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Over the centuries we have incorporated western technology with the advent of modern construction materials. Architects design individual houses, interiors, landscapes, complexes, layouts, and cities. Due to a recession in the construction industry, architecture may not be highly in demand currently, but it is a highly creative and satisfying profession for those who have the right aptitude and the desire to see their visualizations taking shape. Also, as a profession which serves the basic need of housing, it has stood the test of time, and will continue to do so.
ENTRY: Architecture is offered as a professional four year course in most universities across the country. In many states, including Karnataka, admission is through the Common Entrance Test (CET) for engineering and medicine, with an additional aptitude test to evaluate the creativity and drawing skills of the candidate. Some universities offered specialized courses such as industrial design, marine architecture, etc. both at the graduation and the post graduation levels. Since drawings are done far more efficiently on computers these days, a course in Computer Aided Design (CAD) gives a better start to budding architects. It may also help to gain a knowledge of Vasthu Shastra, as some clients are very particular about conforming to it. At a lower level, there are three year diploma courses in architecture after SSLC offered by polytechnics, and certificate courses to become civil or architectural draftsmen.
APTITUDE: As in any artistic field, a strong aptitude towards creativity and drawing is absolutely essential to succeed in architecture. A person should have the capacity to visualize in three dimensions. A steady hand at drawing, an ability to concentrate, and a good head for calculations, are also essential. An architect should be an exploratory person who can create variety and come out with new ideas all the time. Since the architect also has to be knowledgeable about engineering aspects of construction, he or she should possess a reasonably strong analytical thinking to balance his creativity.
THE FUTURE: Fresh graduates generally find employment in architectural firms or government departments, as well as with large private companies doing construction. Initially they may start as trainees on stipends ranging from Rs. 4,000-8,000 per month, and confirmation depends entirely on the candidate’s ability to take up independent assignments. Many private firms willingly share professional fees with their capable associates, and architects who have developed the confidence in themselves, move on to set up their own consultancy. It helps further if architects have a tie up with interior decorators, and structural engineers, so that they can offer all services under one roof. A senior architect remarked recently “I may be dead and gone, but giant buildings designed and executed by me will stand testimony to my creativity long after, giving me a sense of immortality. It is a beautiful experience to see what one has visualized on paper taking concrete shape, particularly when it provides homes or shelter to people.”
SOME ADDRESSES:
School of Planning and Architecture, No. 4, Block B,
Indraprastha Estate, New Delhi 110002
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur 721302.
Sir J J College of Architecture, 78/3 Dr. D.N. Road,
Mumbai 400001
For architecture engineering colleges in Karnataka:
Education Bangalore help desk here