Should I go into architecture?

 
This question keeps popping-up. I think, with any profession, you should ask why you would want to 'become' or go into that field?

It is really easy to fall in love with the romance of being an architect. I have a little cousin that has told everyone he wants to be an architect since he could talk, but I think he is more into the romanticism of the architect. I keep getting pressured by his mother and my aunt to talk to him about how to go about getting into an architecture program, but I just won't. Why won't I help him out? Well.... the kid is fu**in' lazy and full of excuses, but that is another story. I won't help him out because I'll screw-up his life if I enable his fetish to be an architect. If I help him out and help him get into an architecture program, There is a huge chance he might not even enjoy the curriculum. Our graduating class (Including undergrad, graduates, industrial design and interior architecture) is just as big as our incoming freshman for the BArch which isn't that big to begin with. My first day of first-year the guy next to me dropped because he didn't think he would have enough time with his girlfriend. Granted, people have different priorities, but WTF?! We started the semester with twelve-ish students and ended with eight. Doesn't sound like a lot till you take in consideration the eight other freshman studios and the amount of students each studio has dropped by the end of the semester. Long story short: my cousin has to want it for himself. He has to put in the work and work on his grades and portfolio and push to get into a program. It is a totally different story if he came to me with a mentality of 'how do I make this better?' rather than 'how do I get in?'

There are people that stick it out and go the five-plus years through the professional degree because they feel they're too far in to just quit. That seems totally understandable. I've had friends come-up to me at the end of the semester and don't know if they want to come back because they're just burnt out. Ive also had guys I went through an architecture program in high school with graduate with their BArch and just don't want much to do with architecture because they fell out of love. If you aren't going to give architecture the time and discipline it demands, than just quit while you're ahead. If you feel uncomfortable and unhappy, then that is probably a sign that this probably isn't for you. I first knew I was alright when I first worked on a model for thirteen hours throughout the night and by the time I was finished I just had this great feeling. Being an architecture student isn't just studying for an exam. There is a huge amount of performance that needs to be done on top of the studying. So, on top of studying for that quantitative environmental systems final we also have to physically show what we have learned through models and graphics.

Architecture has thoroughly screwed me....forever. But, in a great kind of way. The program has given me much more than a set of design skills -- it has given me a toolbox full of tools that can be applied to much more than just architecture, but has integrated itself into my daily life.

I aint buyin' it!

I was in a programming class and the instructor started the lecture by telling us about the great architects around the world and their dedication to the profession. He also begins to talk about how your last year as a an architecture student will define your career and begin to define the rest of your profession. I think we all take him pretty serious (even though he loves to name drop and exaggerate). At the end of his little rant he throws out the; "Whatever you are doing two years after graduation, that is going to do for the rest of your professional career. If you're working for a home builder you're going to be stuck working within that section." I think it is safe to say that that shook the class. He then says; "OMA, Pelli, Foster (famous architects) -- They arent going to hire someone that has been designing Walmarts!" All of this made sense. I mean, why would any architectural firm that pushes the envelope of design give two seconds to an applicant that just places a big box of concrete on a site. Yeah, sure there is a decent level of design and research that goes into layout, lighting and other 'tabs' of design that go into how customers shop and what they are more willing to buy because of the design, but it is nothing that gives a soul to the architecture. It is just designed to persuade customers to stay in the building longer and purchase more items.

But, I have seen this before. I see it every semester with the number drop of students that work their way up at the job they've had to help pay for school. I see it within my circle of friends that have children and they have to drop out to help support their child. But I also see people finish and maintain their goal of graduating and getting a job at a place they enjoy working. It is so easy to take a job that you're just taking for the money. I get it, students are broke and need a job to help pay for tuition and supplies. I just don't buy that how society works is the way we have to go about our lives. It is too easy to get sucked into these 'traps' because time flies by. It starts off getting a job you don't like for quick money. Get in, get the money, get out. But, getting out was five years ago and now you've worked your way through a position that you don't like and can't go back to where you really wanted to go because you never developed experience. Now, you're just part of a machine. You're just playing your part and it is no longer about developing your individuality and expressing yourself. You got sidetracked into working in a container for corporations instead of investing your time bettering yourself and doing something you have a passion and something you give a damn about. Now, you've given away your life for what? A new car you couldn't afford or some outfit that probably looks stupid on you. It no longer becomes doing something that makes you happy and giving your soul a purpose, but about filling that void in your life with objects that make you feel better after you come home from work. Does any of that make sense? Shouldn't the work be just as fulfilling. You work the from eight-plus hours a day PLUS commuting only to come home to a box with filled objects to keep your mind off of a sh*t job.

