Archinect - Forum

An art gallery form concept dillema

2024-11-22T11:46:00-05:00

Hi guys, I am doing my final semester for a diploma in architecture. I need ideas that I can use for my form concept that would best be relevant to my project.

Kindly assist me, I am relying on you guys and would appreciate as much help as possible

Professional Studies Capstone

2024-11-07T18:56:44-05:00

As part of wrapping up and completing a bachelor's degree, which itself is a "professional studies" degree which incorporates my prior education in architecture, historic preservation, and so forth:

1. I am working on the capstone project class beginning this week and that will span 10 weeks. It is the only class I am taking so I would have potentially more hours over the 10 weeks than than I may normally have under full-time enrollment. However, I would need to keep the scope within reason to be done in a compressed time line than it might be in some capstone/thesis project in architecture school.

You might wonder, why am I thinking of architectural thesis/capstone project in this? While there are broad general deliverables framework, in a professional studies background, the capstone needs to be adapted to each student's professional studies and career field track so a capstone for someone pursuing a marketing director career would be different than someone in an architectural care...

To all the disappointed students

2024-11-01T17:18:00-04:00

Last year MArch student here, and let me tell you, it doesn’t get better—just clearer how disappointing architecture school really is. I entered with no architecture background and had to teach myself everything, from design approaches to software. The instructors, mostly relics, hold pointless desk crits three times a week without bothering to teach or prepare lectures. They seem to believe that their years in the field somehow qualify as knowledge that can be passed on purely through “critiquing.” Bear in mind, most of them haven’t even practiced architecture!

Best,
A thoroughly disappointed student from your prestigious Canadian architecture school

Helpful Resource for Dutch Architecture Painters and D5 Render

2024-10-31T14:12:14-04:00

A video about Dutch Architecture Painters, Rhino 8, and D5 Render.

UT Austin M.arch application

2024-10-31T12:04:00-04:00

Hello everyone,

I’m applying to the M.Arch program at UT Austin for the upcoming semester and would love to hear from those who have applied or have relevant experience. I’m an architect from India with a five-year bachelor’s degree and three years of experience at Footprints E.A.R.T.H., as well as another firm.

I’m particularly interested in insights regarding letters of recommendation, statements of purpose, and portfolio reviews. What do you think makes a strong letter? Are there specific qualities or experiences that should be highlighted? Also, I would appreciate any advice on how to effectively convey my passion for architecture and my fit for the program in my statement.

I’ve included a link to my portfolio below, and I would be grateful for your honest feedback on its content and presentation.

https://issuu.com/salonishah28...

Thank you in advance for your help!

Best regards,

Saloni

Email resources--Architects Newspaper, Dezeen and ?

2024-10-30T10:02:26-04:00

I'm teaching studio in the US for the first time and I'm realizing my students don't look at a lot of architecture. I'm working on showing them more in studio and giving them specific precedents.

I'd like to find some resources that will essentially appear in their inboxes. I'm a bit out of touch but am wondered what I can suggest they sign up for or follow on Insta. The obvious ones to me are The Architect's Newspaper and Dezeen. Are there other's you would recommend? I mostly want them to regularly see good architecture from all over.

Should I get a master degree for algorithms-aided-desigh to get a better pay?

2024-10-23T11:22:00-04:00

Hi evertyone!Well,I hope you have a good day.I want to hear some different sounds from the architect seniors over the different country.I want to get a algorithms-aided-design like itech in University of Stuttgart.Could someone give some advice about the decision and how do you view the prospective of Advanced Architecture.Could I have a nice return?I am glad to hear any advice and appreciate.Thanks!

Postgraduate_Bartlett_AA

2024-10-14T18:44:30-04:00

Hello everyone!

I am looking to apply to a postgraduate degree programm either in Bartlett or AA. Given that, i want to ask if it is actually possible to be given the bursaries mentioned in AA website towards tuition fees or any relevant scholarships regarding the tuition fees in bartlett and whether they are actually helpful in order to fund or is it just a minor proportion.

Dropping out of UofT Arch and pursuing an M.Arch without BA(AS)

2024-10-13T17:00:00-04:00

Hi,

As the title suggests, I am currently a first-year undergraduate who is about one month into my studies at UofT Daniels. Needless to say, I have become slightly disillusioned with the program. I was initially attracted to Architecture because I am interested in the human aspect of design: considering public/private spaces, how light and sound affect the user, and developing design solutions regarding a wide range of social issues (such as climate, etc). However, while the people so far have been great, UofT's curriculum has been unable to stretch me creatively.

