DEFINE AN ARCHITECT.
Wikipedia defines an Architect as a licensed individual who leads a design team in the planning and design of buildings and participates in oversight of building construction. The word "architect" comes from Latin architectus, which in turn derives from Greek arkhitekton (arkhi, chief + tekton, builder"). In its broadest sense, an Architect is a person who translates a user's requirements into a built environment.
Architects are trained in many areas, from historic preservation to structural engineering. Like doctors and lawyers, Architects have completed university programs and lengthy internships. In most parts of the world, Architects must pass a series of rigorous exams in order be licensed. In India, the initials 'B.Arch.' designate a registered or licensed Architect.
WHAT IS THE PRIMARY OBJECT OF AN ARCHITECT?
An Architects’ primary object is,
- Providing for the spatial and shelter needs of people by the creative organisation of materials and components in a land- or city-scape while dealing with mass, space, volume, form, texture, structure, light, shadow and materials.
- And to achieve an end which is functional, economical, practical and with artistic and aesthetic aspects, while considering pragmatic elements such as cost, construction limitations and technology.
This distinguishes Architecture from Engineering design, which has as its primary object, the creative manipulation of materials and forms using mathematical and scientific principles.
Though Architectural Design essentially is a product of an Architect’s individual mind, it is realized through the association of experts from allied fields who contribute in the process of construction. Any built structure is an outcome of close coordination and participation of a number of people, technical and non-technical, including Architects, Contractors, Surveyors, Designers, Structural Engineers, Plumbing, Sanitary, Electrical, Acoustical and Air-Conditioning Consultants, along with Bricklayers, Masons, Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers etc.
WHAT IS THE NATURE OF WORK OF AN ARCHITECT?
The work of an Architect is an interdisciplinary field, drawing upon mathematics, science, art, technology, social sciences, politics and history and is often governed by the Architect's personal approach or philosophy. This calls for originality, creativity, conceptualization, perception, aesthetic values and a holistic judgment of people and places.
An Architect has to do outdoor as well as indoor work.
He has to keep track of developments of new methods and materials, analyze their limitations and potential.
An Architect is also called upon to prepare land surveys, evaluate lands and buildings for insurance, mortgage or transfer purposes.
He may give technical advice on planning, improving or beautifying landscapes (that is the field of landscape architecture), highways, entire towns, estates, historical monuments, etc.
- An Architect receives instructions from the Client on the type, function, capacity and approximate cost of the building required.
- He surveys and inspects the site of the proposed building and obtains an accurate site plan.
- He then prepares a sketch scheme of the floor plans, the elevations, and the perspective drawings. Many such schemes may have to be produced before one is finally approved.
- Approval of the plan is obtained from local statutory bodies and local authorities.
- At the next stage Contract documents are drawn up including detailed drawings and specifications and estimates of costs.
- Once the Contract is awarded to a Building Contractor, the Architect has to pay periodic visits to the building site to supervise the work in progress, issue instructions to the Contractor's Site Supervisor to discuss any difficulties that may have come up.
The role of the Architect is constantly evolving. Architects design and supervise the construction of various types of buildings keeping in mind the primary considerations of stability, utility and beauty. Architects must frequently make professional decisions that affect the safety and well being of the generl public. hence they are required to ideally have the following traits:
He should have a rational and pragmatic approach,
He should have analytical and mathematic ability to help him solve design problems and handle building cost and estimations,
He should be a imaginative- a creative artist with an interest in designing. The ability to sketch, free hand, though not very important is beneficial while explaining to the clients the very intricate details of the structure.
He needs to be observant and aware of surrounding social and environmental factors.
He should show a keen desire to update knowledge of latest developments in structural techniques and materials,
He should have good understanding of legal and financial matters,
He should have the ability to issue clear instructions and explanations to team-mates, clients and contractors,
He should have a good perception of social and psychological attitudes, and
He should have an authoritative personality
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