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Non-architecture undergrad degree

ls004

Hi everyone!

I'm currently a junior student at Marietta College, majoring in Applied Physics. I've been interested in architecture for a long time and really want to change my pofession to architecture in graduate school.

Is it really hard for someone like me, who doesn't have an architecture or even art-related undergraduate degree to get accepted by MArch 3 programs? (I've been taking drawing classes, and I'm going to take flat design and hand building next semester)

Since I only have this comming summer and this fall to prepare for my portfolio, what kind of things should I put into it?

I'm really stressed out but also excited about all the challenges and surprises.

Thank you for help!

 
Mar 29, 12 2:49 am
Quentin

I think you'll be ok. That's the whole point of the M.Arch 3 path, for those who haven't studied arch before. Taking art classes and becomming a better drawer will definetly help. Touching up on CAD and maybe SketchUp (or any of the popular software programs) could help too.

Mar 29, 12 8:05 am  · 
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userben

If you have a summer, I would look into the many summer-long architecture "sampler" programs for non-architects. Many great schools offer these, including the Architectural Association, Columbia GSAPP, and UC Berkeley. Look around and try one.

You should also read everything you can about architecture. Read lots of books. Ask people for book recommendations. For example, if you're interested in structural design, look into people who have innovated in structural design, look at what structures research groups at good universities are studying, follow their references. Some neat starting points for this structures be reading stuff about Frei Otto, Buckminster Fuller, Eladio Dieste, or the Masonry Research Group at MIT, and scouring the web for similar thinkers. Read and try to maintain an open-minded and critical point of view towards the things you read. Get inspired but be critical.

Mar 29, 12 9:24 am  · 
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ls004

userben,

Yeah I'm hoping that I can get into one of the introduction to architecture summer programs. I'm applying for the one offered by Washington University in St. Louis, and also considering the one at Columbia ^ ^.

I'm very interested in sustainable design and I'll definately read more about it.

Thanks your all the useful suggestion! I'm wondering, in my portfolio, can I also put in flat design or graphic design works? Or I need to focus on 3D design?

 

Mar 29, 12 10:22 am  · 
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ls004

Quentin,

Thank you. I'll take your advise starting to learn some design softwares! This comming summer would be the most important summer for me ever.

Mar 29, 12 10:29 am  · 
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userben

Is004, Every school is a little different, but good ones will look for creative, thoughtful work, irrelevant of the medium. Basically, it should be interesting, well-thought out, and show your best work in any medium. You can put whatever you want. 3D is good to have but dont substitute poor 3d work for good 2d work.

Mar 30, 12 5:43 am  · 
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i r giv up

I studied cognitive science as an undergrad. Concentrated on Computational Linguistics.

Got an MArch (3G) at UMich right after.

If I could do it all over again, I'd do it the same way.

Generally speaking, an undergrad in architecture will not improve your critical thinking abilities. Most of theoretical writings in architecture are either gross misinterpretations of texts from other disciplines, or intentionally cryptic opinion pieces with huge logical gaps in the arguments they present.

Also, if you really care about sustainability, consider a degree in Urban Planning or Urban Design. Sustainability requires scale. Architects can do their part, but in the end, if you want to have a real effect, you should aim a bit higher.

Mar 30, 12 11:35 am  · 
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ls004

It's very helpful to take the suggestion on considering urban planning. Thanks a lot!

 

 

Mar 31, 12 3:43 pm  · 
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