I am thinking of reapplying to a more rigorous practical arts program (i.e. Sheridan's Hons Bachelor of Animation, another program that I previously got into) and then pursuing an M.Arch at UofT/UBC or getting an Architectural Technician diploma while completing Summer Intro courses. While working in animation has always been my dream, the animation industry is oversaturated, very unstable, and (shockingly!) pays even le...

Stargazing and Architecture

2024-10-11T18:28:00-04:00

Hey there,

I'm here to ask fellow people for insights on my thesis topic, stargazing. The process started by searching the history of stargazing and how it became a tourism industry. Right now my project doesn't involve a building, it's a campsite with group and individual stargazing experiences. My advisor is somehow happy with the idea but also questioned that my project lacks architecture. I feel like at this point I'm forcing architecture into the design, it was all the initial idea to enhance the experience. I'm adding a few pauses and reflection spaces but it is still not enough I feel like. I've decided to add a temporary stay but I wonder how it justifies my topic of stargazing as it's not directly linked to it. any suggestions are welcomed. Thank you.

Question Regarding M.Arch Programs at UBC, UofT, Carleton, and Columbia

2024-10-10T22:26:00-04:00

Hey guys,

I'm applying to M.Arch this year (I did my HBA in Architecture at UofT). I'm considering UBC, Carelton, UofT, and maybe Columbia GSAPP. Carelton and UBC are my first choice. I don't feel too confident applying to Columbia in this economy. If anyone has been to the schools that I've mentioned in this blurb, I would like to know your experiences (and general thoughts), pros and cons, networking opportunities, and the facilities available at each school. I've done some research on these schools, but everything seems glossed over.

Master's Application - Portfolio Review

2024-10-05T09:14:21-04:00

Hey guys!

I'm an architect based in India and I'm planning to apply for a master's degree (urban design) in the US. For reference - my focus would be on urban technology.

I'd love to get some feedback on my portfolio. Please note that it's a draft and some of the drawings/pages are just placeholders because I need to cut down 6 pages to be under the page limit. There's a lot of placeholder text as well.

Thanks in advance!

https://issuu.com/radhikasaran...

A high school student who wants to be an architect

2024-10-02T13:09:00-04:00

Hey. I am a sophomore in highschool interested in architecture. I want to ask students studying in architecture or people who work in architecture firms, Hows it like? Do they pay well...the work load...the study load. All of that. I really need advice as this year I have started to seriously think about what field to pursue. Please help me out. THANKKSS

Master application portfolio review

2024-09-30T11:46:00-04:00

Hi,

Im planning to apply for master in Frankfurt University of applied science, Germany. I've created my portfolio. The rule for this semester is the Portfolio should not exceed 12 pages and I've created it accordingly. Kindly have a look and give your opinions. Link is given below

https://issuu.com/sudharsanelan/docs/b.sudharsan_portfolio_frankfurt_university_of_appl

Seeking Advice for a First-Year Architecture Project

2024-09-30T11:33:00-04:00

Hello everyone,

I am currently working on an architectural renovation project and am looking for ideas and advice to best approach the exercise. The project involves redesigning the lobby of an office rental building.

The objective of this consultation is to enhance the building by developing an interior design concept that enriches the user experience, energizes the flow of visitors within Building 026, and harmonizes with the surrounding park and its intended purpose.

1 – Lobby Decoration:
The current lobby décor is outdated, and the idea is to propose a fresh design. This includes introducing a new color scheme that aligns with the building’s architecture, updating decorative elements and accessories, and establishing a new identity for the space.

2 – Visitor Waiting Area:
Despite the space constraints of the lobby, we aim to create a waiting area for visitors, if possible. We would like to develop a modern and stylish space, where visitors can wait in a cozy and welcoming environm...

My experience studying at IAAC - Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia

2024-09-27T15:27:28-04:00

I followed a master course / life long learning post graduate degree at IAAC (Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia) in Barcelona, Spain. And I would like to share my experience with anyone considering following a course at this institute. Please send me a message if you are and would like to know more about the school, courses, study culture, study load, life in the city and around the city, workshops and everything related!

Opinions re architectural style/influence of this '70s building?

2024-09-27T11:42:00-04:00

I'm wondering if this U.S. government building, built in 1974, can be identified as an example of any particular architectural style or influences.

