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I need a mentor

X-Axis

My parents don't want me to go to school of architect, so I have taught myself. I am a math major and secretly preparing portfolio to go to some grad school in architectural field. I don't have proper education in this field but I would like to have someone to look and comment at my sketches and ideas. What parts should be improved or what parts are well done.  

If you like, you can message me your email address and I will send my works to you.

Thank You, appreciate

Isaya 

 
May 30, 14 2:45 am
gruen
Zaha hadid was a math major too. I'm curious punkmotorcycles(at) gmail
May 30, 14 6:40 am  · 
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Listen to your parents.

May 30, 14 10:10 am  · 
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Non Sequitur

X-Axis, why don't you go to your local university and inquire directly? Programs and acceptance requirements vary greatly across the world so it's rather impossible to help in vacuum.

Also, please note that math skills have little impact on architecture past first year. Everything after that is basic.

May 30, 14 10:42 am  · 
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accesskb

show us your portfolio.. we're good at giving advice

May 30, 14 10:57 am  · 
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X-Axis

These are some pencil sketches.

A.) The place is real, but I scribbled from my memory.

B.) I sketched from the picture. Hebrew Union College

These are some pencil sketches and finishing with fine starpie

C.) That's one of the building at College of the Ozarks. (where I'm currently attending)

D.) That's my neighbor's house 

This is pencil sketch and finishing with 0.5 ballpoint and coloring with Gimp

E.) Sketch off internet picture

These is 1/10 of my portfolio. I haven't scanned my design sketches yet.  

When you leave comments, please tell me which one you're commenting.

Ex. "I'm commenting on E.)"

Thank you for your time

May 30, 14 12:02 pm  · 
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X-Axis

A.)

B.)

C.)

 

D.)

E.)

Sorry about the previous post that didn't show pictures right away.

May 30, 14 12:32 pm  · 
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X-Axis

F.) I was waiting to clock in at work and my eyes were drawn to this building. Ramada in Branson, MO.

May 30, 14 1:51 pm  · 
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I can't sketch this well and I'm in the M.Arch program at UIUC. Architecture school is more about you can offer yourself in the field. You have the sketch part down. Now move on to something more technical like building construction details and understanding how a building comes together. Not every student posses to same skills so your portfolio should say something about you. I'd like to review your portfolio, even if it's a rough draft. [email protected]
May 30, 14 3:47 pm  · 
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frankehall

X-Axis, you have some apparent natural ability to see three-dimensional things, as well as the ability to translate that seeing into a drawing.  This is a crucial skill for an architect.  Architecture is a very broad field, however, calling upon many different skills, some coming from the left side of the brain, and some from the right.  It may well be, if you are skilled in mathematics, as well as visual-spatial perception, that you would do well as an architect.  It's hard to know if you would enjoy—or excel at—any field, if you haven't had the chance to immerse yourself in it, so the advice any of us here can offer is only speculative.  Your drawings do show promise, in my opinion.  You should, however, delve into other areas of architecture, as Abraham Melendez suggests, to see how you like those aspects.  The architectural field involves technical knowledge about buildings, a bit of calculating things like structures, an awareness of the costs of things, knowledge of building codes.  It also is largely about communication:  Communicating a design concept to a client or to other team members, communicating the design intent to the contractors, communicating code compliance to building officials.   It requires the ability to move back and forth between aesthetic and technical, especially.  In short, the architect is the generalist in the building industry, who coordinates all the specialists, while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the project, the cost efficiency of the project, the code compliance of the project, the functional usefulness of the project, and the buildability of the project.  It helps to love both people and buildings, and have respect for both.  This is a long-winded comment on your post here, but pursuing the field of architecture is a life's commitment, and a demanding one at that, so you may want to do some serious exploration before deciding to go down that path.  I'm happy to offer any additional advice you'd care to hear.

Regards,

Frank E. Hall, R.A.

May 30, 14 7:20 pm  · 
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X-Axis

@Abraham Melendez, I don't have a scanner at home, but on monday I'll send you my rough draft design.

@frankehall, that's the reason I like it so much. Architectural study is a life style, and I like your advise about ability to move back and forth between aesthetic and technical.

Since English is my second language, I have hard time to communicate verbally. So, it might be rough for me to talk to people.