The sad part is that most people don't understand they're in that 'trap'. I think most people think that it is a good job and they should be happy and appreciative for the opportunity. They bring home a decent pay, are able to support themselves, got dental... I think most people in the American society are afraid of failing at something. We all went through this education system that teaches us how to pass tests instead of learning the actual material. I think its fuc*king bonkers that there are classes in high school specially for passing the high school exit exams.

I digress. There is nothing wrong doing something short term that gets you to where you want to get. But you have to push yourself to get-in and get-out to do what you really want to do. Something that you genuinely enjoy doing and pushes you to improve yourself. There's nothing keeping anyone from bettering themselves. We all have twenty-four hours in a day and yeah some people have more resources than others, but you just have to work that much harder. It is all about discipline, being able to take a step back, assess the information and work ethic.

Studio Process: Future City_01_Architecture as the Infrastructure

Very dense morning fog. It was so eerie seeing people walking in the distance. They were like ghosts.

It is good to be back! There is always a certain energy in the building at the beginning of the semester, but just give it a week or two. As expected, It is the start of a new project and we're thrown right into the 'process'. Thankfully, it feels right on beat and very much of a smooth transition back into studio culture.

This semester the studio project has to deal with future cities. Future cities? Contemporary cities dealing with density and how these densely urban areas function, grow and impact our society. It is very much a visionary project with a goal being to re-think the city -- to imagine how the architecture of a bunch of individual structures begin to become so dense that their spatial overlaps begins to blur the line between being architecture and urban infrastructure.

Example:  Rome v. Las Vegas

Figure ground drawing of Rome

If we look at Rome, we notice how dense the city is and how the buildings are creating space. From the drawing you really cannot tell the front from the back. The pedestrians get more of an experience from the city because the city is literally having more to offer.

Figure ground drawing of Las Vegas

Now, look at Las Vegas. It doesn't take an architect (or an architecture major) to see Vegas is all about the strip. The infrastructure is making the city rather than the city making the infrastructure.

I think It will be beneficial for me to document my process. It allows me to recall and reinforce important topics discussed and It gives the you guys (the readers) my 'perspective' of a future city.  

"As the global population increases, out cities grow larger. This growth is accompanied by population and demographic changes, skyrocketing real-estate costs, sprawl, encroachment of green space, increased air and sound pollution, traffic standstills, and inadequate housing. Are our cities as efficient as they could be? There exists inefficiencies in spatial usage and spatial qualities within the urban fabric from abandoned buildings and lots to buildings that are empty for more than 12 hours a day. What if a city could adapt quickly to turn those inefficiencies into opportunities and find a new ideal state?"
-Winy Mas, The Why Factory

CAD or hand drafting?

 

Frank Lloyd Wright drafting

A new semester is about to start and a certain topic that always comes-up is about rendering software or how we did the images on the last project. Once you get past first-year, a lot of the students are struggling to decide between hand drawings or doing work on a CAD software. As students progress through the program, there tends to be a lot less hand drawings and a lot more computer work. I mean, It is kind of understood that most (if not all) drawings used on final presentations are going to be CAD generated. Sadly, that is just how it usually goes down. I love, love hand drawings and I often do a hybrid of computer work and hand drawings in projects. After asking around, most students tend to fall back on what they know, especially during crunch time and the deadline quickly approaching. I can't really blame them. It all comes down to turning-in work you know you can produce or risk turning-in something you may not complete.
  
I am not here to say you should use hand drawings rather than CAD -- that's not the point. I do feel hand drawing isn't utilized as much these days and is a very important communication tool to learn and use. But, I also feel the evolution of architecture is dependent on technology and the software is nothing more than just another tool in the bag to use as a conduit to best express an idea. I know a lot of older professors curse the use of computers in architecture. I am sure the majority of us wouldn't want to visit a doctor if the doctor was taught and practices the same medical practice used in the 1950's, right?

Why do we always speak of hand sketching with such nostalgia? First, hand sketching is such a romantic notion. We see technology everywhere and seeing a hand drawing reminds us of bringing things back to basics. Hand sketching will always play an important role in design. It is the designer's go-to when we need to get an idea out and just 'play around' with, but that is usually where it stops. The designer has to make a decision early on that they are going to use hand drawings on their final board. Why? Because hand drawings take time and it is very difficult to fix a mistake (especially when working with drafting pens or colored pencils). CAD has a built-in 'F-it' button that we love to press because it makes our mistakes go bye-bye with a press of the button. But, CAD drawings aren't necessarily much faster either. I can easily spend five hours working on details on a drawing and most people couldn't notice much of a difference than five hours before. 

