The condensed ‘Architecture’ thread: hints for applicants

College Majors Architecture Major
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<p>thanks arabesque and sashimi for your input! </p>

<p>here's my reply to sashimi's first post:</p>

<p>it is a bit ideal. maybe it is the difference between location; here in BC canada, although we are booming as a province right now architects still do NOT do architecture. I know of a drafter makes TONS of money with his four basic designs that can be altered to fit nearly nyone's need. however, the architect that my Dad is working with is doing all the permit stuff and he only puts in schematic design just so his list of services looked longer (seriously, the design is like 3 boxes, and btw the client was the one who came up with that idea.) Civ.eng. on the other hand, are definitely needed whenever a structure is to be built: things small as decks, staircases, etc. Architects seem to be only doing permits and ironically a general contractor can too. </p>

<p>Hate to say this but architects are basically top contractors and 'lawyers' of a project. </p>

<p>finally, it is extremely difficult to find cases in which the architects has to make sure the building "carries the weight of culture, and which expresses creativity and ideas, and which serves proper functions, and which represents a true and intended experience of space." Residential projects don't need any of that. Even when you do need it like say for a public library, anything goes. A simply circle can mean unity of the community or a representation of a historic event. It's down to who is the better advocate for their design, ie. salesman.</p>

<p>having said that, I am still going into arch 100% because of sustainable design. Architecture is a field with great potential as it influences the lifestyle of everyone, and sometimes one whole community at a time. I think every aspiring architect would be happy to know that they have the potential to be healers of the earth. i hope it is this generation which brings on a transformation in the built environment and consequently the natural environment; nevermind purpose, just think about all the money and fame! ok, i'll stop here :)</p>

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<p>sure civil engineers are needed to make sure the things stand but who's the one planning all of these? the architect of course and that's part of the design process. </p>

<p>you're right. architecture today seems to be governed by the economy so whatever 'produces more' sells more..which is one reason why architects don't make a lot of money unless you duplicate your designs over and over again..which is why developers are so rich. I think the more business knowlege you know, the easier for you to 'beat' the others in promoting your ideas. architects talk talk and talk to sell their ideas..it's part of their job. I think it's ethical for the architect to convince the public why good design is important (in your case, sustainable design). </p>

<p>ANY project requires design input in them...not just the visual outlook. In a residential project, the user, the site, the culture all factor into the project...the type of materials you use..the way people trasverse around the space, the way light filters into the space all matters. The way a building is built is also determined by the architect and depending on the culture of the area, materials used are important and do reflect culture...for example here in Arizona, some buildings are made out of earth-rammed dirt walls because it is sustainable and is part of the santa fe culture. </p>

<p>I think the work you do depends on your circumstances. I know a ton of architects who don't design simply boxes. I talked to a very succesful architect in Phoenix and he absolutely loves his job. All of his work has a lot of design input in it and never finds his work to be 'work'. I think getting the projects and control you want depends on several factors...including the connections you make, etc. the Architect's responsibility is to fullfill the client's needs and give good design input into the project....so the architect does need to have control over the project and make sure the building's design serves the client's needs. otherwise the client will be ****ed. and that's bad business</p>

<p>ahh time to graduate! gotta go </p>

<p>good luck with your endeavors!</p>

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<p>My choices are: attend a super expensive program, attend a local university as a civil engineering major OR do the 4+3 at the local university. By the way the undergrad sucks according to the professor at the program, lol, and has no unique focus relevant to my interests. </p>

<p>Here’s the first option I came up with: attend Dalhousie after 2 years of whatever univeristy. It is an M.arch program for students with 2 years of general education, and it takes four years so it’s basically a 6 year, but the difference is that if you have AP’s or any other way to get university credit (PLAR), you will NOT be required to take school full-time (although you need a full course load of 10 courses/year, any kind of credit counts!!), so you can do an internship or travel or just enjoy your time. However, they said that most of their students already have a undergraduate degree, so you might be at a disadvantage…but anyway, it’ll only take 7 or 8 years, so that still isn’t too far off from 4+3. </p>

