General Chat / The Future Architects' Thread

Just because it is technical doesn't mean it's difficult. It's just on a bit of a tangent compared to the public's perception of an architect. Design in terms of form, parti, spatial organization, structural layout and what not can be just as, if not more difficult than anything technical. Atleast the technical aspects have correct answers.

A few pictures of my most recent model. I chose to do Oscar Niemeyer's Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Niterói.

Hey, what is exactly supposed to be in the portfolio for any school of archicture, I'm getting mixed signals about what to put in. Can someone clear it up for me?!

Sketches, drawings, paintings, anything artistic(photos, sculptures, etc.) really at least that is what I submitted.

Awesome model btw Nate.

You can use RCT too. Well you can in some Uni's over here, i can;t imagine it would be too different?

I had to create a portfolio recently and I did some research as to what to include. The program head said that items that showed how one percieves things and creativity are of greatest importance. We had to make the actual portfolio (the 'book' element) and that was supposedly weighted heavily.

I didn't include any RCT related items, as I thought it was baseless and an unrespected form of creativity. I don't think anyone would understand it unless they have played it and been involved in a community. I have learned a lot about creativity and the creative process from RCT, but I don't think it's a transferable medium.

My best suggestion as to what to include would be to visit websites for architectural schools and see what they're looking for. They're all looking for the same thing.

Here's what my research found:

ARTICLE ONE

As you gain a clear understanding of your lifework story, you'll increase your ability to see your potential and communicate it to others. This newly gained insight can assist you in assessing where you are on your career track.

An effective portfolio is a visual representation of your experience, strengths, abilities, skills - the things you like to do, and do best.

Just as there are different kinds of scrapbooks, there are wide variations in professional portfolios and in where and how they can be used. Here's a starter list of artifacts to consider. Begin your collection with whatever is relevant to YOU.

List of Suggestions

Start with who you are now. Collect all the important information about you. (The Personal Information list is a good basic collection to keep safe and available because it will save you time when you need to verify any of these documents for employment or other reasons.)

Personal Information
• Any other licenses (including business, professional and technical)

Education
• Schools attended (all - elementary, middle school, high school, technical, college, university, private, etc.) school addresses, even names of teachers
• Transcripts (all)
• Diplomas, certificates, CEUs, licenses
• Course descriptions
• Assessments, test results, appraisals, grade reports
• Awards, honors, honor society memberships
• Internships, apprenticeships, special projects
• Workshops, seminars, conferences attended
• Independent learning (things you've learned on your own, or taught yourself)
• Special training (military, private institute, business, etc.)

Activities
• Leadership positions held
• Hobbies or Interests (time devoted to or photos?)
• Participation in team sports
• Service project participation
• Volunteer activities
• Organizations joined (all)
• Public speaking or performances
• Awards
• Travel

Work-Related Activities
• Jobs/Contracts held (title, description of all duties, supervisor, phone, address)
• Performance reports, appraisals
• Accomplishments
• Military training, citations (complete description of duties, activities)
• Awards
• Professional licenses
• Publications, reports, published articles
• Training materials
• Samples of brochures, flyers made
• Attendance records
• Organization charts
• Customer surveys
• Documentation of accomplishments - increases in sales, decrease in claims
• Computer-related items
• Major projects completed/participated in

Personal Qualities or Strengths -- Don't forget the activities that you might be taking for granted! (Especially if you're young or have little formal education or work experience)
For example:

• Strengths (personal qualities that will help you contribute to an employer)
• Teamwork and people skills, problem-solving, budgeting, planning and organization, time management, energy, discipline, motivation, persistence, responsibility, dependability, etc., etc.
• Contributing to your family (teaching, caring for siblings, cooking - all require planning, responsibility, dependability)
• Helping your friends or working on extra-curricular projects (may require teamwork, problem-solving skills, teaching skills, people skills)
• Raising a family and/or running a household (requires budgeting, organization, time management skills, adaptability)
• Keeping fit and healthy; being member of sports team (requires energy, discipline, motivation, persistence, teamwork)

Notice that few of the items on this list are actually physical objects. Others imply the existence of objects, and some are intangibles, like activities or personal qualities. You'll need to bring out the intangibles, by creating something to represent them visually. Having a visual representation of your accomplishment will give you an opportunity to talk about why you have included a particular item and what it represents in terms of your abilities.
 

