What it takes to study architecture

Architecture is a vast discipline. To condense it to the study of a singular entity does not do justice to how all-encompassing the discipline is. The very definition of architecture differs from one architect to another. While the basic underlying job of an architect is to "design spaces" with forms, many opt to branch out and explore other fields of design and other adjacent mediums.

Nonetheless, for a degree that offers a great deal of flexibility and enables its students to work across many fields, it will undoubtedly have its fair share of challenges. It is often cited as one of the most difficult majors to pursue. And that may be attributed to the long hours demanded, immense workload, tight deadlines, relentless reviews, and project submissions, as well as the physically demanding nature of the discipline.

But where there requires labour invariably involves love. Despite how mentally and physically taxing it may be, Bangladesh churns out hundreds of new Architecture graduates each year. So, what fosters such a level of dedication and what does it take to study architecture? 

Md. Ehsan Alam, Lecturer at the Department of Architecture, Brac University, talks about the challenges of pursuing the major. He affirmed that the study of architecture is a crossroads between the arts and sciences, and anyone who intends to undertake this degree needs to adapt to both tangents of the subject.

"Architectural education is not an attainment of a degree. It is more of a technical training. You're training to be an architect," he said. "It is a combination of how creative you are but also depends on your ability to be organised and punctual."

He then drew parallels between the study of architecture and the three fundamental qualities Roman architect Vitruvius attributed to a good building – utility, structural soundness, and aesthetics. 

Due to the arduous nature of the study of architecture, some students opt to switch majors. The difficulty, however, emerges from many aspects. Unlike most degrees, a Bachelor of Architecture is a five-year programme as opposed to other degrees and involves greater credit hours. Naturally, this makes it a big commitment and something students realise only after they have been enrolled in the course. There are also other students whose first choices might not have been architecture.

 "If you've come into architecture, you certainly have an inclination towards design. It would be a good utilisation of one's time if they pursue architecture for some time and then move into disciplines of design that better suit their interests," said Ehsan. "At the end of the day, however, if someone isn't driven or remotely passionate, it starts to feel like a chore and learning becomes partial."

The drive doesn't necessarily always have to emerge from passion.

"One could always pursue something if they're not passionate about it but you could be encouraged by the employment opportunities, monetary factors, title, degree, or even just empowerment itself," he said.

For Ehsan though, passion wasn't derived from just enjoying the process, but also from realising that architecture could be used as a tool to contribute to one's motherland. It all looks different for everyone.

"There could be bad reviews, terrible projects, and semesters where you and professor don't see eye-to-eye but there is an overarching theme that gets you through projects," he said.

When asked how one could brace for impact, he replied by saying that to brace for impact means always being on alert and in a state of panic.

"In life, how do you brace for impact? You are not aware of when disaster might strike. So, there is no bracing for impact. Take it one day at a time and solve problems as it comes your way. You have to be responsive," he concluded.

Abir is a Sub-Editor at Campus.