ARCHITECTURE - A COURSE FOR CREATIVE MINDS

By Dr. Sheeba Valsson on Mon, 12 May 2014 at 14:29 IST
ARCHITECTURE - A COURSE FOR CREATIVE MINDS

There are many courses that one can do after 12th options. Out of all these, a course made especially for creative people is a course in architecture. As we move from one place to another we see several buildings. Some are just simple structures and some are aesthetically in tune with the principles of design while also being functional and usable to those inhabiting them. These which are aesthetically in tune with the principles of design is called actual architecture.

Who is the creator of this architecture?

Architects are the real creators of amazing buildings and structures. They employ their imagination to create structures that continue to awe and inspire us. As the renowned 20th century architect Le Corbusier wrote, “You employ stone, wood, and concrete, and with these materials you build houses and palaces: that is construction. Ingenuity is at work. But suddenly you touch my heart, you do me good. I am happy and I say: This is beautiful. That is Architecture.” With the concept of environment-friendly and green buildings fast catching up today, the focus is on building spaces that are ecologically sound. This, together with the booming real estate and construction industry, has fuelled the demand for architects.

Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) is the course which an aspirant must pursue to become an architect. The B.Arch course is spread over five years with 10 semesters (one semester of four to five months approximately) and is a generous mix of both theory and studio exercises. It stresses on subjects from the fields of arts, engineering and technology to the professional practice of architecture. The Council Of Architecture (COA) regulates universities and colleges offering this course. After completing this course, candidate can either go for higher studies or they can
look for jobs.

Eligibility and Admission

The COA conducts an aptitude test on an all-India basis called National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) for admission to the first year B.Arch. degree at institutes and colleges of architecture under its purview. The test measures the candidates’ drawing and observation skills, sense of proportion, aesthetic sensitivity and critical thinking ability. The test is in two parts-

1. Drawing Test – Paper based

2. Aesthetic sensitivity Test – Computer based.

Drawing Test is a two hour paper where candidate has to attempt three questions. This includes-

=> Drawing from memory through pencil sketch on themes from day to day experiences.
=> Creating interesting two dimensional composition using given shapes and forms.
=> Creating visual harmony using colours in given composition.

=> Visualising and drawing the effects of light on the object and shadows cast on surroundings.

=> Understanding scale and proportion.

Aesthetic sensitivity Test is a Computer based test where candidate has to answer 40 multiple choice questions. This includes-

=> Visualising three dimensional objects from two dimensional drawings.

=> Visualising different sides of three dimensional objects.

=> Identifying commonly used materials and objects based on their textural qualities.

=> Analytical reasoning.

=> Mental ability

=> Imaginative comprehension and expression.

=> Architectural awareness.

The minimum eligibility to apply for the course is 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised Board/University with Mathematics as a subject of examination (at least 50% aggregate). A minimum of 40 percent marks in NATA is required for admission. A merit list is then prepared on the
basis of marks obtained in Class 12 and NATA (giving equal weightage to both) and admission granted to colleges across India. Those with a science background can take the AIEEE, which is accepted by all National Institutes of Technology (NIT), Deemed Universities and central government universities and SPA. IIT Kharagpur and IIT Roorkee take in students through IIT-JEE. It’s advisable for students to give the NATA besides state-level exams. For instance, admission at Chandigarh College of Architecture (CCA) is made on the basis of the Common Entrance Test (CET) and Architecture Aptitude Test conducted by the Punjab University.JJ School of Arts and Architecture, Mumbai takes in students through a Common Entrance
Test (CET) conducted by the Directorate of Technical Education. It is mandatory for every architectural institution imparting the five-year B.Arch. degree course in the country to join the NATA and to admit students on the basis of a valid NATA score. Candidates, who are not admitted on the basis of valid NATA marks, will not be considered for registration as architects later on.

Once aspirants have accomplished their education in this field, they can get employed with constructions firms or with any other firms of the public or private sectors or with institution imparting education in Architecture. They can start their own practice also. Those who do not
wish to go for jobs immediately after graduation have the option to go for the PG level course. There are varied options of PG course as per the liking of the individual.

Dr. Sheeba Valsson is working as Associate Professor with Smt. Manoramabai Mundle College of Architecture, Nagpur. She did her B.Arch as well as M.Tech (Urban Development) from Department of Architecture and Planning, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT) Bhopal (Formerly known as MACT Bhopal). She was Awarded PhD, in February 2012, by Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT) Bhopal under the faculty of Architecture and Planning. The Topic of research was “Assessment of Microclimate Variation in Context to Urban Development”. She was Conferred with “Best Teacher Award” in the field of Architectural Technology, by Maharashtra Association of Schools of Architecture- MASA, in February 2012. Her Teaching career spans more than 16 years and it majorly focuses on innovations in the field of Teaching Design. Creative Exercises, Incorporating climatic studies in the design proposal by use of sun dial, heliodon and wind stimulator, incorporating studies on Building Materials and History of Architecture in Design are some of her achievements. She is Member Board of studies of Board of Architecture under the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, RTM Nagpur University and also Member on Exam Committee of Board of Architecture under the Faculty of Engineering and Technology,u/s 32/5 of MU Act of RTM Nagpur University. She has published and presented papers in various reputed Journals and Conferences at both National as well as International levels.