to do so.
Teamwork- Architecture school encourages us to practice in galore groups. Though it might be a process full of frustration as we tend to work with different types of people, we also learn valuable lessons about how to work with other people, and possibly how not to. Firms look into, how we work as a team more than just our individual work. Teamwork also teaches us how to adjust and compromise on things also gives us an opportunity in understanding things better. In the practice of architecture, communicating and cooperating with everyone around.
Defending our work and opinions- It’s a delicate balance, as we have put in a lot of work into this project and are literally the chief expert on the topic of our design. When we have a review we are sometimes asked or questioned about our choices we should be able to answer and justify clearly. This could be done by just having a strong argument that holds on our opinions, making sure that it doesn’t get defensive. It helps us form a constructive dialogue and debate our work with someone else.