Collecting Portfolio Artifacts

It's usually best to collect portfolio artifacts while they are being created, but it is possible to create portfolio items that "represent" your past accomplishments after the occasion has passed.

1)  At the time (artifacts made on the job / during the volunteer activity, or hobby)

Reports or research summaries

Training packets

Graphics for annual report

Sales percentage increases

Handouts from training workshops

Customer survey results

Published articles

Attendance records

Computer print-outs

Brochures, flyers

2)  After the fact (representations of artifacts made at the time)

Resume, certificates

Pie charts of sales, bar graphs of savings

Collage of travel experiences

Title page of report written

Photo of award or you accepting award

Symbol that represents your philosophy, with text description

Newspaper clipping describing event you contributed to

Photo of product you helped develop.

Students have a distinct advantage in this situation, because their writing, research and data manipulation samples from classes are clearly owned by them. However, students must be aware that they cannot freely make use of work they have completed during an internship or period of employment, unles they have written permission from that employer.

ARTICLE TWO
This is from an architectural school's website.

1. Submit your work in a bound brochure or ring-type binder, not in loose leaf form. Portfolios should not exceed 15 pages and 11" x 14" in size, the 8 1/2" x 11" format is preferred. Include only reproductions, reduced where appropriate, rather than originals. Portfolios are rarely lost, but it has happened and originals cannot be replaced. Do not submit slides, videotapes, CDs or web pages.

2. It is useful to include some information regarding the context in which a work was produced, particularly whether it was done in response to a class assignment, a job-related task, or by your own initiative. It is also good to include the dates of execution as well as the size, materials, and media. If a project was done by a group of persons or in the context of a professional office, please be specific as to the exact nature of your personal involvement and contribution.

3. You should give special attention to the form and craft of your submission. We are not only interested in the quality of what you show, but also in the quality of how you show it.

4. Please be sure to include your name on the portfolio and on all items. If you want us to return your portfolio, please include a self-addressed, stamped mailing envelope or box of correct size with sufficient postage. Note: we cannot accept checks or credit cards to cover the expense of mailing.

5. You can consult references on portfolio design. As an example, Portfolio Design, Second Edition by Harold Linton (New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2000, ISBN 0-393-73059-X) contains much information and many examples of portfolio design, some by NC State University students. At NC State, this book is available at the College of Design Library and the University Career Center. This book or others like it should be available at design and university libraries around the country.

Portfolios for applicants with previous architectural degrees are considered as demonstrations in ability to design architectural projects. Other pertinent 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional work of artistic, design, or technical interest may be included as supplementary to this desired purpose.

http://contest.sketc...try.php?rules=1

Saw that, thought you guys might be interested. Seems like fun.

Our final project for the year is to design an archival type building in groups of 2. Should be interesting, and I'll probably want tips on model building before it's all said and done with. We had research projects before this one was assigned, presentations today. Found it interesting that instead of sprinkler systems, the National Archives in the UK uses argon gas (after everybody's evacuated) (I presume most other archival type buildings use this method). Also, the glass canopy above the great court in the British Museum was a mind-blowing feat of engineering.

So...Im currently choosing between CalPoly SLO, UC Berkeley, and USC for college (Majoring in Architecture of course) and I was interested to hear the opinions of those of you taking architecture or familiar with any of the 3 programs. Any information would help as Im really torn between the 3.

CalPoly SLO is probably the best known of those three for Architecture but besides that I can't offer much insight.

Found it interesting that instead of sprinkler systems, the National Archives in the UK uses argon gas (after everybody's evacuated) (I presume most other archival type buildings use this method).

