Every architect wishes someone could give them some advice before enrolling in architecture and design school.
Architecture is always ranked as the most difficult university major.
However, it is a life-changing experience, you just have to mentally prepare yourself for it.
Anyone who plans to become an architect and spends 5 years should know what awaits him.
Tips before starting to study architecture
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Your relationship with architecture is a lasting one
Make this your motto, you’ve been associated with architecture for life,
and proclaim it to your friends, family, acquaintances, and basically everyone in your social circle.
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Good sleep
Before you start studying architecture, remember to catch up on all the sleep you can,
because once you start studying, only part of your imagination will be a distant memory.
All hours of sleep will benefit you,
because you may be awake for days with only a few hours of sleep in between, and you need to be prepared for that.
If you have insomnia, don’t worry because this is a positive point, and if you suffer from insomnia, then you are doing it right.
You have billions of last-minute additions to make.
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Become a friend of tea and coffee
Staying up late adds many skills to you, because sleeping may lead to you being late in submitting applications, and of course you do not want that.
Therefore, coffee will be your new companion during your academic and professional journey,
because it will boost your energy and keep you active.
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Accept criticism
You will have countless critics, so be prepared for that, because learning architecture is all about “critiquing” your work.
This will constantly give you a learning shield, and you will turn various criticisms into something productive.
It may not always be a bad thing, just listen to what the other person is saying, and work on developing your listening skills.
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Existential crisis
It is one of the main things that you should be prepared for, it will be common for your existence to be questioned,
Once a day, twice a week, half a month, every other day of the year.
Especially after criticism, it’s okay, you’re doing the right thing, don’t worry.
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Follow a healthy diet
You need a healthy diet to help you survive a hard day.
Make sure to eat fresh fruits and vegetables from time to time, preferably in the morning.
A little fiber in your diet is also very necessary, and eating an apple a day may help you; To save you from going to the doctor.
You should also keep yourself relaxed by going to a fancy restaurant every now and then.
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Trips and study tours
After the project is over, everyone needs a break, where you are not tied to a chair or desk,
Plan trips with your class and teachers, this is mandatory.
Make it a study tour and visit historical sites and areas with interesting geography that help you relax.
After days of hunching over your laptop and staring at screens,
One needs to relax and de-stress, and traveling to exotic places is the best way.
This will also help you connect with your advisors and colleagues, who you may have thought were intimidating.
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Connect with your teachers
You will need to do this, the more you talk, even if about random things, the easier it will be for you to discuss your work with them.
You will get to know them, and your ideas will mature under their guidance without even realizing it.
They will give you constructive criticism, even though it may be harsh at times.
You may not always agree with them. But this will only help you strengthen your argument.
They will have ideas and opinions, listen to them, but in the end, do what you want to do.
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Writing
Maybe you thought that going to architecture school wouldn’t help you write much;
And it will all be visible or your work will just be on a computer 24/7.
No, it is not true. Writing is very necessary. Always keep a notebook with you.
Write down what you are thinking, you may need these ideas later for your design concept.
- The drawing
While you’re writing, you’ll need to draw too, because you’re an artist, and you can express yourself better when you draw.
So you’ll need to draw and sketch to help understand patterns, lines, and spaces.
Remember, you won’t write much on your papers, but your drawings will always be there.
This will help you maintain strong control of your hand, as writing helps you articulate ideas, and drawings help you visualize those ideas.
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The first proposal is always rejected
The earlier you realize this, the better. When you apply to any architecture school,
Regardless of the region, remember that your first design proposal will be “rejected.”
It’s an unspoken rule, so don’t go into shock, don’t go into silent depression, don’t let depression get to you.
Teachers or consultants will draw up your plans and drawings; They will break your model here and there,
This will last forever as long as you are in architecture school.
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Ensure theoretical knowledge
Research architecture and read history before you start school, this can make a huge difference in your life.
Theoretical knowledge will help you understand small details with an increased level of clarity.
It will also help you in your conceptual design and make you develop stronger and valid arguments.
There is already a lot of research to do, plus you have to look at the reading list assigned by teachers.
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Documentation
Photograph everything and anything and document all the data you have, even the worst drawings.
Shoot these study models from every angle, and take photos as you go somewhere or anywhere.
Just keep taking pictures, it will help you with your portfolio and projects and you will be surprised by the end of it all,
These photos will be treasures for you and every second will be valuable.
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Backup
Remember this is the golden rule, back up all your data, all your files, everything.
Even that small or bad drawing you made on a torn piece of paper.
Make this a habit.
Because with the type of software we work with, you never know when your system is going to crash.
You also don’t know which USB will bring the virus that will destroy everything.
