Suggestions for work to include in Architecture portfolio

College Majors Architecture Major
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<p>My d. has just recently become interested in architecture. She is currently a senior in HS! Because she is not 100% sure, she will probably concentrate on 4+2 programs, in colleges that have a nice variety of other options as well. However, at least half of those we are considering, require portfolios for admissions. This is new for me. Back in my day, I do not remember any undergraduate program in architecture requiring a portfolio (only graduate programs).</p>

<p>What types of work go into an undergraduate architecture portfolio today? Most of the colleges specifically state that they do not want to see drafting (which is good, since her school does not even offer it). They ask for submissions that show "creativity". She has taken art courses throughout HS, but most of her work there included sketches or paintings of life (portraits, still-lifes, etc.). Her HS art curriculum is very limited. They do not offer any 3-D opportunities at all. We checked into area art classes, and they also concentrate on life samples for building portfolios (figure drawings, landscapes, illustration, etc.), assuming students are pursuing the fine arts. She can definitely communicate visually, and I believe her artwork would demonstrate a decent level, but I'm not sure the work would classify as "creative", and it is definitely not architectural in nature. </p>

<p>On the other hand, she has done some very creative writing!</p>

<p>Architecture is such a multi-disciplinary field, that visual creativity is really just one aspect. Logic, problem-solving, business & marketing skills, communications, history, and psychology are all important. In fact, in most larger architecture offices, the "designer" is only one of the team (an important one of course). Because of the multi-disciplinary approach, I honestly believe it is a good choice for her. She is just considering it later rather than sooner.</p>

<p>Because the interest in Architecture is relatively new, and because her time is limited, does anyone have any suggestions or examples of other types of work to include?</p>

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<p>A portfolio of primarily drawings and/or paintings is pretty normal at that stage, so don't worry. I'd just suggest for her to try and branch out beyond the normal art-class subject matter of portraits and still-lifes. Maybe have her try drawing some local buildings that she likes? While this doesn't demonstrate any particular architectural skill beyond what others who have taken art classes have, it demonstrates interest a bit better.</p>

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<p>does anyone know if photography would work...?</p>