Water would damage their archives. Using an inert gas for fire suppression is common in electrical vaults as well. Adding water there would just make things worse. The advantage to an electrical vault is that the design assumes that no one is in there. I wonder how a building would decide if all the occupants were exacuated. Motion/occupany dectecors might not work.

So...Im currently choosing between CalPoly SLO, UC Berkeley, and USC for college (Majoring in Architecture of course) and I was interested to hear the opinions of those of you taking architecture or familiar with any of the 3 programs. Any information would help as Im really torn between the 3.

Yay! I get to lecture!


Okay, first thing's first. Berkeley (henceforth known as Cal) is a four year school that gives you a non-professional Bachelor's of architecture. This means that if you want to eventually get an architect's license, you'll need two more years in grad school for a masters, so that you can get a professional degree.

USC and Cal Poly San Luis Obisbo (henceforth known as SLO) are five year schools that offer professional Bachelor's of architecture. You can get an architect's license directly with these degrees and do not have to get a master's if you do not wish.

All three schools are good, but USC and SLO are more renown. I believe SLO has one of the nationals top architecture programs for a public school. I do believe they are design oriented as well and delve more into the creative aspects of architecture, versus the more technical parts. They also have one helluva firm fair for architects, so I've heard.

USC just finished their accreditation, and I believe we got the maximum six year term again (the suits were really blown away by our work). It's also a design-oriented school and has always been reputed to have a solid architecture program. If you're interested in working in the LA area, the school can also take care of you in that regard, since it's got lots of connections with firms and stuff and will assist you in getting a job, more than most schools.


That's a brief overview. Your decision should really center on whether or not you want to do a 4+2 schooling or just take the five years and go with it. The only difference, really, is the master's degree. If you don't plan on getting one, then going to USC or SLO will save you a year. If you do, then Berkley might be the quicker option, although you could always do 5+2.

So, do you need a master's in architecture? Most people will say no (unless you plan on teaching). When it comes to getting a job, firms will look at your prior experience first and your degree second. A more skilled BA holder will get the job over a less skilled MA holder. So there's that. However, I've been told that once you get a job, you're more likely to ascend if you hold a master's degree. The corporate ladder is easier to climb, that is. So if you plan on pursuing that career path, then maybe you should get a master's. I should tell you that in general, graduate architecture students have basically figured out what type of architecture they want to specialize in and spend their two years studying that general type. For example, they know they want to do civic architecture versus housing. Or they want to do sustainable buildings versus conventional ones.


So my advice is to decide if you want to go four years or five. That'll narrow it down to at least two. If you want to go five years, then the next factors, IMO, are school area and financial aid. USC is in a crappy area. I'm gonna straight out be honest. It's not a place where I'm complacent when walking at night (I'm not paranoid, but I am careful at all times). SLO... I think is safer. Although I hear a lot more boring. It's basically rural life versus urban life, I guess. For financial aid... USC obviously costs a lot more, but it tends to be pretty good with financial aid, so it may turn out that going to USC is cheaper than going to a public school, due to grants and scholarships. At least that was the case for me (I would have paid twice as much to go to Cal or UCLA vs USC). So check your financial aid packages.

Finally, the one bad thing I complain about at USC architecture is that the facilities in the immediate building are pretty crappy. The public computers are ancient (pentium III's) and the printers are problematic at times. And my wireless doesn't work in my section. The school as a whole has fantastic facilities, but architecture itself... does not. Although we do have a guy who can plot stuff for you, and the prices are actually pretty good. Only minus with Enrique (he's our plotter) is that he can be an ass hole at times.

If you have any other questions, hit me up on AIM at Corkscrewed02 (I haven't been on much this month because I don't want distractions from final production, but I can make it a point to be online if you need me to be) or send an email. Corkscrewed(at)gmail(dot)com.

