Designing structures for the future
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An architect must be creative, practical and have an understanding of the construction industry and the tastes and needs of a client
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BEING INNOVATIVE: The work of architects influences every aspect of our built environment.
Architects are at the forefront of designing the built environment that surrounds us in the 21st Century. As professional experts in the field of building design and construction, architects use their unique creative skills to advise individuals, property owners and developers, community groups, local authorities and commercial organisations on the design and construction of new buildings, the reuse of existing buildings and the spaces which surround them in our towns and
cities.
The work of architects influences every aspect of our built environment, from the design of energy efficient buildings to the integration of new buildings in sensitive contexts. Because of their ability to design and their extensive knowledge of construction, architects’ skills are in demand in all areas of property, construction and design. Architects’ expertise is invaluable when we need to conserve old buildings, redevelop parts of our towns and cities, understand the impact of a development on a local community, manage a construction programme or need advice on the use and maintenance of an existing building.
What do architects do?
An architect is a person trained and experienced in the design of buildings and the coordination and supervision of all aspects of the construction of buildings. An architect must be creative and practical, and have an understanding of structure, materials, aesthetics, costs, regulations, the construction industry and the personal tastes and needs of a client. The wide range of activities in the practice of architecture allows individuals to specialise in the areas where they have the most skill and expertise, but all architects must be proficient in all areas of the profession.
Role
The role of the architect has changed over the centuries, from being head builder to becoming the leader of a team of consultants involved in the process of designing a building, and ensuring it is constructed in accordance with the design. An architect may be the partner of a firm, a sole practitioner, an employee in an architectural practice, an Architect in the public service or an academic at an institution.
Job opportunities
Although the experience of architectural training with its intellectual challenge and personal and social development will make it intrinsically rewarding, you may still want to know if it’s worth the investment of your time and energy. The answer is yes. A big YES! Given the buoyant building industry and promise of economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region, an architectural graduate should have no difficulty getting a job.
No doubt, the building industry is especially sensitive to the state of the economy and can be affected by its cycles. But architecture as a professional career should be seen as a long term commitment.
The difference
The main difference between an architect and other jobs such as project managers, construction managers, interior designers etc is that architects are professionals whose standard and code of conduct and ethics are regulated by law, like doctors, dentists, lawyers and engineers.
What one learns in architecture?
Ability to create architectural designs that satisfy both aesthetic and technical requirements, an adequate knowledge of the history and theories of architecture and the related arts, technologies and human sciences; knowledge of the fine arts as an influence on the quality of architectural design; adequate knowledge of urban design, planning and the skills involved in the planning process; understanding of the methods of preparation of the brief for a design project; understanding of the structural design, constructional and engineering problems associated with building design; adequate knowledge of technologies to provide internal conditions of comfort and protection against the climate; necessary design skills to meet building users’ requirements within the constraints imposed by cost factors and building regulations and adequate knowledge of the industries, organizations, regulations and procedures involved in translating design concepts into buildings and integrating plans into overall planning.
Architectural education in India
In India the course of architecture is offered as a 5 years full time course by many universities and colleges, leading to a degree of Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch). For admissions into Architectural schools and colleges in India, one has to appear in the entrance exams which are either exclusively conducted or are part of common engineering entrance exams. Majority of colleges of architecture require AIEEE score to qualify for admissions in to architecture courses.
In Andhra Pradesh six institutes offer B. Arch. Course and they include School of Planning and Architecture, JNTU-Hyderabad, Sri Venkateswara College of Architecture, Madhapur, Dept of Architecture, CSI Institute of Technology, Secunderabad, Faculty of Architecture, Andhra University, Vishakapatnam, S A R College Of Architecture, Agirpally, Vijayawada, and Holy Mary Institute Of Tech. & Science, Bogaram Village, Keesara Mandal , Ranga Reddy Dist.
At the undergraduate level four courses are offered which are, Bachelor of Architecture, Bachelor of Planning, Bachelor of Interior Design and Bachelor of Landscape Design.
During the course of architecture, subjects that are taught include, Architectural Design, Building Construction, Building Materials and Sciences, Architectural Drawing and Graphics, History of Architecture, Workshop Practice, Landscape Design, Structural Mechanics and Theory of Structure, Surveying and Levelling, Building Services & Equipment, Humanities, Estimating & Costing and Principles of Human Settlements.
Further specialised elective subjects that can be opted for during the Masters course include, Housing, Urban Design, Conservation Architecture, Interior Design, Building Management, Landscape Design, Urban Planning, Regional planning, Transport Planning, Environmental Planning and Product Design.
After pursuing the course of architecture at graduate level, the aspiring designers can choose from many of the affiliated design profession to make a career. Such affiliated fields of design include Furniture design, Communication Design [with specialization in Graphics, Animation, Photography and Cinematography, Exhibition Design], Textile Design, Product Design, Interior Design, Ceramic and Glass Design, Toy Design, Education Tools Designs, Transportation and Automobile Design, Apparel Design and Merchandising, Life Style Accessory Design, IT Integrated Design Courses, New Media Design, Software and User Interface Design, Information and Digital Design.
Management courses
There are many management courses that are now available for graduates in architecture and design such as Strategic Design Management, Building Engineering and Management, Construction Technology Management, Project Management and Real Estate Management.
Some of the important websites - www.coa-india.org; www.iia-india.org; www.spa.ernet.in; www.jntu.ac.in; www.nid.edu; www.nac-india.org and www.nicmar.org
SRINIVAS MURTHY G.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE & ARCHITECT
SMG DESIGN INC.
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