Masters or not before it’s too late?

2024-09-23T20:15:05-04:00

I graduated with RIBA Part 1 a few years ago. I have been working in Canada since but not on the path to licensure. I’ve been a full time designer and now I’m leading comp design/viz and sometimes doing designer role stuff at a natural playground company near Toronto. I’m making 72,000 CAD a year and my job is relatively good work/life compared to when I was a designer at a well known design firm in Toronto, plus I’m living at home still so I’m saving a lot more. I probably have some salary room to grow as well, but that’s not really the point of considering a Masters for me anyways…

My dilemma is that I am almost 28 (I went to arch school late) and I have a good amount of experience, but without doing my Master’s, I’m not on the path to licensure. However, I have some niche skills which is why in part I’ve got hired fine without. That being said, I want to do architecture on my own soon, and I am also getting old, and so getting that Masters now at least could open the door if I ch...

current senior applying for undergrad barch

2024-09-17T22:52:00-04:00

hi! i am currently a senior in high school and am applying to architecture schools. my top choice is cooper union so i am EDing there, as well as EAing to MIT. i'm also applying pratt, parsons, vtech, illinois tech, barnard, cal poly slo/pomona, cal, ucla, northeastern, cmu.

for risd architecture, i'm on the fence for applying. is it a studio/technical based program focused on architecture? i really want to get into studio classes asap and don't want to spend a lot of time doing pre req art classes during my time in undergrad. any advice?

also, for cooper union, anyone have any input for hometest? i'm pretty nervous and don't know what to expect. i'm not the strongest artist, so let me know anything you think might help!

thank you :)

March I ,II qpplication for internationl students

2024-09-15T19:34:00-04:00

hello,

I am abdallah ali. I study architecture at AASTMT in Egypt which is one of the RIBA accredited schools in the world. I will finish my bachelor in july 2025 and want to pusrue my master abroad. My current gpa is 3.85 and I am ranked #1 on my departement for 4 years in row. I prepared most of the documents, like passport , transcripts , portfolio , CV, motivational and recommendational letters and both certified statements from the university one stating that I will graduate in july 2025 and another one stating that the 5 years of the bachelor was completelytaught in English in addition to 2 cambridge ESP courses took . I want to know what are the chances for me to get scholarship to pursue my master in architecture as an international student and how to get application fee waiver. Applying to USA: pratt, GSD ,MIT, COLUMBIA, SCI ARC,

UK : Cambridge( only one doesn't require professional experience for a student to study March in uk)

Italy:POLIMI

Netherlands:TUDELFT

CHINA:HKU

...

Can you do a UK MArch without a Part 1 Placement and if so where

2024-09-02T14:50:00-04:00

I have been looking all summer for a Part 1 placement to continue from my BSc to my MArch, but opportunities are scarce and highly contested.

Can anyone help that knows of any opportunities OR do you know if there are any universities in the UK where you can do your MArch without going into a placement?

Is an architecture degree worth it for urban design/planning?

2024-08-28T16:09:56-04:00

Hey y'all. This is a somewhat specific post but I'm hoping some people in the field may have some advice. I tried some relevant subreddits and got some good answers but I'm trying to get as many second opinions as possible.

I (22M) am about to complete my honours degree in urban design and sustainability. I'm very happy! However, I don't care so much about the policy side. I am very, very interested in design and designing urban spaces. I was going to originally pursue a degree in architecture but I wasn't really willing to sacrifice my work/life balance or wage as I heard a lot of very negative things about this profession. However, now that I have my "safe" degree, I was wondering if it would be smart to pursue an additional architecture undergraduate for 2 years to increase my chances of landing a design job while giving myself more options and opportunities. Is this a smart idea, or am I just kidding myself? Allow me to explain myself.

Ideally, doing this would a) give me a genui...

Approaching M.ARCH admissions with low gpa

2024-08-26T17:12:00-04:00

Hello,

I graduated with a pre-professional degree in architecture (BED) this past May with a 2.6 overall GPA. I was just wondering if there were any in similar shoes who got admissions into an M.ARCH program. Ultimately, I want to enroll in an M.ARCH(accredited program) because obtaining an architectural license is a requirement where I live.

I interned at an architecture firm for a semester during my undergraduate studies and am currently interning at a different architecture firm for at least this next year while I figure out the feasibility of enrolling in an M.ARCH. My GPA is low because of my first year, where I started out with below a 2.0. My second year wasn't much better, but still around a 2.5. It wasn't until I interned in my fall third year that I realized how badly I'd been messing up and got a 3.0+ in my last four semesters.