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In other news, James Cutler lectured at USC last week on Wednesday and gave the best lecture I have ever heard. I'm pretty damn sure Natelox has heard of him (he works in the Seattle area). He has some amazing projects, and his philosophy, though blatantly "environmentalist," does not come off as tree hugging and bitchy. He's got this charming sensibility that's really appealing, and what he does with what are really just simple moves is amazing.

Thom Mayne lectured this past Monday and gave a ridiculously cerebral and erudite talk highlighting two recent projects: the University of Cincinatti Campus Recreation Center (featured March 2007 ArchRecord) and the GSA Building in San Francisco. Then he proceeded to own the LA Times architecture critic, Chris Hawthorne, in a discussion so unlistenable I left ten minutes before it ended. Thom Mayne's an interesting guy, though; that's for sure.

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Speaking of which... Eric (if you happen upon this thread anytime soon), would you happen to have any pics of the Morphosis building, or any of the other recent new buildings at UoC that have been done by famous architects? Just wondering. It's pretty neat that Cincinatti is trying to raise their school name through architecture, rather than through their programs.

That's a brief overview. Your decision should really center on whether or not you want to do a 4+2 schooling or just take the five years and go with it. The only difference, really, is the master's degree. If you don't plan on getting one, then going to USC or SLO will save you a year. If you do, then Berkley might be the quicker option, although you could always do 5+2.

I think it is also possible to do 5+1 as my school is working to add a one year Masters Program. Any more besides that, I'm clueless.

Yeah, I think it's *possible* but most schools I know of have two year programs. *shrug*

Thanks Corky, I knew you could offer me some good info. At this point Im almost 100% sure Im going to be getting the masters either way, so thats why I am also considering Cal. According to the rankings of DesignIntelligence, among other things, Cal is considered the best of the 3 for graduate schools too, though obviously that only means so much...

As for price, Im getting basically no help from USC. Just the 3k or w/e academic scholarship, which would still leave USC costing 47k or so versus CalPoly being 13kish and Cal around 25k or so. So there is definitely a big difference in cost for me.

Keep the info coming guys. (If you have any more info, of course )

Yeah, in that case, I'd go with either Cal or SLO. Surrounding area wise, I'd prolly prefer Cal cuz San Francisco is across the bay (I hate Oakland tho). SLO has nice nature areas tho, if you're into that.

I'm not sure where you live, but if you can a tour at either or both schools, that'd be extremely helpful.

Yea, I already got a tour (kinda) of CalPoly. Basically I just went up there with a few friends and checked out the campus as well as the city and all. Hopefully Ill be able to visit Cal as well in the future, though it is quite a bit further from where I live.

School fees in America are outrageous! I cannot believe how much you people pay. I pay about $5000 CAD, $4400 USD a year (three terms). UBC, the largest university in the region is $7000 CAD, all books and student fees included. Even Cambridge in England requires domestic students to pay 3070 GPB (6900 CAD, 6080 USD). I checked out IIT, and for a five year B.Arch it would cost close to $125,000!! Yikes!

Hehehe, you just realized that now?

Yeah. College is ridiculously expensive, but how else are we gonna get those awesome football teams...? USC is nearing $50,000 a year for everything (tuition, boarding, food, books, miscellaneous). So a five year course at 'SC would cost you about a house (well, in LA, a small house). Thank goodness I have a ridiculously awesome financial aid package.

A question for all you Brits out there. I'm just about to choose my GCSE options, and I'm interested in doing Architecture, which options are the best for it do you think?

Also, which are the best universities for Architecture, I've heard that it's Cardiff and Sheffield, but I'm not sure cos I though Cambridge got pretty good as well.

School fees in America are outrageous! I cannot believe how much you people pay. I pay about $5000 CAD, $4400 USD a year (three terms). UBC, the largest university in the region is $7000 CAD, all books and student fees included. Even Cambridge in England requires domestic students to pay 3070 GPB (6900 CAD, 6080 USD). I checked out IIT, and for a five year B.Arch it would cost close to $125,000!! Yikes!

It all depends on where you go. I'm paying about the same as you are for two semesters.