4 answers
Vincent
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
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How can I prepare myself before becoming an Architecture in the US?
I am a middle school student in 7th grade who goes to crane middle school and since elementary I have been interested in architecture and designing buildings.
And I just would like to know, How can I prepare myself before becoming an architect? so I know what elective classes to take.
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4 answers
Richard A. (Tony) Eckel
49
Answers
Updated
Richard A. (Tony)’s Answer
Vincent,
Architecture is much more than the building - it is the purpose of structures in society.
This is not just the walls that enclose us, but the utilities, the logistics, the access to entertainment, the protection from disaster, and how all that reflects on the person who pays for that space and the impact on those around and in the structures.
Architecture is the ultimate confluence of science, engineering, and art; that is your guide. From acoustics and building materials, to structural, power, and civil engineering, and then onto color, texture, proportions.... it goes on and on (including live plantings).
Start with art skills so that ideas in your head can be visually communicated rapidly (like on a sidewalk with some chalk) and help learn the difference between expression and impression when drawing and evaluating drawings. Then go big on Urban Planning to get a sense of place and proportion for buildings in settings constrained by "place" rather than defining the "place" where built. Finally, everything is engineering; It might look good on paper, but it has to standup and perform for the life of the structure. And meet Building Codes, the great equalizer in architecture that tends to drive all construction to the generic average. Research on Building re-purposing/reuse is also instructive on how to add value to a design by making it flexible to begin with, or at least not overly constrained to a single use or configuration.
On a final note, Psychology may play a part in Architecture of the future where perceptions of space and comfort have to be supported with fewer and fewer resources, so a human perceptions and motivations, i.e., psych coursework may be beneficial too, especially for the politics that are involved with architecture internally.
As a note - tour all sorts of buildings with an eye toward how they were constructed (e.g. Arena di Verona is held up by gravity on keystone lintels, not arches, that have slipped down 2" over the centuries.) and how non-structural details are used to change the relative perspective of elements that both hold them up and make the space more inviting as well as move people through them smoothly and naturally.
It's a big challenging subject - grab tight and hold on!
Tony
Architecture is much more than the building - it is the purpose of structures in society.
This is not just the walls that enclose us, but the utilities, the logistics, the access to entertainment, the protection from disaster, and how all that reflects on the person who pays for that space and the impact on those around and in the structures.
Architecture is the ultimate confluence of science, engineering, and art; that is your guide. From acoustics and building materials, to structural, power, and civil engineering, and then onto color, texture, proportions.... it goes on and on (including live plantings).
Start with art skills so that ideas in your head can be visually communicated rapidly (like on a sidewalk with some chalk) and help learn the difference between expression and impression when drawing and evaluating drawings. Then go big on Urban Planning to get a sense of place and proportion for buildings in settings constrained by "place" rather than defining the "place" where built. Finally, everything is engineering; It might look good on paper, but it has to standup and perform for the life of the structure. And meet Building Codes, the great equalizer in architecture that tends to drive all construction to the generic average. Research on Building re-purposing/reuse is also instructive on how to add value to a design by making it flexible to begin with, or at least not overly constrained to a single use or configuration.
On a final note, Psychology may play a part in Architecture of the future where perceptions of space and comfort have to be supported with fewer and fewer resources, so a human perceptions and motivations, i.e., psych coursework may be beneficial too, especially for the politics that are involved with architecture internally.
As a note - tour all sorts of buildings with an eye toward how they were constructed (e.g. Arena di Verona is held up by gravity on keystone lintels, not arches, that have slipped down 2" over the centuries.) and how non-structural details are used to change the relative perspective of elements that both hold them up and make the space more inviting as well as move people through them smoothly and naturally.
It's a big challenging subject - grab tight and hold on!
Tony
Henry Ling
Architect
45
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Henry’s Answer
Hello Vincent.
The best way to prepare yourself is to expand your spatial thinking. Increase your awareness by sketching everywhere you go. Get to know how far, how wide and how tall buildings are. Identify the elements in your travels so you know what makes great spaces.
The best way to prepare yourself is to expand your spatial thinking. Increase your awareness by sketching everywhere you go. Get to know how far, how wide and how tall buildings are. Identify the elements in your travels so you know what makes great spaces.
Alecia Drenckhahn
5
Answers
Updated
Alecia’s Answer
Hi Vincent! Focus on building core skills for a future in architecture. Strong math and physics knowledge is essential. Architects often represent their teams, so having excellent English skills will make you and your team look good and reassure clients. Reading fiction can help you expand your vocabulary and improve spelling. Getting comfortable with public speaking is also beneficial. All of these skills are valuable in many fields, even if you choose not to pursue architecture. Be prepared for direct feedback in architecture school. It's not personal, but you'll need to handle criticism without taking it to heart.
Study Geometry, Calculus, Physics, Geology, Art, and History.
Read more, from a variety of authors and multiple genres.
Practice Public Speaking.
Alecia recommends the following next steps:
Thank you!
Vincent
Sukhrob Hasan
Product Engineer
2
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Sukhrob’s Answer
Try exploring different drawing apps like CAD and Adobe. There are many apps for iPads and Samsung tablets where you can start drawing and have fun. Next, consider joining summer bootcamps for designers to improve your skills. You can also watch tutorials on YouTube and read books to learn more and get better at drawing.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Vincent