I know some programs consider your last 60 credit hours, but I'm just seeking general advice, especially if anyone has gotten admission based on t...

Second bachelors degree so i can study in Europe ?

2024-08-22T17:45:00-04:00

Hello everyone,

I just turned 34 and went back to school last year to finish a bachelors degree (In the U.S.) that I started over a decade ago. I am about to start my last semester which will earn me a BA in Liberal Arts (GPA around 3.7-3.9 depending on how I finish the semester). :/

I have resolved to pursue an architecture degree (something I have wanted to do since I was a teenager but always talked myself out of pursuing). I have been carrying out ample amounts of research into the ins and outs of the process of application and which schools would be right for me. I have been looking at masters programs and the ones that look most attractive to me are all in Europe where masters students must hold a BArch (not I).

My current dilemma is;

A.I am mostly interested in doing my masters in Europe, the work coming out of the European schools and the overall work of European firms (both past and contemporary) is much more to my liking than what I've seen from American programs.

B....

Undergrad in US, Masters and License in UK?

2024-08-21T12:34:00-04:00

Hello All,

I am a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (a four year degree) in the United States and am currently logging hours under NCARB. I have been interested in getting licensed and working in the United Kingdom for quite some time now, and was wondering what my options for completing my Masters in the UK would look like. I know about the three-part process, and have seen that certain degrees in the UK either qualify you for/exempt you from certain parts (I'm a little unclear on which exactly it is). I'm curious where a four-year bachelor's degree from the US would put me in terms of the UK licensing process. Would I be able to apply to and attend university in the UK for a Masters program? Or would I be expected to complete some other steps/exams before doing so? In addition to that, are any of my NCARB hours transferrable, or will I need to complete the ARB's work requirements at a UK firm?

I appreciate any help I can get, and look forward to your answers...

Architects w/experience in medical facilities

2024-08-16T17:00:00-04:00

I am currently a grad student in a Design Management program and am working on a project about the design of medical facilities. I was wondering if there are any seasoned architects that might be able to do an informal interview or possibly connect me with someone who would?

Would I be a strong candidate for some of the top MArch programs?

2024-08-02T15:27:00-04:00

Hello all,

I have just finished up my masters of community planning and I am taking a gap year to try and prepare for my MArch applications. My professors believe that I would be a very strong candidate for the GSD and any University I apply to. I hope that they are right, but I am so nervous that I would be one of the many people that would be applying and that I wouldn't stand out. Most of my planning class went into government and politics and I truthfully don't know where I stand in the design world. I have been self teaching myself architecture along with the software's and skills needed. I hope to go to a good school so that I am able to study parametric design and focus on these beautiful forms that able to be produced through these programs. I just don't know if I would be a strong candidate or not and was hoping to have some insights.

Portfolio (It needs a lot of work and I am still working on it): https://www.behance.net/galler...

GPA: 3.7

Work Experience: I have worked a...

Looking for critique on my Portfolio

2024-07-23T00:24:00-04:00

Hi, I recently graduated and am looking for feedback on my interior design portfolio. Sorry if this might not be the right place, but it seems like the best place for portfolio feedback since the field work closely together.

My portfolio can be viewed at

https://yaelmk.com/

fire exit plan (basic) - which stairs

2024-07-18T12:50:14-04:00

hi! because fire exit stairs on the left are in a fireproof enclosure - should the arrows direct them to those stairs past the main staircase in the middle or shall I treat both sets equally and whichever is closer, you choose that. the room on the bottom right is a standalone space on the 1st floor.

thanks

M.Arch: Independent Thesis vs. Research Studio

2024-07-15T12:12:00-04:00

Hello all,

I am interested in the independent thesis vs. research studio structure that M.Arch programs employ for students in their final year. For example, Berkeley opts for the independent thesis, UCLA for the research studio, and UW offers either for students to choose from!

Is there an advantage of one structure over the other with respect to learning how to conduct design-based research? With respect to preparing to work in the industry (as a licensure candidate)? What are the schools’ rationales for choosing one over the other (or both)?

These are questions I’m asking of these schools in particular because I am interested in their programs, but I figured it can’t hurt to think aloud here while waiting for their replies. I would be happy to hear your opinions/experiences from any program, and I am also happy to follow up with their responses if anyone is interested.

Cheers!