5 Reasons You Should Pursue Architecture
By Elisabeth Brewer
Architecture is the meaning within a building. It's a creative & careful way of examining the built environment and how to make a purposeful difference in the urban fabric.
The profession of architecture needs more individuals who want to create meaningful change to the built environment to make the world a better place!
As a recent Master of Architecture Graduate, and as someone who works in the profession of architecture, I’m here to tell you my 5 reasons why you should pursue Architecture.
Recently I’ve been asked by high school student’s why, if, and how they should pursue an architecture career path. It started to make me think why I chose this path and how I feel now that I’ve finished my architecture college education. It’s an incredibly creative and rewarding profession that I wouldn’t trade for the world! Choosing a career path is an incredibly important decision in terms of time and money so it’s important you choose something you’re passionate about.
It’s important to understand what architecture is when making a decision. Architecture, defined by Merrium Webster as the art or science of building; the art or practice of designing and building structures and especially habitable ones. In the profession, everyone has their own definition as to what architecture is to them. To me, architecture is about carefully designing spaces for people to inhabit. Although architecture and design are often seen as two entities, I believe they work symbiotically with one another to create meaningful spaces. Designing with place, the environment, and the user in mind, interior & exterior spaces can shape the mind, body & soul.
Education for architecture can last anywhere between 5-7 years. It is by no means an easy profession to study, but no good things are ever easy! It’s a fulfilling & creative profession to be in and I encourage anyone who is thinking about architecture to consider these 5 reasons on why you should pursue Architecture.
The World Around Us Needs Buildings that Have Meaning
To quote Winston Churchill's famous words, "We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us."
All too familiar are the buildings we see that go up quickly and look like an eye sore. there isn't careful time taken to understand the site & context, the meaning behind the project, and the story the building is trying to convey. Yet, these are the buildings that surround us everyday.
Whatever scope the project is at, whether it's residential or commercial, should tell a story reflective of its purpose. Architecture is the meaning within a building. It's a creative & careful way of examining the built environment and how to make a purposeful difference in the urban fabric.
The built environment around us plays a much larger role in our daily life than one may realize. It largely effects the way we feel and view the world. A sense of place, intention, and meaningful architecture are incredibly important in shaping who we are individuals. Architecture surrounds us everyday, what that looks like is important.
Architects & designers have the ability to make forward-thinking choices to the buildings & environment around us. Anytime I start a design I ask myself, "What is my intention behind the design and does it provide meaning?"
Careful considerations architects & designers think of that others don't:
The sun path's effect on interior & exterior spaces
The orientation of the building relevant to the site, context, & sun path
External factors of design such as climate, noise, and circulation paths
Program & spatial layouts
Materiality (local & regional)
Passive strategies
Sustainability methods of practice
The meaning & intention behind the building
Creating meaningful architecture within a given budget
You Have the Art of Noticing the Beauties Within the World Around You
Taking my first architectural theory class opened up my eyes about the built environment & world around me. You begin to see the world in a different light spatially, architecturally, and how spaces can begin to connect people together.
Architecture is far more than a building. Architecture is the meaning behind the building and the connectivity it provides between people. You'll begin to admire building forms, the materials that exist within the building, the light that comes through the window ever so gently, and the symbiotic connection that exists between the people and the building. Your eyes become open to the world around you and it begins to become a part of you.
Architecture is about feeling!
To be a Creative & Critical Thinker
Architecture is the perfect balance of creativity and critical thinking. You will begin to look at things less broadly and focus on the details. Architecture teaches you how being detail oriented is a great quality to have in life outside of design.
Within the field of architecture & design, critical thinking is fundamental in understanding design challenges. It's important to think creatively because you want to come up with original and meaningful design ideas. The design aspect is fundamental in the creation of the building so it's imperative to understand creative thinking - unique, original design ideas to solve a design problem.
In design school, you are pushed to think creatively and critically. Classes like architectural studio push you to think creative. Pinterest is a great way to get inspired by other designs and projects that have been done, but you want to focus on your style, your skill, and what makes your design stand out. If everyone was to copy from the same Pinterest photo we would have no original architecture. Challenge yourself creatively to see what beautiful designs you're capable of!
Classes like architectural theory, architectural history, strictures, and construction technology help to shape your mind critically. All of these classes are fundamental to an architecture education, but taking what you learn and applying it to the real world is when you truly grow.
To be Exceptionally Strong in Multifaceted Areas, Making You All the More Knowledgeable
When we think about an architect's value proposition, we think about their architectural style and their unique skills they possess. Pursuing architecture will teach you the value proposition you add to the field by having the knowledge to create successful architecture.
Being multifaceted in many areas makes you all the more knowledgeable in the profession to solve design problems.
Architecture teaches you the ability to excel in so many different areas. Architecture encompasses so much more than just design. You will understanding how to think in 2D and 3D. You'll find that it's imperative to understand the importance of computer software while still embracing sketching and hand made models.
Some other aspects that go into a design are:
A design narrative that carefully describes your design concept & its intentions
Site and context analysis to understand the project site, its surroundings, and the climate
A program analysis and breakdown of square footage within each program
Spatial layouts and space planning
Understanding the client and building users needs
Research
Architecture Will Change the Way You Think & Look at the World
Architecture is a multi-faceted profession that encompasses designing, construction, critical thinking, research, theory, presenting, management and business.
An architectural education will open your mind to so much more than just design. You will begin to find others who resonate to the way you think about architecture and the world.
Architecture is a beautiful part of the world and will open up your mind to see the world differently. You begin to appreciate and admire the built works around us that provide meaning. Architecture has an immense influence on who we are, our daily life, and the world around us.
The profession of architecture needs more individuals who want to create meaningful change to the built environment to make the world a better place!
