Architecture ... Etudes as a flight to the moon

A person can learn a lot, but in order to perform certain tasks, one must have “this something”, i.e. talent and skills. Such is the case with architecture. Here, even the greatest desire and labor contribution will not help if you do not have these two elements. In general, this is very good information, because at the very beginning we can determine whether the path is good or bad for us - the profession of an architect.

If you are thinking about this industry, answer the following questions:

• Do I have spatial imagination?
• Do I show a predisposition to manual work?
• Am I highly sensitive to the world/space around me?
• Me: creative, inventive and imaginative?
• Can I follow trends and predict their transformation?
• Am I ready for crazy student life?
• Do the names mean anything to me: Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies Van De Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright, Jean Nouvel, Rem Koolhaas, Daniel Libeskind, Kenzo Tange?

If the vast majority of these questions are answered, then you may have just found your lifestyle. Start its implementation with admission to study.

Two paths over the board

Getting into architecture can be very easy or a little more difficult.

The simplest solution is to collect the required amount and pay the registration fee, and then the tuition fee, the amount of which can make your head spin. At the University of Technology in Katowice, students pay PLN 3800 per semester for an "engineer", and at B. Janski PLN 3457. However, the price may also surprise you, because at the University of Ecology and Management it is only PLN 660 per semester.

At the Polytechnic University, full-time students study at the expense of the taxpayer, and here, in turn, there are problems with entering the faculty, because there are many who want to. At the Krakow University of Technology in 2016/17, an average of 2,77 candidates applied for one index. This is a much lower ratio than previous years, but still means you still have to put in the effort to become an architecture student this way, especially at higher ranked universities.

In the ranking of the best architecture faculties (source: ektyw.pl) in 2016, the first four places were taken by the universities of technology in Warsaw, Wroclaw, Gliwice and Krakow. The best "non-technical" university is the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, whose architecture ranked ninth in the Faculty of Fine Arts.

Fancy Packages

Once you've made your choice, it's time for the entrance exams. At Wrocław University of Science and Technology, in addition to checking two drawing assignments, admission is determined by the following formula:

W׀ = M + F + 0,1JO + 0,1JP + RA.

Delving into its meaning, you will be able to analyze the level that you have to pass in order: mathematics, physics, foreign and Polish languages, drawing in order to enter the university of your dreams. So good advice is apply for final exams!

If you're done with the party, you can focus on your studies. The amount of time required to study may vary from university to university, but you should expect at least three and a half years in engineering and one and a half years in graduate school. The situation is different, for example, at the University of Technology in Katowice, the University of Ecology and Management, the Warsaw University of Technology or the Vistula Academy of Finance and Business - here the universities provide four years of study in the first cycle and two years of study in the second cycle.

Expect 45 hours during this time mathematics i descriptive geometry and after 30 hours building physics i structural mechanics. As you can see, science is like a cure here compared to other technical departments, but this does not change the fact that you should be careful with them, because without the right approach they can be quite troublesome. People who have not coped with science at the university may have problems, although if someone has already passed the recruitment, i.e. passed the high school diploma, there is a chance that he will not have such problems. Most often, students have problems with design, conspiracy Oraz Information TechnologyHowever, as our interlocutors say, all shortcomings have to be compensated. You definitely need to spend time learning English, because in this industry it is extremely necessary and useful. In fact, it should be considered necessary.

Architecture is also an art, which is why universities collaborate with each other to form "superarchitects". The Warsaw University of Technology, for example, cooperates with the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. Thanks to this solution, specialists in a particular field can develop certain skills in students and remember that architecture combines what technical with abilities artwhich are necessary to create something new, beautiful, non-stereotypical and functional.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that the same is true for the students of this faculty themselves. This is undoubtedly an extraordinary team that is 100% dedicated to learning. And so that there is no doubt, we mean not only science, but, perhaps, above all, Student Life. This is emphasized by the graduates of this faculty - most of them create well-coordinated groups that develop socially. Of course, this is an undoubted advantage of this course, although it is associated with the risk of extending the period of study. People who spend too much time on integration at the expense of projects and learning stay at the university for another year or two. Therefore, we warn you that you need to study wisely.

Life after fairy tale

Studying is generally a fabulous period, because a candidate for engineering contacts with enthusiastic people, develops his creative abilities and, in addition, gains interesting knowledge in an easy way that is useful in a professional career. However, every fairy tale ends sometime, and this is also the case here. A graduate architect expects to get a well-paying job almost immediately, preferably in an office in some modern building with underground parking, where he will park his new Porsche. Unfortunately, in most cases this will not be the case. An architect candidate must have skills backed by experience that are difficult to acquire by focusing on study and communication. Internships and apprenticeships during your studies will certainly help, but it may not be enough.

A graduate of this faculty can count on assistant architect position with a salary of about PLN 2800 gross. This will not be an easy job and in many cases will require the use of a coffee machine, as well as the presence of nimble and strong hands to carry something behind the boss. However, over time, this will change, and the young graduate will begin to gain more and more experience, which will result in increased remuneration and a change in position. For this reason, many young architects decide to start their own company and thus get commissions and earn much more money. This is not an easy market, as the industry is now oversaturated with specialists, so the competition has become huge. You have to be creative, commercial, inventive and have a lot of momentum. This is where dating is sure to help, and a little bit of luck – and with the help of a few bigger clients, you can start to go straight ahead and build your positions. Abroad, unfortunately, it does not look much better. Although salaries are incomparably higher there, competition remains as high as in Poland. However, the best way to fulfill your dream of becoming a successful architect is consistent progress and constantly develop your skills. Then there should be no crashes.

Being in architecture school is a bit like going to the moon. One side of our satellite sparkles in the sun and excites the imagination. The second hides in the darkness, remaining the great unknown. The thought of working in this profession is like planning a visit to this dark side. There must be something there, but it's not visible to the naked eye. Only when you get to these areas, you can judge whether it was worth flying so far. These are very interesting, developing and creative activities. Working after them can be a huge satisfaction with a pretty good salary. However, for this, the graduate must try very hard and persevere.

Very interesting direction, but not for everyone ...