Build in style

Dr PP Anilkumar, head, department of architecture, National Institute of Technology (NIT), Calicut on the growing prominence of architecture 

Architecture, a medium through which people perceive the design and construction of buildings, is one of the most sought after professions today. With the advent of digital techniques available, the profession has undergone a drastic change but continues to act as a continuum of time and space. Off late, there has been a decrease in the creative aspect – earlier it was art driven but now it is technology driven.

Over 170 schools across India offer a Bachelor in Architecture. Admission to BArch is based on a student’s performance in the state entrance examination and national aptitude test for architecture (NATA). Institutions like NITs and IITs select students based their scores in the JEE main and aptitude test. BArch is a five-year course that comprises a six-month internship and a thesis. Among the many subjects taught in the course are architectural design, history of architecture, structural design, services (to a building) and futuristic subjects like green building, sustainability development.

Students who have completed their plus two in science with a good score in mathematics can opt for a BArch. Apart from this, an architecture student should have good visualisation skills and reasoning power, a sense of imagination, aesthetics and an eye for detail. Being artistic is an advantage but not necessary.

There is a huge demand for qualified architects today, and hence, a number of students pursue a post graduation in architecture. Among the many specialisations one can choose from are landscape architecture, urban planning, urban design, eco-friendly architecture and interior design. Alternatively, one can pursue a career in teaching at institutions that offer graduate and postgraduate programmes in architecture. 

The future of architecture as a career in India looks promising. A sound knowledge of digital technology is important as the modus operandi of the profession is changing rapidly. Similarly, vernacular architecture that respects the local system of architecture is also gaining prominence today. It is expected that in the coming years, a BArch degree will be at par with engineering and medical degrees.
                                                           

— As told to Sherene Joseph