Both hand-drawing and CAD drawings take time and require layers on layers of detail. You can easily spend just as much time on one style as you can on another. Deciding which style to use is just a matter of considering how much time you can allow and how the style will work with other drawings if there are others.

Transition me this

Color of leaves transitioning from summer to fall.

When I hear transition I think about two materials transitioning into each other or how spaces transition from one defined space into another. But, I want to talk about other forms of transition. Like how we transition throughout the year. I think now would be a great opportunity since we just finished the majority of cultural holidays and we are getting ready for a new year. I refer to this changing time as a transition. Others may call it a new chapter in life, another page or leaf to turn. Doesn't matter what ya call it, it is something different.

As a student, we have two major transitions (winter/summer break). It usually takes me a week or two into the break to really get use to not getting up at three in the morning to go to school. It is a huge shock to my system because the last two weeks of school we're going all out to meet the deadline. We go from performing on our project every waking moment to an absolute stop. It sucks! At least for me. I get in a rhythm and get set on cruise control to just hitting a wall once the final project is over. How do I deal with the sudden stop? First, I get my sleep! Sleep and hydration are paramount! I usually take a solid day and a half to get all the rest I need. Second, I get selfish. I do not want to see, smell or hear anything about my project. I just want to focus on me and what makes me happy. Usually that consists of having a really great cup of coffee, cooking something I really enjoy, spending time with family and giving my dog lots of belly rubs. Third, I get back into a rhythm that keeps me busy. Usually that is just getting back to work and hobbies that I couldn't devote enough time to during the semester. My hobbies keep me busy and keep my mind fresh and clear in design without having to get burnt out with architecture. I feel all three of these steps are important elements to keeping me sane and allow me to perform well without having to worry about a hard crash or getting stuck in a lazy rut.

Okay... That is good and great for you, but how does that relate to me?  I think everything is relative in principal. When it all comes down to is a transition is a great opportunity to reflect on what you have done, what you're doing and where you're going. The process I have taken allows me to think clearly without much room for anxiety and keep me fresh for the next 'chapter' or event. The process allows me to fully enjoy the special nuggets of moments that I would have usually overlooked because I would have been too tired or wouldn't have enough time to enjoy.

I hope the process above can help you cope if you are dealing with holiday stress and feel like you can't catch a break. I also hope it can help you guys prepare and thoroughly enjoy the next beginning chapter in your life.

"Everything has been done before"

"Everything has been done before. You're not inventing anything new."

This was what was drilled into us the first two years of architecture school. Looking back, we were all so optimistic. We all thought we could come up with something different and revolutionary than what other students decades before us have done. We all had the same project, the same requirements, same materials. How the hell do I set myself apart from the 100 other students if we all have an equal start? Answer: craft and execution beat out the competition every time. You can't understand how beautiful a two-inch by two-inch cube of gray museum board can be while you're inches away and it looks like a perfect cube of clay. Hell, you couldn't even see shadows from the edges.

Once we were past the fundamentals, we began designing spaces for people to inhabit. We have complete freedom to create a concept and form an idea of what we would like the building to become. We begin rough sketches and begin researching projects. And that's the thing -- Why do we always research projects if we already have a general idea on what we want to design? On every project we research wall systems, structural systems, finished materials, shading devices and the list goes on and on. We look at built and unbuilt projects while documenting our precedents for reference. The oddest thing is when you have a clear concept of your building. You're sure there is nothing in the world like what you're thinking and you find the EXACT same idea during your precedent research. Oh, and it is built too... multiple times... by totally different firms... oooon totally different projects. But, why do we still do research? Because that's how we learn as individuals. We all learn by copying what someone else has already done and apply it to our own use. Doesn't matter if it is architecture or business or science. We copy because what we copy is a proof of concept. It has been successful before and, if applied correctly, should yield successful results.

If everyone is copying everyone else, wouldn't everyone end up with the same result? No! Unless there are very specific guideline and steps to follow. Like performing an experiment. Referring back to what I learned in first-year architecture -- It doesn't matter how equal our materials and projects are, the defining factors are craft and execution. It is funny how common similar concepts come-up in architecture. I remember one semester three people in the same studio had the exact same concept, program and site. Guess what! All three of them had very different outcomes.

So how does copying lead to something different? We all contribute to the development of a discipline. On my most recent project, I needed to design a shading system. I did a decent amount of precedent research and found dozens of examples for what I wanted to execute, but the finished materials were different and I had to tweak the form of the shading device. Also, I had to figure out how to connect the shading device to building while staying within the language of the architecture.

