What does it take to be an architect?

Goto page Previous  1, 2
 
Post new topic Reply to topic
   ArchitectureWeek DesignCommunity Forum Index » Architecture Forum
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
mx2
millennium club


Joined: 18 Jan 2006
Posts: 1967
Location: Miami, Florida

PostPosted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 6:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quoteFind all posts by mx2

I do not disagree about most Architects can't actually build however I have yet to find one builder who can design well...and I emphasize "well" because everyone thinks their design is the best in the history of mankind. In fact I wish more builders would refarin from sincerely believing just because they can build that somehow this means they have a license to design...

It is undoubtedly rare, even more so these days, that individuals can both design and build. That said, I firmly disagree that one route to becoming an Architect is to just build. However I think all Architects ought to get more experience in construction, myself included. I certainly pounce on every opportunity...

mx2.5

_________________
*Art of Architecture: The conscious use of skill and creative imagination in the production of an aesthetic building.
*Science of Architecture: The calculated use of technical skill and knowledge in the construction of a functional building.
Back to top
View user's profileSend private message    share:   blogger     del.icio.us     digg     slashdot    
The Architect



Joined: 09 Jun 2005
Posts: 184

PostPosted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 12:56 am    Post subject: Reply with quoteFind all posts by The Architect

You don't just 'become' an Architect. Either you are an Architect - or you're not. It's that simple. If you feel/know that you understand 'Architecture' at an early age - for me it was when I was 5 years old - then Architecture is in your blood. So what you call 'work', really is meaningless. Architecture is a passion, a way of Life. And on that level, you can't just 'become' an Architect - sorry.

On the other architectural levels, education is where the rubber hits the road. And usually by third year uni, you'll know if it's worth - the work.

In my youth, my best friend's family built custom houses in a small 'trendy' town called Manotick. And thanks to him (and his father) I grew up with a hammer in my hand and tool belt around my waist. And by the time I was nineteen, I was walking high steel for EllisDon.

On my level, Architecture truely is a passion. I don't just design Architecture - I compose it. It's a world of difference. I know you guys can't understand this. But, in all the designs I've done - including thousands of rough sketches, I have nailed only a handfull of designs. Most times I feel like shit. Truely I do. But, in those very few moments when the design (in all it's glorious detail) just flowed from me - I swear I was standing right in the middle of all Creation.

Architects are born, they don't come from the post secondary education systems, they are Architects at birth.

So to me, the rest of the architectural crowd are fine people (truely they are), trying to be what they can - when they can. They have gone through years and years of study and worship - and to them it really does matter if they 'make it through' as you say. But they ain't Architects, they're just good folks trying to be an Architect.

Ever wonder why there's a universe of difference between you and Wright, Van Der Rohe, Gehry (for instance) et al??

Think about it. And think about what is it about Architecture that attracts you? Answer that in all honesty - take your time.



Take care...
Back to top
View user's profileSend private message    share:   blogger     del.icio.us     digg     slashdot    
csintexas
millennium club


Joined: 06 Feb 2006
Posts: 1776
Location: USA

PostPosted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 6:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quoteFind all posts by csintexas

I would think that the fact that "because everyone thinks their design is the best in the history of mankind." (including architects) would tell you something about the nature of people and architecture.

I might almost have to agree with DA on this on. You ether are an architect or are not. Otherwise your just doing some job that is different from other jobs.

_________________
Chris Stewart
Modern Texas Home Project
Back to top
View user's profileSend private message    share:   blogger     del.icio.us     digg     slashdot    
djswan



Joined: 17 Aug 2007
Posts: 694
Location: Montana, USA

PostPosted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 9:14 am    Post subject: Reply with quoteFind all posts by djswan

Carpenter, smith, wright, mason... job descriptions or bloodlines?


I designed and built my first fort with blankets and sofa cushions.

_________________
n/a
Back to top
View user's profileSend private message    share:   blogger     del.icio.us     digg     slashdot    
mx2
millennium club


Joined: 18 Jan 2006
Posts: 1967
Location: Miami, Florida

PostPosted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 9:46 am    Post subject: Reply with quoteFind all posts by mx2

Quote:
Either you are an Architect - or you're not


Now that's pure bullshit, even for one who toots his own horn so hard you'd think he was a musician. You honestly think at 5 years old you were an Architect? Your argument ends right there.

