‘Why do you want to be an architect?’—was the question that was repeatedly asked by all professors in the first studio. That question marked the start of the gruesome 5-year long journey. The answers although generic, generated a sense of clarity as to what we wished to achieve or learn in the next 5 years
Looking back, none of the aspiring architects had the slightest clue about the course. Most of them joined Architecture College solely based on their good sketching skills. It’s almost like a group of blind people walking aimlessly in all directions just trying to find the right path and I spent the first half of the course stumbling in the dark. The weekly graded submissions, the technical and design subjects, the concept of juries, and the fact that there are no textbooks were unheard of. The process of research, design, and self-learning becomes an experience in itself and teaches us many things academically and otherwise.
Here are my two cents on the entire journey.
The most memorable and teaching moments from college were the activities that took me away from the studio, such as design competitions and cultural events gave me exposure to interact and work with different people from the field, and gave a sense of management in group activities. Similarly, the study tours took me around the country which taught me more about the architecture in these places than I could have ever learned from anywhere else, as rightly said by Kevin Kelly, ‘Travelling is still the most intense mode of learning.’
The gaining of knowledge in school was restricted to the textbook, which doesn’t apply for college. The research and data collection for all subjects that went beyond the notes i.e., accessing the library, referencing various books, research papers, online information, videos, lectures/ interviews of architects, and is up to date with the latest happenings in the industry, etc. are what will set your work and thought process apart from the rest. This is one of the most important things that I have learned from experience.
In the second year, the university introduced us to a subject called ‘Technical communications’ and it was quickly dismissed by the students as an easy grade, but when it was time to apply for internships the soft skills matter just as much as the technical skills. The job search requires for a portfolio displaying all your software skills and designing knowledge legibly and creatively as opposed to just the academic accomplishments
Designing, in my opinion, is just as enjoyable as it is stressful. After struggling on a project for a while, it is quite possible to fall in love with the first design outcome. I remember my design professor making the entire class repeat the words ‘The first draft is always trash’ in every single lecture. Since then I have maintained a minimum of three draft rules for the design.
The juries were one of the most dreaded parts of the semester. This was the time to have our designs along with our confidence to be shredded to pieces. Even after multiple sleepless nights of working on jury sheets, no matter how much the completed work, it was always insufficient. The most important thing about jury presentations that I learned a little late is to always aim for more than what is asked. The checklist provided by the faculty for any kind of submissions is always the minimum requirement. During the jury presentation jotting down important points on cue cards helped me give a sequential and proper narration of my design. Also, working on my oration skills and the technical language is what helped me explain my work more efficiently.
The most terrifying cross-questioning that happened with me was one of the first juries for the final year thesis. While working on a thesis most of us get swayed away with attractive forms, facades, and fancy strategies in the hopes of a design that stands out which is what happened with me, but if the planning isn’t done with the user in mind, it displays a lack of empathy. In the feedback, the juror quoted “A human can spend endless hours in appreciating the elevations, but at the end of the day he lives in the plan.” These are the words I have been trying to keep in mind while designing ever since.