I used to think, "how could I ever create something new and different if all I"m doing is looking at precedents?" How could I have a different thought if I'm looking at other peoples ideas? If anything, you become a more well-rounded person the more you expose yourself to different methods, technologies and even culture. You're able to grab your 'bag of tricks' to help you distinguish your work and yourself from others. You have to be able to research, document and put your own spin on an idea. Otherwise, you're just plagiarizing.

Why is architecture so weird?

"There are no ______ in architecture. There are only design intentions and strategies." 

This statement blew my mind and totally changed my perspective on...life. One of my favorite professors would always tell us this statement throughout the semester while our projects developed. He changed our perspective on design every time we hinted the mention of doors/windows/roof by saying, "There are no doors/windows/roof in architecture! They are openings/canopies relating to design intentions and strategies." This abstraction is part of giving architecture a soul. Anyone can put up four walls (planes) and a roof (canopy) and call it a building; but the manipulation of the form and space relating/responding to the environment, relating to the surroundings, responding to the inhabitants all help give a living soul to the architecture.

Sketch of Santiago Calatrava's 'Turning Torso'

Abstraction of a concept pretty much drives architecture. Why abstraction? Abstraction sparks intrigue. Abstraction makes you think and ask why or how. Well, doesn't that make it art? Well, yes and no. Granted, there is a lot of architecture that is so strong formally (the shape of the building) that it cannot adequately respond to the program (needed and wanted rooms for the building). That is when it just becomes art. The architecture fails to respond to the needs of the inhabitants and/or the environment and was just about an architect's ego.

Jewish facility at Woodlawn Cemetery in Houston

Take this building. No doors, no windows, just abstraction of a concept and architecture. Forgive me, but I do not know enough Jewish history to accurately describe Jewish origin. The context of the building has everything to do about the number 12, which I believe describe the twelve tribes of Israel, and 7, which I believe have to do with the seven days of creation. If anyone is more familiar with Jewish culture, please comment the story below.

Arrangement of elements on the right-side of the pavilion

Five out of the six of these massing elements are shown in the photo. Looking at the front of the pavilion, the series of the elements are all on the right. On the left-side of the pavilion, there is a space dedicated for a seventh element, but its just an empty space meant to represent a seventh element representing the seventh day of rest.  

View from back of pavilion showing courtyard

This photo is showing the transition space before people actually enter the pavilion. Notice there are no doors. people enter through the space between each one of the rounded objects on the right-side of the photo.

Front right-side view

If you look carefully, there is a bench and this is the only area that you cannot enter the pavilion. There are a series of seven elements in this pattern. Again, this is more symbolism integrated with the architecture that on the seventh day was a resting period.

Access to interior of the pavilion

Seven elements. You enter the pavilion through the space between the elements.

Interior of pavilion

 Take notice of the seven water spouts.

Rear of pavilion

This was the back entrance. The back entrance of the pavilion is used to transport the casket and religious directors. Also, take notice of more symbolism representing the seven days of creation. The series of 6 square openings.

Exterior left-side of the pavilion

Look closely and you''l see little steel pegs embedded into the wall surface. Shown are eleven of the twelve pegs.

Steel peg on the left exterior wall

Notice the rust from the steel peg on the concrete. This is more symbolism integrated within the structure. The rust literally and symbolically references time.

I hope this example gave you guys a different perspective on architecture and hopefully a better understanding about why architecture seems weird.

Behind the Design: Name

If you guys haven't noticed, the name of this blog, Section Perspective, is taken from a drawing I learned about in architecture school. A section perspective is meant to give you a 3-d visual of an object with a cutaway section to show the space within the object. A section perspective is meant to give you a general understanding of whats going on within the object. In the case of this blog, I strive to give my readers an understanding of selected topics. 

Now would probably be a good a time as any you give you a little info about me, right? I am in the final year and a half of architecture school (5-year professional degree). Architecture school really beats you down the first couple of years. If you can't learn time management within the first year, It is going to suck the rest of the 4-years (if you decide to stay) and a very intense, performance-based education. During the semester, I usually wake-up around 3 or 3:30-ish (a.m.) to get to studio around 4-ish and I stay until 6pm. That's my routine twice a week which, and in all honesty, ain't half bad. I've seen my fair share of blood, sweat and of tears throughout the years along with the constant fear of not being able to make a deadline.

Sunrise from my studio desk

  The video above is a great little documentary about architecture school. I don't think the documentary was as good as I was hoping it would be, but it gives the viewers a glimpse of what architecture students go through during their academic career.