This summer, I try to finish reading. Here is my list. 

1.) Archiects' Data by Ernst and Neufert

2.) Understanding Architecture through drawing 2nd edition by Brian Edwards

3.) Vitruvius the ten books on architecture. 

Thanks to internet archive that has variety free books.

If you have any reading suggestion, feel free to let me know. I want to learn lighting, but the book that I want wasn't on there and It's very expensive.

May 30, 14 8:01 pm  · 
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ArchNyen

For beginners, start w/ Ching. Architectural Graphics (great illustration/graphics). and if you are really into architecture read: Architect? A candid guide to the profession by Roger K. Lewis. I am reading that book at the moment, good book. One of my all time favorite architecture book is: Peter Zumthor, Thinking Architecture (A must have!) And if you like fiction, Ayn Rand: The Fountainhead.

To sum up

1. Ching, Architecture Graphics

2. Roger K. Lewis, Architect? A Candid Guide to the Profession

3. Peter Zumthor, Thinking Architecture

4. Ayn Rand, The Fountainhead

May 30, 14 8:31 pm  · 
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I can't sketch this well and I'm in the M.Arch program at UIUC. Architecture school is more about you can offer yourself in the field. You have the sketch part down. Now move on to something more technical like building construction details and understanding how a building comes together. Not every student posses to same skills so your portfolio should say something about you. I'd like to review your portfolio, even if it's a rough draft. [email protected]
May 30, 14 10:14 pm  · 
 · 
I can't sketch this well and I'm in the M.Arch program at UIUC. Architecture school is more about you can offer yourself in the field. You have the sketch part down. Now move on to something more technical like building construction details and understanding how a building comes together. Not every student posses to same skills so your portfolio should say something about you. I'd like to review your portfolio, even if it's a rough draft. [email protected]
May 30, 14 10:14 pm  · 
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frankehall

A little further commentary:  Yes, you should read plenty.  Frank Ching's books are absolute classics in the field.  They are technically and graphically rich, and they remain a resource, even to seasoned professionals.

You should also read some literature—or fiction, as Quan Nyen Tran puts it.  The Fountainhead is fascinating for an architect, even if Ayn Rand's books offer a very peculiar and particular view of the world.  But generally, DO read literature (fiction), as it will expand your vocabulary and powers of expression in English, and so expand your powers of communication.  This is VERY crucial, if you are to have the greatest possible opportunities, not just in this field, but in this society, if this is where you choose to make your life.  Focusing only on the technical will eventually become a handicap, so don't ignore the human aspect of things.  Success or failure can be a matter of how well clients feel you can understand them.

FH.

May 30, 14 10:28 pm  · 
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X-Axis

Actual site.

Design process

Concept:

This area is highly dense and there are hundred high rises building. So I want my design to be retro and gives a sense of secluded to the dense area.

I haven't scaled my drawing yet; therefore, I still don't know the maximum capacity.

May 31, 14 1:24 pm  · 
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Beepbeep

Nice sketches you seem to have some natural ability. Assemble a good portfolio and apply to some schools and see how it goes.

May 31, 14 1:30 pm  · 
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X-Axis

Perspective and Floorplan. Please comment. 

Jun 15, 14 11:41 pm  · 
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X-Axis

First model ever! made from cereal boxes. I doubled up each peace made it strong enough to hold its weight together and not collapse. 1:8 scale. 2 slabs, 3 support walls, and a roof.  

Jun 25, 14 5:47 pm  · 
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DeTwan

Like Miles mentioned above... listen to your parents.

Architecture is nothing like being good at drawing perspectives and making silly models out of cereal boxes.

DEAD CAREER

Jun 26, 14 10:07 am  · 
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X-Axis

@ DeTwan No, I want to live my own life. If you please, could you tell me what did you learn in college? I'll make my own lesson plan.