The difference between young Architects and world reknown Architects is the vast amount of experience and a little bit of luck borne from a helluva lot of hard work. Architects are constantly growing and learning with every project. Anyone who is worth their weight in salt knows that.

I have no idea what exactly attracts me personally to Architecture but I do know that I am as passionate about it as anyone on earth. But I give higher regards to the profession by always stating that I do not feel I am worthy of being called an Architect eve if everyone else does and I can put together just about any building typology in my sleep. I am currently project manager on 4 projects...in other words, I put the projects together, down to creating up the details and writing the specs. And I still feel I have a ways to go...

...not everyone is an Architect and certianly not thos who self-anoint themselves one.

mx2.5

_________________
*Art of Architecture: The conscious use of skill and creative imagination in the production of an aesthetic building.
*Science of Architecture: The calculated use of technical skill and knowledge in the construction of a functional building.
Back to top
View user's profileSend private message    share:   blogger     del.icio.us     digg     slashdot    
Madimel



Joined: 06 Feb 2008
Posts: 153
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona

PostPosted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 3:48 pm    Post subject: Reply with quoteFind all posts by Madimel

When I was 5 years old, I had a huge poo that looked like an upside down version of the Guggenheim Museum. At that moment, I was an Architect!!!
Back to top
View user's profileSend private messageVisit poster's website    share:   blogger     del.icio.us     digg     slashdot    
innova+e



Joined: 21 Dec 2007
Posts: 27
Location: lisbon

PostPosted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 4:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quoteFind all posts by innova+e

""american Schools of Architecture are just a training camp for drawers and builders... that’s my point of view and I’m so sorry!""

Its nice to drop things like that without substantiating...If you are unhappy with your american education you should have studied harder, and spent less time in the clube. To the point, most builders are subject to OJT (thats on the job training to you who think they receive it in masters programs)...and they are quite successfull, but architects in the US are able to work alongside them without incident in most cases. They do what they do, we do what we do.

I wouldnt quite state that architecture will be surrounded by art, or drawing for that matter, but what makes an architect, in my opinion as I am currently experimenting with such an effort, is the willingness to dedicate yourself to shaping and re-creating a surrounding, or an experience, using your inherent skills. I graduated alongside many who couldnt draw by hand nor mouse, and they spent many a night on the couch (in studio) downloading mp3s. They still graduated, yet what did they get out of it? well thats up to them. School is greuling if you're afraid to stand up for what you've created on a daily basis in front of design juries. It's also very empowering..I stayed up four nights in a row for an assignment my first year of grad, but after that, I learned over time how to become more resourceful, and the night before my thesis presentation, I got plenty of sleep...much learned. Let those discussions and debates carry over into the pubs, travel abroad and meet people who are also staying up late, have a blast, and don't loose the fire, because it's easy to learn how to 'lay down' after graduating and settle for work. If you love architecture and what it represents in your place in history and culture, then you won't be satisfied with a nine to five job. If you settle for a nine to five job, you won't be satisfied with the money. I suppose I just made things worse for you..well... watch the fountainhead, it might help Smile

good luck
ac
Back to top
View user's profileSend private message    share:   blogger     del.icio.us     digg     slashdot    
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic Reply to topic
   ArchitectureWeek DesignCommunity Forum Index » Architecture Forum Page 2 of 2
Goto page Previous  1, 2

 




Latest Posts   ·   ArchWeek Jobs Board   ·   Classifieds   ·   User Galleries   ·   Scrapbook   ·   Open 3D Gallery
 Architecture Search   by name of Building, Architect, or Place:  
Buildings     Architects     Types & Styles     Places     Models     GB Image Index     ArchWeek Library
Professional Directory   Web Directory   Competitions   Conferences   Events & Exhibits     Products     Media Kit
DesignCommunity   ·   ArchWeek   ·   Great Buildings   ·   Archiplanet   ·   Books   ·   Blogs   ·   Free 3D   ·   Search
© 2004-2008 Artifice, Inc. · Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group
Thème myApple v2.0.1 créé par myTemplate