<p>Second option: Transfer. It isn’t as good as the first because most transfers have good reasons like they found interest in another major or they couldn’t leave home at first, etc. So unless you have been accepted at a good and irrelevant program and that you haven’t applied to the program already this year (I think it’s harder; some good schools like Yale don’t seem to even consider re- applications.) Also, if you still want a b.arch, note that you usually end up graduating later anyway because design studios are usually irreplaceable (no transfer credit can be used). </p>

<p>However, the good thing is that if you totally sucked in high school, you get a second chance!! college gpa will be the determining factor of your admissions. </p>

<p>Finally: take a gap year and reapply the second year. This is what I’m doing. </p>

<p>I’m enrolled in the local university; this way if I fail I can still be in their 4+3 program, and if I hav the chance at Dalhousie too. The bonus is that as an ‘architecture’ student, I can find internships MUCH more easily, and it makes a difference in many things you do (like say if you wanted to become a tutor, college naturally sounds better than highschool or out of school). I’m taking only three courses to use up the scholarship money; I’m choosing three that transfer easily like first year English, and those that will help me show interest or get a good recommendation letter for (like sustainable design courses). I’m doing mostly distance education, so I can still do an internship. And as reapplications are usually hard, I’m going for a new ser of schools: LAC’s. </p>

<p>But I’m not counting on it, since I’ll need a ton of financial aid: the ones that I was thinking about is:</p>

<p>Yale: architectural design and environmental engineering. There is a way to focus on art and save a year of the 4+3 if you go to the prestigious Yale M.arch program. </p>

<p>Connecticut College: architectural studies and environmental studies. I love sustainable design. </p>

<p>Middlebury and Williams: Middlebury has a very focused arch that wouldn’t allow much environmental stuff, and Williams’ arch is not really specified as a major. </p>

<p>The one’s in Canada I’m thinking about are:</p>

<p>UToronto, arts & science: architectural design and environment & health. Top choice right there!!!!!!</p>

<p>U Manitoba, University one: architectural studies and environmental studies. </p>

<p>U Winnipeg, BA in environmental science: sustainability in planning. Awesome!!</p>

<p>And I’m thinking about attending a MSSD at CMU or UT Austin: I think those are accredited as M.arch, so I’ll be getting a license in 7 years anyway but I’m doing 7 years of sustainable design. Totally rocks. </p>

<p>And I’m doing an internship this year, working freelance, and working as a tutor, marketing myself with all the scholarship money I was offered this year (45000+32000+3000) don’t get any of the money because they are not enough for the entire program (it’s like 160000), it looks darn good on the resume (especially here in Canada because those numbers are like INSANE since 4 years cost 16000!!). I’m also taking some distance education courses relevant to sustainable design that will boost my chances and get me good recommendations. these are the ones I’ve found!!</p>

<p>BCOU in junction with SFU: community and sustainable development courses, 4 of them.
UBC: sustainable development (in engineering)
Athabasca: 2 in ecosphere and humanity or something.<br>
CBU: the best and most relevant ones (4 of them I think), even better than SFU, but you need instructor permission. Just email them and ask!! </p>

<p>So there you have it! People usually post these kind of stories AFTER they’ve been accepted at a good program and stuff, but whatever, I’m pretty sure I’ll be getting into one of the three Canadian programs. I hate to say this but I’d definitely prefer these programs to 5 year b.arch’s…but I will be getting my license quite late and I will not be able to support myself, but without sustainable design architecture isn’t really what I want anyway, so I guess I’ll just have to try harder to survive. </p>

<p>God bless! </p>

<p>If you would like to contact me, my email address is <a href="mailto:zhiweishangchuan@yahoo.com">zhiweishangchuan@yahoo.com</a></p>