WHY SHOULD I STUDY ARCHITECTURE?

If you’re asking this, maybe you should reconsider 😉

Architecture is one of those ‘you should have an interest in and want to study it because unless you decide yourself no one will be able to convince you’ degrees. It’s true what they say, getting your architectural degree is not for the faint-hearted. Due to its time consumption and the vast range of disciplines, such as art, history, science, mathematics, geography and philosophy, it has indeed been rated one of the most difficult degrees.

Now that you’ve been warned (always go for the bad news first), what we can tell you is that architecture is an absolutely wonderful degree that successfully combines intellect and creativity. It does not simply revolve around the designing of buildings but rather the exploration of concepts that aid in shaping our world today. It gives you perception; a vision that enables you to view the world differently. The sort of vision that makes the world brighter and more exciting, one that you wish you had had your whole life.

So perhaps the question should be: How will studying architecture benefit me?

And to that, we have many answers (but we’ll limit it to 5)!

1.

We’re going to dive straight into the [maybe not so] obvious: awareness. Worldly awareness, local awareness and personal awareness. Architecture opens your mind to an incredible realm filled with puzzles that need solving, appreciation for form and space and critical questioning. Everything around you picks up meaning and purpose. Once you are ‘aware’ of this, the options are endless.

2.

Multifaceted skill set. This degree pushes you to limits you didn’t know existed, in all of the disciplines involved. Simply put; the diversity of this degree allows it to cater for so many. As mentioned before, architecture isn’t just about designing buildings. There are technical aspects that hold as much importance as the design or the philosophy of spaces that go into the architectural process.

3.

Travel is encouraged – need we say more? What better way to embrace the education of cultures and spaces than to actively see them yourself? Everything can be an inspiration if you take notice of it. Nature’s curves, somebody’s art, a different culture, an experience or a memory. Everything you take on board, consciously or subconsciously, forms your journey and builds your portfolio of lessons. Every lesson, success or failure, moves us forward into creating a more resilient, vibrant and sustainable community. 

4.

YOU can make a difference. This may not be everyone’s cup of tea or goal in life but we will be ever-so-slightly cheeky and say that you should at least consider it. Not only is it about physical design such as sustainability and green building design but also intellectual participation. Designing spaces and starting conversations that have the potential to have a positive pivotal impact on communities and the people within.

5.

Discovering your capabilities. Ask anyone having gone through the degree and we can almost assure you that no one will say it was easy. Yes, you heard it here first or perhaps this is the twelfth time, but let it sink in. IT IS NOT EASY but you, you young buck you, IT IS SO WORTH IT. You will be so surprised by how far you can push yourself. The personal and academic growth is far beyond anything we can describe (so we’ll just stop here). 

6.

Bonus point: if after all the studying you decide that architecture isn’t for you, you’ve lost nothing, absolutely nothing (except a couple of your good years to stress but hey, we all go through that…) and have gained everything. Your perception of the world will be forever altered. You will see spaces, people and cultures through a new lens. You will be itching for new experiences to form new opinions that you will be able to evaluate critically. Buildings and spaces will no longer just be a word or something to look at; they will be feelings, experiences and a base on which you may grow. Personally and professionally.

To sum up: You’ll be the luckiest young lad or lass in all the land and have a nifty little [huge] degree behind your name.

Let’s go wild and throw in a cliché: Architecture isn’t a destination, it’s a journey.