The subject of Architecture incorporates elements of Designing,
Engineering and knowledge about Sociology and Environmental
sciences which helps create our living areas aesthetically
beautiful and convenient to live in. Speak of any magnificently
built structure — a state-of-the-art industrial plant,
posh malls, the landscaped parks or a well-planned community
settlement area — all are designed and closely monitored
through the construction by professional architects. The
challenge before the architects today is to harmonise their
acquired technical skills with that of the environment to
create the concept of a building or a structure.
Aptitudes that help
An architect almost has to synthesise various
branches of knowledge to concretise the plan of a beautiful
building into a reality. He, therefore, has to coordinate with
a cross section of experts on aspects such as soil type, electrification,
acoustics, horticulture and safety in the process of the construction
work.
Interest in social environment, community
cultures and their needs, intrinsic talent for creative imagination,
interpersonal skills for communicating ideas to clients and
exposure to design related computer applications are important
to a career in architecture.
Career avenues
Opportunities for architects exist both in
public and private sectors, multi-national companies, hotel
industry and big real estate promoters. Non Govt. Organisations
dealing with housing and rehabilitation works, and banks providing
housing loans are potential work areas for architects.
But, real scope for employment and career
growth for trained architects are in the field of self employment
and private consultancy. One can start on his/her own after
obtaining a registration from the Council of Architecture.
How to get through
You need to be a graduate in Architecture
(B Arch.) to be recognised as an architect. Admissions to BE/B
Tech Arch. programmes in Indian technical institutes are done
through state or national level entrance examinations. The
minimum eligibility to appear the tests is +2 Sciences with
Maths, with at least 50% marks. Generally, a specialisation
in the subject is pursued at the M Arch. /M Tech Arch. level
in Landscaping, Town Planning, Rural Housing, Environmental
Architecture etc.
To take up a study in B Tech Arch. in IITs and NITs, a student
has to qualify in the respective entrance examinations
of IIT-JEE and AIEEE. Admissions to B Arch courses in state
level engineering colleges are through JEEs /CETs conducted
by respective state authorities.
Prospects
In last few years, developmental activities
in India are growing both in business and social sectors, thereby,
directly effecting a boom in the construction industry. On
the other hand, people have become increasingly aware of an
architect’s role and the qualitative difference s/he
can bring in to a construction work. Hence, the demand for
trained architects is showing an upward trend.
