General Chat / The Future Architects' Thread

Hook Em! Officially studying Architecture at University of Texas at Austin next year.

Corkscrewed, I was looking through your Venice mixed use project; well done! Are you encouraged to put a portfolio like that together or is that on your own time? Just something I noticed, in the construction details you show nails and rebar. I found that to be quite strange, as it opens you (as an architect) to liability. Framers know where to put the nails, so we leave it up to them (atleast, in Canada that's the case). The liability issue also arises from the rebar placement. Unless you've calculated it (which is a major undertaking. We've had to do that in our structural courses), leave it up to the engineers. It's interesting that much of the design and detailing of this project will work in the California climate, but it would fail almost instantly in Vancouver. This has actually been a major problem in Vancouver, as many architects have taken cues from California design and now there are many, many building envelope failures. I think the problem is slowly dieing out, but it has affected many people. Your party walls (with the double stud and air space) could benefit from resilient channels and acoustical sealant. Sound will still travel through your assembly via conduction because of the extra wide plates (hence the requirement for resilient channels). Was there a reason no ballast was required on the roof? I think I'm getting to critical of a great looking project. Maybe some of this will help in a future project?

I have one major project for this term and we're working in groups of three. The issue I have is that the instructor announces the project (takes three hours to do so) and then one of my team members comes running up to me with a sketch of how the building is going to look. I can't stand this train of thought. Architecture is not about making pretty buildings. Well, it is, but there is so much more to it than that. I'm going to try to encourage my team members to explore a similar approach to this project; look for all the problems/challenges and design a form that resolves them.

And just to complain, come April 4th, I will have built three models in the last month!

We are required to make a semester portfolio at the end of every semester to document our work.

For that specific project, my professor actually told us to put in those extra details that an engineer might normally draft. That and things like footers obviously require some consultant check, but he wanted them drawn to show that we knew the idea of where those things go and such. Also, he did use his own experience and knowledge to help us place and size most of those things.

Otherwise, I'd totally agree with you and leave it to the engineers, but that's how our professor wanted it done. I think it's also a reflection on the general mentality of the school and what USC wants its students to show.


As far as some of your other questions... I'm not sure about the ballast. I think you'd know more than I, to be honest (wow, that's somewhat humbling for me, eh?). Lack of some of the other elements probably stems from my not being aware you needed one or those things exist. USC is more design oriented, as I've stressed before, so in terms of technical construction, most students (myself definitely included) are not very knowledgeable in actual construction. We are very often taught to concentrate more on conceptual design and ideas rather than practical technical solutions (which comes more toward the end and is taught as a "you should know the idea of how this works" sort of way). So I guess that'd be another thing we'd chalk up to the builders and engineers.

As for California to Vancouver... I can't imagine why people would want to drag and drop SoCal construction to BC construction. The climates and settings are completely different! The only thing the two have in common is relative proximity to a seismic zone (I'm comparing Vancouver's situation to Seattle's). But Vancouver has a more varied climate range and a little thing to deal with called snow. And that's just the basics. So I'm pretty baffled to find out some people decided they could use California construction for BC.

Ah well, ya live and ya learn.

Check out this to get a general idea about BC "Leaky Condos." Here are a few statistics:
-Registered leaky condos across B.C.: 900 buildings, 31,037 individual units
-Estimate of the total number of affected units: 50,000
-Average cost of repairs per condo unit: $21,040
-Average cost of repairs per co-op unit: $34,000
-Estimate of the total cost of repairs: $1 Billion

Ballast is just a weight, usually gravel that will prevent your roofing from flying away in the wind. Due to its generally light colour it also reduces solar gain and protects the roofing membrane from UV degradation. I realise that your school is more design oriented, but perhaps some of this sharing of knowledge will help all of us.

By the way, I got to go on a site visit to the Vancouver Convention Centre expansion project today. It's one massive project. The project coordinator claimed that it was going to be the world's largest green roof when complete. The building is actually seperated into two seperate buildings and is connected by a 400mm wide (yes, 400mm) expansion joint. The biggest piece of steel they are using is a W14x665 (Imperial). That means 14" deep x 665 lbs per linear foot!

So that's why there's rocks on the roof of our dorms..

I see what you mean Corky. That's basically how things are in Cincy...and in architectural practice in general. Some things engineers do generally draw and control, but when an architect is doing drawings or models, it is necessary to at least show the general structural elements and occasionally such things as air ducts, etc...and when it comes to details, that is when all of the factors are considered...it wouldnt make much sense to put in the detail in drawings that don't need that information and arent trying to convey that information anyway. Also, when doing an architecure project in school, you generally have like 3 weeks to do all drawings and models and design work for that matter...so focusing on mundane details that an engineer would be doing anyway in the real world does not make sense...but at least showing that you know structure and those things need to be considered is necessary and if it isnt exactly right, it isnt the end of the world...in the real world you need an engineer to sign off on it anyway to avoid liability issues. Besides the fact that almost anything can be built these days with minimal structural interference. Form can follow function, but function is not defined by structure.

