LIST OF SUBJECTS YOU WILL LEARN IN ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL

      The first year of architecture school is a crucial foundation for student designers with not just the practice of studio. ThereProfessors will go through topics to educate students from lessons that happened in the pas

1. ARCHITECTURE STUDIO

      What to expect: Studio is the main bulk of the school’s curriculum. The studio time may depend on the college/university but may usually account for 2-4 hours. In the initial weeks, professors usually prepare lectures or exercises for their students. The studio prepares you for scenarios that the professor assigns, and this really challenges you on your critical and creative thinking, as well as your analysis of the situation. At times it can be really puzzling when you start to understand the way of architecture design because it can be very abstract. In the first few years, you will do a lot of physical model-making, you have to account for the budget you will spend for materials and payment for laser cutting, 3D printing, CNC, and printing (college/university) fabrication labs might cover for the students. As you progress, you will learn how to do 3D modeling. Also, some advanced studios may learn feasibility, where it will be more in touch with budgeting of a project.

Tips: In the undergraduate year, I recommend not to spread yourself thin. Try not to overload your schedule with more require subjects than needed. You will get burnt out at the end of the day. You have to think of other factors to account for, for example, your part-time job, study time, studio time, and rest. 
Also, try to account and save for a good laptop or desktop for the studio.

2. ARCHITECTURE HISTORY

      What to expect: There are some that say that architecture history is one of the boring subjects in school. Yes, it can be, but it’s an important subject to teach, as your professor unravels the evolution of architecture throughout the years. Most likely, your professor might start off with Virtruvius and will make their way to modern architecture. A key item that professors like to point out is a building component and material used commonly throughout a period of time.
What makes it boring? It could be the forced memorization of buildings and the year it took place in? The long essays? The lectures?

Tips: Take note of not only the time period, but what unique building components, gestures, reaction to the natural elements, etc. that make the building unique. For example, the infamous ”flying buttress”  integrated on most Gothic Architecture Buildings.  

3. ARCHITECTURE THEORY

      What to expect: This subject goes beyond the technical building components of a structure. This subject goes more in depth with the mindsets and methodolgies of architects. You will learn theories on architecture ideologies from the past to present – fro influences dating back from ”Vitruvius, Le Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright, and many more architecture. Theory touches other key aspects relevant such as historical and social cultural context that influence the style of th building. 

Solutions: Always ask questions to your peers on their thoughts on graduate school. What is their experience? Do they think it’s worth it? Ask around!

4. DIGITAL MODELING & PRESENTATION

      What to expect:  This subject is usually taught in studios as your professor will teach you how to use 3D programs for modeling. You will be learning programs such as rhino 3D, sketch up, and Revit (may be taught in graduate school). You will also be taught how to compose an architectural presentation through programs such as Adobe Indesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. To capture the realistic perspective of your project – rendering programs such as lumion, twinmotion, and 3D max (mainly for interior designers but is really excellent quality for rendering).

Tips: Always seek student versions for these programs – they are usually a reasonable price for design students.

5. PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (ETHICS AND ARCHITECTURAL FIRM PRACTICES)

      What to expect: Your professor may cover topics such as legal, ethical, and firm practice within the profession. This is a big topic to cover so professors may not go through everything so they may go through the topics in short sections. These classes may not spark your interest, though it will be brought up again when you enter the work field. You will work through different practices and notice acronyms ”SD (Schematic Design),DD (Design Development), CD (Construction Documents)”.

Tips: Phases of Design that an architecture student should know:
Preliminary Design, Concept Design,  Schematic Design, Design Development, & Construction Design.