I’m very interested in architecture, and have always been (probably the case for many here). I was wondering what the popular consensus was on UVa, UMD, Michigan, and WashU (pre)professional architecture programs. I visited UVA and absolutely loved it. What do you guys think about those? I mainly applied to four year programs (with portfolio) with the idea that architecture seems to be an extremely interdisciplinary practice, and all the theory I read attests to that I think (Lebbeus woods, Eisenman, steven holl, the Works). Architecture has a great ability to respond and incubate cultural and situational initiative in ways most people may not even pick up on. When I visited BBB architects in NYC, they strongly suggested the 4 + 2 program. Am I (or is anyone) necessarily missing out on the 5 year track? To me it seems too focused, while the actual practice seems very diversified and applicable to many areas of society. I also applied to some other (optimistically-- 3.8, 2280) schools such as columbia, Harvard, MIT, Yale, and Princeton. Thoughts on those? I work for an architect (I have since I was 13), who studied something separate from architecture undergrad. Thoughts on completely diversifying studies as an undergraduate? Because I’ve also been admitted into Georgetown.
@JWBOSS, All of the above sound like good paths to a career in architecture. You shouldn’t second guess your decision not to pursue a BArch. Concentrate on choosing the BA or BS program that best fits your aspirations – and that is the most affordable.
At this point wait and see how your acceptances come in before you focus or eliminate. When you’re making your decision be sure to consider how you will fund BOTH your BA/BS and your MArch. Just because a school has a a 4+2 program doesn’t commit you to getting your MArch at the same school. You can leave that decision open for a few years.
I don’t know much about UMD, and Georgetown is a bit of an outlier, but all of the other schools that you mention would be excellent launching pads for an MArch, either at the same school or a different one.
As for whether it’s best (or necessary) to major in architecture or architectural studies for your BA/BS, it’s really a personal decision. My son majored in art history and art studio and worked in marketing for an architectural firm for a couple of years before getting his MArch (which took another 3.5 years). The down side of his route is that it took a lot longer and cost a lot more than the more direct, time and cost efficient BArch or 4+2. The plus side is that he makes use of the analytic, communication and conceptual skills gained from a liberal arts education every day and every way.
I’ve been accepted into UVA for architecture!!!