INSTITUTIONS OFFERING ARCHITECTURE LISTED AT THE BOTTOM
WHAT IS ARCHITECTURE AND WHO IS AN ARCHITECT?
There are a number of definitions of architecture. It can be defined as the profession designing buildings, open areas, communities and other places and environments with particular attention to the aesthetic effect and spatial planning. The aesthetic effect is simply the beauty of something and spatial planning is simply planning for the space that will be used. Architecture often involves designing decorations, furniture, supervising and examining construction works and renovating buildings that have already been built so that they appear better than they were. It should be differentiated from civil engineering in that the primary goal of architecture is that aesthetic effect, the addition of beauty to a building or any other structure or environment and planning for the space that this building will occupy. On the other hand, civil engineering is concerned with finding materials that can be used to make the structure that the architects have produced on paper so that it is strong and after that will see to it that it is built accordingly. An architect is therefore someone is skilled in the science of architecture.
WHERE DO ARCHITECTS WORK?
Architects work in either construction companies as project managers or in consultations as designers. In both of these places an architect can be specialised in a particular field. An architect can be a commercial architect and design tall buildings like sky scrapers or they can be a landscape architect and be concerned with designing places such as parks, private or public gardens or the grounds of a hotel or golf course. There are many more areas where an architect can specialise. So depending on which area an architect has focused on they may work in many places. Some architects may not work for a company and may just be asked to design a structure and work from home or an office.
WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?
In the job of being an architect there are multiple responsibilities. They lead projects from the beginning and also prepare drawings for these buildings or structures and give the measurements for these constructions. In the beginning of the project such as a building or a house they consult with clients/customers so that they understand what the customer wants and so that they are able to design something that will be in the budget of that customer. They change plans that have been made on the buildings in the case that the client changes his/her mind. The designs they make are presented on paper, in model that is a small version of that building or on a computer where a client can see what the final structure will look like.
WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF AN ARCHITECT?
Architects do not have shifts. They usually work during the day in the usual period between 8 and 17 hrs. This time is spent in the office making drawing and consulting with clients. They may also go on site of the construction as they supervise the project.
WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?
Architects are employed mostly by construction and engineering consultancy firms. They are employed in these companies so that they work hand-in-hand with the civil engineers. A number of architectural firms in Zambia. A few examples include Anderson and Anderson international limited, PJP associates and Watkins Gray international Zambia. An architect may also work alone and not for a company and only be called when people need him/her.
WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?
Architecture requires someone who is very creative and imaginative. It also requires someone who is flexible or willing to be when it comes to plans so that they are able to change the designs according to the client’s needs.
The subjects in secondary school that match architecture are technical drawing, mathematics and physics.
INSTITUTIONS OFFERING ARCHITECTURE LISTED AT THE BOTTOM
WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?
The program involves the following courses built environment, physical and human geography, sociology, mathematics, construction and services, structures, land surveying, history of settlements, building economics for architects, computer application, statistics, legal studies, design theory, CAD in architecture, construction, restoration and maintenance of buildings, interior design, research methods, housing economics and policies, project management, professional practice, practical training and introduction to intellectual property rights.
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
Generally, credits or better in six subjects including mathematics, English and the sciences (physics and chemistry) on the grade 12 certificate allows one to have a chance to enter the bachelor of architecture program. It should be stressed that there can be a lot of competition to enter this program and so better points may be required than the minimum stated above.
WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?
A degree in architecture can be advanced by getting a masters or a PhD. The Master of Architecture includes and focuses on designing and project planning. The program also focuses on the use of computers in the tasks involved by learning about advanced software that help in analysing building and solving problems. The reasons for getting a masters are so that one is able to do a particular job well as they gain extra skills and also so that they can teach at a university.
INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER ARCHITECTURE
COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 5 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time
Admitting school: School of Built Environment
Intakes: January
Location: Kitwe
Contacts
Tel: +260 212 290816 or +260 212 290817 or +260 212 290815
E-mail: academicoffice@cbu.ac.zm
Website: www.cbu.ac.zm/fees/
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 4 years (degree)
Mode of study: E-learning and Distance
Admitting school: School of Engineering
Intakes: January and June
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260-211-845754 / +260 979 681676 / +260 966 342359,
E-mail: icu@icuzambia.net
Website: icuzambia.net