So that's why there's rocks on the roof of our dorms..

And the lack of rocks on ours was probably why my laptop was destroyed by a leak...

That sucks. I'm glad I live on the 7th of 11 floors on ours. Just have to make sure the window's closed when it's raining, don't want my drumset to get wet.

I'm curious, what does an architecture studen't course schedule look like in a week? Is it dominated by design labs, lectures about building codes, and the occasional history or english class or a bs elective, or what?

Here's my schedule for this term. All the courses are required (no electives).

Monday
08:30 - 10:20 System Synthesis (Lab)
10:30 - 12:20 Management Engineering (Lab)
12:30 - 01:20 Computer Graphics for Architecture (Lecture)

Tuesday
08:30 - 11:20 Architectural Technology (Lecture)
11:30 - 12:20 Surveying for Buildings (Lecture)
01:30 - 05:20 Architectural Technology (Lab)

Wednesday
08:30 - 11:20 Computer Graphics for Architecture (Lab)
12:30 - 02:30 Architectural Technology (Lab)

Thursday
08:30 - 09:20 System Synthesis (Lecture)
09:30 - 10:20 Building Structures (Lecture)
10:30 - 12:20 Building Construction (Lecture)
01:30 - 05:20 Building Construction (Lab)

Friday
08:30 - 09:20 Management Engineering (Lecture)
09:30 - 11:30 Building Structures (Lab)
02:30 - 05:20 Surveying for Buildings (Lab)

Total Hours: 33

What are Management Engineering and System Synthesis all about? It seems like you're program is pretty accelerated; how many semesters do you have left after this one? Also, our school, for the most part, counts labs for a class during a week as one hour per lab, otherwise I'd be listed at 24 hrs instead of 17. I'm taking 15 next semester--the design course takes so much of my time that I shouldn't take more (that and the other class i could add is either Mechanics of Materials (another lab) or Thermodynamics (I would be signing my life away to studying)).

Edited by penguinBOB, 24 March 2007 - 11:05 PM.

^ As a double in materials science, I'm going to have to insist that you take the Mechanics of Materials class.

Not sure how helpful it'd be to an architect though, other than being all "tension + concrete = bad." But materials is very helpful for engineering, so it probably wouldn't hurt. Plus, only then can you learn some of the awesomest engineering terms ever, like charpy. And polishing!!! Oh, all the polishing you could ever want!

They're both required, I'll just take them next semester. I'll be an Architectural Engineer, its baisically a civil, but with 3 design classes and a lighting course.

What are Management Engineering and System Synthesis all about? It seems like you're program is pretty accelerated; how many semesters do you have left after this one?

Management Engineering is a fancy term for "How to run a business with a focus on architecture and development companies." Has to do with capital budgeting, how to be profitable and knowing about financial aspects of businesses. System Synthesis is all about the integration of everything I've learned thus far. I've had courses on HVAC, plumbing, structure, electrical, lighting, life safety, building envelope and a whole lot more that I can't think of currently, and it's all about organizing all those systems into one building. The instructor has not assigned the term project yet, but it will be a small building in which we have to layout all those aforementioned systems, as well as sustainable aspects. So far it seems to be the most interesting class yet!

And I am a second year student in a diploma program. So I will graduate this year with a diploma. I have applied to a degree program that my school offers (and will hopefully find out about acceptance this week) which adds another two years with a similar work load. My current term ends at the end of May.

several things as i approach college-time:

nate, where are you attending again? i've somehow managed to miss that.
pBob, would you reccomend rolla? i've gotten some stuff in the mail from them, and since i'm looking for an architectural engineering major, they're an option.
Corky, you're at USC, yes? that's a bit far / expensive for me, really, but how's the architecture program there?
my closest option is OSU, which aside from my instinct to not go to a school less than 5 miles from me is really very appealing given the engineering and music programs there. (despite my despising the military-style marching band. Corps style ftw.)
also, my school scrwed me. AP Physics is no longer offered as of this year, and going completely on a D i got in geometry in 8th grade they barred me from AP Calculus. still taking as many AP's as i can, but it's hurting my GPA, which is hovering around 3.0 .. will i even be able to get in places?
i expect a damn near perfect ACT / SAT score, i've never had a problem there. scored >200 on all my PSATs.

Hey guys,

I've just figured some of my problems. I'm a perfectionist. A tense-afraid procrastinator. Basically since college ( around the same time some family stuff happened) i've been a perfectionist and it has more negatives then positives, mainly that I work myself into such a state of guilt and/or depression that I will seclude myself or even miss deadlines ( I write this now with a deadline I cannot meet for 3 1/2 hours away). Don't get me wrong, when it's going good my perfectionism really shows and helps, hell I got an A for my last project. Recently, spanning of the last 3 or four projects, i've found it hard 'getting' into a project which leads to rushing at the end or worse, not getting anything done.

My point being, do you guys know anyone on your respective courses and how they get over it?

