How do I become _________?

David Romero

Consejero Académico y Activista estudiantil

...An Architect

“The life of a designer is a life of fight. Fight against the ugliness. Just like a doctor fights against disease. For us, the visual disease is what we have around, and what we try to do is cure it somehow with design.”

~Massimo Vignelli

Architecture is perhaps one of the most misunderstood careers out there.  There is a general idea amongst most high school students that architecture is all about designing buildings.  However, architecture is MUCH more than simply learning how to put a building together.  First of all, Architecture can be explained to be a combination of art and science. 

If you want an example of how this is true – check out the following QR code (scan with your smarthphone) to learn about the work of Antoni Gaudi and how he decided to design Basilica de la Sagrada Familia located in Barcelona, Spain.  The way Gaudi combined art and science has been an inspiration for many generations of architects and continues to define the way architecture is done around the world. 

Second of all, Architecture is a way to create spaces that have an effect AND affect the way people interact with each other.  Architecture is a powerful element that many times goes unrecognized but its influence cannot be ignored.  For more information on how architecture can have a powerful impact in the way we life our lives and the way we design the cities of the future – scan the following QR code and check out the TED Talk by architect Mark Raymond. 

In this Ted Talk Mr. Raymond talks about how architecture can have a deep impact in how we think of the cities of the future.  

Third of all, architecture is even found in places you did not know it existed! Great architecture is sometimes hidden all around us as great design.  For instance, architects have designed much of the furniture we use today; and architects have also designed the logos of many famous companies like Apple computers.  If you have Netflix and you want to learn more about the impact you can have through architecture/design – check out the documentary called “DESIGN IS ONE”.  

In this documentary you will learn about how great design can permeate our daily lives and even have a deep cultural impact.  All of these resources will give you a better idea of what an architect does and what they can do with an architecture degree.  Remember – it is not just about buildings.

Where to start if you want to become an architect?

1.  Take art and photography classes at your high school:

Since architects need to be able to conceptualize and understand spatial relations it will be important to sharpen your understanding of these concepts through art.  These types of classes will also help you to explore your own creativity and allow you to build a starter portfolio of your creative work.

2.  Take AP and Honors Math at your high school:

 Believe it or not architecture involves a fair amount of mathematics.  Take full advantage of all the AP/Honors/Dual Credit courses you can take in high school.  A strong foundation in mathematics will go a long way in helping you achieve your desire to become an architect.

3.  Take any courses on CAD or Autodesk Revit:

These two software programs are the bread and butter of architecture computer programs.  If you learn how to use these programs before you graduate from high school, you will be LIGHT YEARS! ahead of your peers when you arrive to college.  Ask your counselor if your high school offers courses dedicated to CAD or Revit.  Otherwise, remember that now you can find tutorials on anything. Do a Google search for tutorials on CAD and Revit.

Resumen en Español:

Una carrera en arquitectura es mucho mas que el diseño de edificios.  Arquitectura es una combinación de artes y ciencias.

En esta columna comparto recursos que le ayudaran a un estudiante a explorar las posibilidades y el impacto de una carrera en el campo de arquitectura.

Durante la preparatoria, un estudiante se beneficiara mucho de tomar clases de arte, matemáticas, y clases relacionadas a programas de diseño.  Los consejeros académicos deben tener conocimiento de clases que puedan ayudar a un estudiante a explorar su interés en arquitectura.

Use some of your time during the summer to explore the different options available for your future. ECHALE GANAS!  

Questions? Comments? I would love to hear from you. Join the discussion on Twitter and Facebook and ECHALE GANAS…

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