ARCHITECTURE

Imagine walking down the love lorn halls of the Taj Mahal at Agra or sitting in silent meditation in the central hall of the Bahai Temple at Delhi or attending a corporate meeting at the World Trade Centre, Mumbai. Feels nice, right ?

Now Imagine that you are the person who actually created these monuments to mankind - visualised it, planned it, constucted it. Feels even better, doesn’t it ?? You bet it does !

 

Today, the scope of architecture has progressed far beyond the satisfaction of one of the basic needs of mankind - the need for shelter. The art & science of space organisation has become essential to the act of construction itself. The modern architect has to be a know all. Architecture is a multi-disciplinary profession that synthesizes design, religious aspects, sociological, technological and environmental expertise into the conception and execution of buildings--be it hospitals, hotels, commercial plazas, residential and group housing, factories, work and leisure areas, even ships & spacecraft! In order to juggle so many hats together you need specialized training and an aptitude to match.

So if you wish to be one of the creators of this world, you need to enroll for the B.Arch. course (5 years) after your +2. You are required to have studied subjects like Physics, Chemistry and Maths at the +2 level for your entry into any architecture college. If you have decided on this career, it is advisable to take up subjects like Architecture, Engineering or Drawing in your Higher Secondary level. The architecture course is conducted at 2 levels - full time and part time. The full time degree or diploma course takes a minimum of 5 years to complete. It is divided into 10 semesters of approximately 16 weeks each. This includes a period of practical training of 6 months or one semester in an approved professional office or project site. The duration of the part-time diploma course is 7 years. The PostGraduate course in Architecture is generally for 18 to 24 months duration depending upon the Institution from where you do it. A post graduate degree enables an architect to specialize in areas like:ate degree enables an architect to specialize in areas like:

Building engineering management Architectural conservation Urban design Landscape architecture Transport planning Housing and environmental planning Regional planning Urban planning

Ready to build those castles (not in the air though !) ? Well as a qualified architect who is registered with the Council of Architecture you could join one of those large firms run by the partnership of two or more architects, sometimes in association with a consulting engineer and employing a considerable staff. But if you are concerned about getting lost in a crowd, the small design group of a few professionals, working as a team should be your choice. And if you are a loner, there is always the option of individual practice. The other options are joining Government Departments for public amenities, housing, land records, etc. and of course teaching institutions. Architects sometimes also branch out on the personal level in fields like Interior design.

Naval architecture and landscape architecture, along with 'Vaastu' are the emerging trends in this profession. Architects possessing relevant knowledge and expertise in these areas are in great demand.

The architect assumes responsibility for things as mundane as plumbing, electricity, air-conditioning to complex engineering details and even esoteric building laws and regulations. A successful architect can expect a comfy lifestyle and of course some fame and fortune. However, you need to be prepared for hard work, long hours at construction sites and the responsibilities of working under deadlines. The appreciation of the architect's role as vital to improving the quality of life has brought respect and high social standing to members of this profession.

An architect should have an assortment of aptitudes, those that are required by engineers, designers and businessmen. Along with great communication skills (as he deals with all sections of the society, be it co-workers or clients), it is necessary that he be aware and appreciate social & environmental factors that affect the use of the buildings that they design. Three dimensional space perception, abstract reasoning, visual memory, patience, perseverance, creativity and translating ideas into drawings are abilities which he must posses in abundance. An architect is required to have some knowledge of the legal language as he will have to deal with legal documents and procedures. Mathematical ability for design and building economics and costs are crucial for his job and so is physical stamina and supervisory skills.


The ever-expanding concrete jungle has put a premium on space, and with it the premium on Architects has also gone up. These masters of space organization are much in demand. So, get set, GO! Who knows maybe the prototype of the next Howrah Bridge shall be drawn on your drawing board.