I'm safe for this year ( my first year) because all my marks are not finalised until the portfolio hand in, giving me the 4 weeks of Easter break to do the work, which I think maybe one of the roots of the problem. Being that it's so close to Easter now and that i've just figured that I can do my work to catch up then rather then just doing it. Stupid I know but it never sounds that bad in my head ( not sub-consciously though, there's always someone knocking).

Any who I'm only writing this for help and another reason to avoid work/not sleep.

You shouldn't have too hard of a time getting into Rolla, and they're pretty nice with the scholarships (though I'm not sure if that's because of combined GPA/ACT scores or instate, or both)--I got ~7000/yr just for applying. As for the school, it's a good program, has a large career fair twice a year (I'd recomend doing a co-op before you graduate), has a very high job-out-of-college-rate, lots of design teams to get involved in and all that other good-on-your-resume stuff, however the town is pretty lame sans around st. patricks day (which is pretty much an epic 10 days of collective drunkeness (I've heard it's the second largest celebration in the country, but I'm not really sure about that)), you'll be studying/doing homework all week long and the only thing to do on the weekends besides go out of town is party or play wow or do frat stuff if you're in one (which probably isn't a bad idea to consider). It does have it's pluses, but consider how boring the town is before you make your decision.

Edited by penguinBOB, 25 March 2007 - 11:08 PM.

thanks, pBob.
means alot to hear an honest opinion with all the sugar-coated bliss bubbles being sent my way lately.

Intamin you should really check out UT for architecture. I haven't experienced it yet but I have heard nothing but praise for the program and it is consistently ranked among the top programs in the county. The fact that only 80 or so out of 800+ that apply get in speaks towards its exclusiveness though. I do have several friends in it now and though they say it is very demanding they say they have a great time doing it.

Nate:
Oh, ballast. Wow, I feel dumb because I actually knew that... just not at that moment. Meaning I forgot.

Don't remember off the top of my head, but I'm pretty sure I put gravel or something like that on the rooftop to hold the roof down. Either that or I dealt with it another way. I do remember that "issue" being confronted. But it's been too long since that project (a whole year! ) and to be honest, I didn't really like it.

Also, your schedule makes baby Jesus cry. Goodness gracious that's packed!! No wonder you retired from RCT! lol

And 400 mm is one helluva expansion joint! That's well over a foot!! Goodness that project's ginormous.


][ntamin:
Don't be afraid to apply to USC just because it's expensive. They're pretty good with financial aid a lot of times, do consider that into your decisions.

The school itself jumps you straight into architecture, giving you five years of studio (as opposed to some other schools, which make you do GE courses and prep courses first before giving you actual design opportunity in your second or third year). Their structure starts from the very basics of design (literally, the first exercise is a 2D composition) and works its way up to actual building. The final project of the first year is an actual building, although you hardly touch issues like structure or materials. Second year gives you more of that, and third year reinforces the physical aspects by the time it reaches its spring semester. Starting in fourth year, there are three semester of "topic studio," meaning your project with your professor is different from another professor of the same year. Thesis studio culminates your fifth and final year, and it's basically topic studio plus a thesis paper, and they're not as lenient in letting you pass if you're not going to pass.

The school is heavily design-driven, so the cons are that students coming out of USC are generally less knowledgeable about the technical aspects of architecture compared to some other schools (just look at the difference between Natelox and me--and I've got three years of schooling on him!). USC will, however, flex major muscle in helping you find a job once you graduate. They'll send resumes across the country and organize firm fairs for all students to attend.

Know that USC as a school itself is heavily filled with bureaucracy. It's kind of like a mini Congress. Money drives a LOT of things, and you may feel like a lot of it is not very fairly used. School of Architecture often gets shafted because money is distributed according to roster size, and our school is a very small percentage of the overall school population--yet require a lot of expensive stuff (plotting, materials, computer programs). There is no materials store on campus, although Roark recently moved to a very nearby lot that's within walking distance (5 min. drive = 30 min. walk?). Computer facilities within the school of architecture, however, are a joke (use USC's computer labs if you don't have your own laptop), and although we do have a plotting person, we don't have some ammenities other schools might have, like 3d printers, printers that don't suck ass, and computer newer than five years old.

That said, the faculty is, for the most part, very talented, especially in the upper years, and our new dean (Qing Yun Ma, head of acclaimed design firm MADA:spam) has been doing a LOT to bring the school closer together. It's definitely an exciting time for USC School of Architecture.

So overall, I would say that USC is a fantastic place to go for architecture. It has its flaws, but for me, I've really enjoyed my time here. Depending on your preference (design over technical knowledge or vice versa), you may very well love it here too.

Oh yeah, and with any architecture school, expect a lot of not sleeping.


(that's my unbiased pitch)

I forgot to mention the ammount of computers/computer labs on campus--I can get away with not having one there. All have Autocad and Microsoft Office and not sure if you'd really need anything else. Also, UMR's (btw, the chancellor has proposed a name change so look out for that) program is even more technical than Nate's school, so keep that in mind.