Becoming an architect would have been a passion for many growing up, as each one has their own story. For some, it is the feeling that they get when they look at magnificent buildings and think, “Woah! What an architectural wonder!”. For some, it is looking at the ancient temples and wondering “How did they even think of building something so incredible?”. It is moments like this that spark their passion for architecture, and that's when they start their journey towards becoming an architect.
So, why not start your journey towards becoming an architect?
For starters, to become an architect you need to have passion and have good scores in math, physics, and chemistry. After that, you would have to clear the NATA Exam. Both of those scores will add up and get you into one of the best architecture colleges in India.
What is Architecture?
Architecture is a captivating profession that combines creativity and technical expertise to design structures that shape the world around us. Whether it's a residential home, a towering skyscraper, or a public park, architects should possess the unique ability to blend functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability to create spaces that enhance our lives.
The World of Architecture
Architecture is an ever-evolving field that constantly pushes the boundaries of design, technology, and sustainability. It comprises a wide range of disciplines, including urban planning, landscape architecture, interior design, and more. Architects play a crucial role in shaping the built environment, creating structures that not only meet the needs of their users but also harmonize with the surrounding context.
A Non-Retairable Profession
When you choose your career as an architect you can be assured of some things such as
- You will never get bored as an architect
- You will realize the difference that you are making in the world
- You will sustain your artistic skills through architecture
- You will be a part of the most demanding industries of all times
- You will travel, learn & meet various people and gain exposure
History of Architecture
We could not say exactly but this started back in the Neolithic period, around 10000 BC. That's when people decided to move out of caves and took control of how they wanted their homes to be – making them look and feel just the way they liked.
The word “Architecture” originated from the Latin word 'architekton' which means Arkhi = Chief & Tekton = builder.
You should also know a man who has designed more than 1000 structures and is the father of Architecture Mr. Frank Lloyd Wright, an American. He was not just an Architect but also was a prolific writer, designer & an educator.
Fast Forward to the 21st Century
Starting with a quote from Le Corbusier
“Architecture is the learned game; correct and magnificent of forms assembled in the light”
The population of the world is at 8 billion. The fastest growth has happened in the last decade. Having said that, let us see some of the challenges that lie ahead of us.
- Development of housing infrastructure
- Large scale housing
- Better civic amenities
- Providing multi-functional space for the common public
- Designing hygienic & safe waste disposal
- Planning for efficient & safe public transport infrastructure
- Design for inclusivity
Architecture as a profession has the power to save the very world in which we exist through indigenous designs that are sustainable, efficient & functional.
Future of Architecture
Let's see the future of architects in terms of jobs. The job outlook for architects is positive, with a projected growth rate of 1% from 2019 to 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While this growth rate is slower than the average for all occupations, there will still be opportunities for architects due to the need for new buildings, renovations, and sustainable design initiatives. Let's look at some of the new buildings that will set shape to the world in the future.
- National Library of Jerusalem, Israel
- NORDO, Denmark
- Lola Mora Cultural Center, Argentina
- Abrahamic family house, UAE
- Merdeka 118, Malaysia
- Destination Crenshaw, USA
- AMRF first building, Australia
- Kempegowda Intl Airport, India
- Grand Egyptian Museum, Egypt
The global architecture market pegs at $348.79 billion & expected growth at 5%. Some of the countries that have a high demand for architects include the USA, Switzerland, Singapore, Japan, the UK, India, Australia, Norway, UAE, Canada, etc.
Architecture Career In India
At the outset let's look at the careers you can pursue post your architecture program
- Landscape Architecture: It involves designing outdoor landscapes, including infrastructure, public areas, etc. They are also involved in stormwater management, environmental restoration, and recreational areas.
- Urban Planner: This involves problem-solving on a large scale. This includes everything from economic and demographic changes to sustainable development.
- Restoration Architect: This involves the conservation and restoration of old buildings and heritage sites that have always been a reflection of our past. It is also essential and crucial to understanding our culture.
- Research Architect: This has the reference to our current wave of digital design and the constant advancement of digital tools. This has a profound impact on architecture. A constant improvement is done by architects not just in designing buildings but focusing more on how these tools can enhance the workflow.
- Lighting Architect: This work includes developing our quality of experiences, and health not just in in a natural environment but also in smaller spaces such as our work offices as well.
- Extreme Architect: This specialization of work includes architects who specialize in extreme weather conditions and bring out solutions to tackle the subject. This has become one of the important areas of study due to the extreme weather conditions such as floods hurricanes, heat waves, global warming, etc.
How do I become a part of the architecture industry?
Coming back to the point that we were discussing earlier. To become an architect in India requires one to clear a series of examination that checks a student's aptitude, skill, creativity, and reasoning ability for the course. Bachelors in Architecture or B.Arch is a 5 year program that includes internships and projects. To get into an architecture college one should have Math, Physics, and Chemistry as subjects with a min 50 percent aggregate.
There are 483 architecture colleges in India with 32 colleges under govt & rest classified as autonomous institutions that are approved by the COA. An average of 40 to 100 seats are available in every college.
All India Exams for Architecture
There are two popular entrance examinations for Architecture which are NATA and JEE (paper II). These examinations are conducted annually and students are given 2 attempts to clear. The best score out of the two is considered during the admission process.
NATA (conducted by the COA) is held every year in the months of June and July whereas JEE 2 (conducted by NTA) is held in January and April every year. Admissions to architectural colleges are secured based on the above scores along with their plus 2 scores.
Examination & Syllabus
NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture)The NATA examination is held for 200 marks. NATA entrance examination is computer-based with no physical drawing. This is a recent change in the syllabus due to COVID-19. There can be changes in the syllabus and exam pattern any year. This is why getting timely updates on the examination is important.
The topics that are covered in the NATA examination include:
- Diagrammatic reasoning
- Abstract reasoning
- Inductive reasoning
- Situational judgment
- Verbal reasoning
- Numerical reasoning
- Logical reasoning
JEE 2 (or paper 2) has a maximum mark of 400. JEE2 consists of physical drawing & negative marking.
The topics that are covered in the JEE2 examination include:
- Drawing
- Maths
- Reasoning & Aptitude
An estimate says that an average number of 35000 students appear every year for NATA & 65000 for JEE 2 examination.
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We at MAD School Coaching Institute train students for NATA & JEE 2 examinations. Coaching classes are conducted in both online and offline mode with flexible timings. Our coaching center is located in Punjagutta in Hyderabad & Anna Nagar in Chennai. Our coaching centers can be spotted in the prime location of the city which can easily be accessed by Metro, Road & all means of transport. MAD school has the distinction of having the highest pass percent ratio among the coaching centers in South India. For more details visit www.madschool.in
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