TYPES OF ARCHITECTURE TO STUDY

Architecture is not generalized; rather it branches into various specialized domains. For instances, when you inquire about someone’s engineering studies, it diverges into Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Chemical and other disciplines. Similarly, in the medical realm, different surgeons types emerge, such as Neurosurgeons, Vascular Surgeons, and Orthopedic Surgeons. This analogous concept extends to the breakdown of architectural focus. Depending on your interest, you can explore different architectural typologies. Are you struggling to narrow down your choices? This can vary from person to person. Individuals might discover a specific architectural interest during studio sessions, internships, or being drawn to certain styles while traveling. Below are some typologies that you will come across in architecture.

1. RESIDENTIAL

Focused on designing housing such as single family, multi-family, apartments, condominiums, accessory dwelling units (ADU), and affordable housing.

2. COMMERCIAL

Involves designing buildings for businesses and commercial purposes, such as office buildings, retail spaces, hotels, and restaurants. This type of architecture requires a balance of functionality and branding.

3. INSTITUTIONAL ARCHITECTURE

Concerned with designing facilities for manufacturing, production, and storage. This type of architecture requires a deep understanding of efficient space utilization, workflow optimization, and safety considerations.

4.LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Focuses on designing outdoor spaces, parks, gardens and landscapes, it involves considerations of ecology, sustainability, and creating harmonious relationships between natural and built environments.

5. HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Involves the conservation, restoration and adaptive reuse of historical buildings and sites. It requires an understanding of architectural history, materials and preservation techniques.

6.SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE

Focuses on designing environmentally friendly and energy-efficient buildings. This involves integrating sustainable materials, renewable resources, and passive design strategies.

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8. CIVIC ARCHITECTURE

Involves designing public spaces, museums, libraries and other cultural institutions. These spaces often prioritize aesthetics, human experience and other community engagement.

9. INTERIOR DESIGN

Concentrates on the design of interior spaces within buildings. It involves understanding spatial layouts, materials, lighting, acoustics, and the creation of functional and aesthetically pleasing interiors.

10. MASTER PLANNING

You may be thinking – this is a developers job – short answer they are the ones who purchase the land, and architects are the ones responsible with a comprehensive and strategic plans for the development of the large scale project. Maybe there won’t be just one architect firm working on the masterplan, there can be multiple architects involved in the project. For example, if Architecture Firm A focuses on housing, there can be Architecture Firm B who works on the community center.

Master planning is a very comprehensive study since there are so many factors that you need to consider such as:
– Feasibility – How many units can the plan accomodate.
– Long Term Vision – Due to population growth, environmental changes, economic trends, etc.
– Community Engagement – The designers/ team would engage with the local community, stakeholders, and government bodies to gather input, address concerns and address that the masterplan aligns with the needs and aspirations of the people who will be living or working within the area.
– Public Spaces & Amenities – The designers design and allocate public spaces, parks, plazas and other amenities to enhance the quality of life for the residents and the visitors.
– Cultural & Aesthetic Considerations – Master Planners consider the cultural and historical context of the area, as well as the desired aesthetic qualities, to create a sense of place and identity.

11. URBAN DESIGN

Encompasses the layout and design of cities and urban areas. Urban planners and designers consider factors like zoning, transportation infrastructure, and public spaces to create livable and functional environments.