Jun 26, 14 12:42 pm  · 
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curtkram

in college if you want to learn, you typically listen to your professors and do what they say.  that's what they're there for.

i lieu of college, we now have massively open online courses.  you could look here (or something similar) if your goal is education

http://www.mooc-list.com/tags/architecture

or, here's an old one from ed-x

https://www.edx.org/course/mitx/mitx-4-605x-global-history-architecture-884#.U6xPYrFg9bg

https://www.edx.org/course/ethx/ethx-fc-01x-future-cities-1821#.U6xPtbFg9bg

Jun 26, 14 12:50 pm  · 
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X-Axis

Yes, my goal is to be educated. I've been reading right off the internet and online archive, but I've never had proper education in this field. Below is the model of stairs study: how elevation effects the entrance

Jun 27, 14 5:49 pm  · 
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ArchNyen

Just apply to architecture school already. Teachers are paid to look at your drawings and model, not archinectors. =)

Jun 29, 14 6:53 am  · 
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X-axis,

You have a good basis, and obvious passion for the degree. Don't let these bastards influence your decision to apply, do what you love - you'll be doing it for 40+ years.  

However, I suspect the problem is if you're applying as a Maths Major presenting an undercooked arch. portfolio. Your hand-drawings aesthetics are much better than I can draw, and your raw talent is impressive - however you could seem weaker as you're essentially presenting things found in a normal arch portfolio sans an undergrad degree and 3/4 years experience and knowledge. I want to emphasise this is not a knock on your talent or ability. It's just my opinion - my 2 cents. 

Furthermore, in my opinion the admissions panel will want to see how your previous degree has effected your design and creative ability. 

A family friend did a undergrad degree in creative writing; he submitted a portfolio containing geometric drawings he had done since a kid and an award winning short story and voila, into CCA. 

Look at how your Maths degree can make you stand out - look at Rhino+Grasshopper for some parametric design. Doesn't have to be buildings or anything - just interesting ways that your previous experience better than students with a B.Arch. 

Combined with your perspectives and obvious passion - I'd accept you. 

If you want to talk about this more, don't hesitate to contact me. 

Cheers, Nick

Jul 1, 14 9:07 pm  · 
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X-Axis

Recently spent 10 hours rendering these two. 

I want to learn more about parametric. I have been playing with Mathematica to have it ploted 3D graph. I want to learned the parametric theory and its practical use. And for the parametric design, can I use hand-rendering instead of computer for my portfolio?

Thanks

Jul 29, 14 11:11 pm  · 
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Snoopy316

Nice work, do you have computer drawings you can show us as well? At this day and age arch firms hardly do hand rendering anymore. Maybe some very old school guys still does but not many out there. 

Your parents are probably protecting you from a long education path that leads to a intern program with an entry pay level that is a equivalent to an experience worker at Macdonalds. This is of you are lucky to find a position. You will also be working long hours doing traces on computer for many years before an employer trust you to hand over the design role. 

Architecture is a very tough but very rewarding profession if you make it. 

Jul 30, 14 5:52 pm  · 
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accesskb

learn about design and be original or you'll just be another skilled drafter who can copy well and do the same parametric crap hundreds are doing today

Jul 30, 14 5:56 pm  · 
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Snoopy316

^ I co sign that. But even those who understand and are very good at design at university gets to do bathroom details and draw wall tiles all day. A first year employee can't get away with that. 

X axis

Architecture is not just about pretty drawings. Those pretty sketches and fantastic models makes up 10% of architecture. You have my tick in that department. Suggest you look up and read about Documentations, Designs, Professional practice and Project management. Those are the fundamentals.

Jul 30, 14 6:20 pm  · 
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X-Axis

The task was to design studio for optimist's daughter. I made this model by using Sketchup.

The assignment was from  MITOpenCoursewareExperiencing Architecture Studio by Prof. William Hubbard, and was taught in 2003. 

I was lucky to find some freecourses online. Thanks to MIT and the supports.

Jul 30, 14 8:47 pm  · 
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archanonymous

I know this is probably going to seem prickly...

 

Your model building is passable at best but mostly unsuitable for any kind of presentation. Your hand renderings are totally irrelevant to the modern practice of architecture, and the latest shows no consideration for materials, material thicknesses, drawing conventions, good presentation, etc... You are going to have to really step it up to get anywhere in this profession. Most people would go to school for that purpose. So people older and wiser than you can get paid to tell you all these things until you do get it. 

Barring that, I would suggest you move to a country where the apprenticeship system is alive and well, but even then, the best you could possibly do would be to become a CAD technician.

Jul 30, 14 10:53 pm  · 
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