Career in Architecture

With the need for modern infrastructure leading the cause, architecture in India is opening up its avenues for hopeful students, with a diverse ranges of careers in the field, finds

In a city that is dominated by the tallest of towers and complexes, intertwined bridges that connect areas and sectors, architecture is no joke. Structural designs and sleek, modern buildings are taking over - not just the city, but the nation. While there is a satisfying growth spurt in every field we choose to excel at, the youth is now looking to architecture as a career option, with skyscrapers in their eyes and an eye for detail and design.

SPECIALISATION

A regular five-year course offers students the opportunity to explore the numerous facets of architecture and its scope in society. Specialisation in design and planning in the different areas of architecture are also looked into. Shirish Joshi, urban planner and full-time faculty member at Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture, says, "One can specialise in landscape design, urban design and planning, ecological management, environmental design, urban conservation, heritage management, among many others. Graduates also tend to gravitate towards fields like photography and film-making. Over the five-year period, one is able decide on an area of specialisation."

The current trend for budding architects is to look into different methods of architectural design, and just how beneficial these traditional and modern means are when it comes down to actually creating or modelling a structure. Current trends in architecture also help students in narrowing down on their field of choice. Atrey Chhaya, professor, Balwant Sheth School of Architecture, states, "The current scenario works on different kinds of influences. Although the traditional forms of designing are still widespread, contemporary forms such as the use of digital architecture, parametric architecture and landscape urban theories are becoming popular for different projects. There is also a huge shift from the use of drawing and sketching of structures to the use of digital platforms, and how they help in achieving newer and cleaner methods of design."

PRIME PROSPECTS

Architecture novices are expected to earn anything from Rs 7, 500 to Rs 30, 000 at the early stages of their career. Progress is warranted in a field like architecture, which is growing constantly. Nuru Karim, principal, founder director, LIVE Architecture, says, "Salaries depend on the architectural design practice. Interns could probably get less. However, the experience that one gains is crucial and cannot be quantified solely in monetary terms. It's important to take these formative years as an extension of one's continual educational experience. "

Chhaya adds, "Graduating architects can follow interesting avenues in planning, such as regional or city planning for government boards. They can also consider conducting research in cities like Mumbai for redevelopment purposes, and the data they collect is sent to civic bodies such as the MMRDA for future city planning."

Joshi also states that there is tremendous scope for urban design in rural areas and areas that are reserved for affordable housing. The scope for transportation planning is also wide.

Karim adds, "Developing nations shoulder the responsibility of providing housing, infrastructure and sound institutions in education, health and related sectors. It's within this space that architecture is gaining rapid recognition and due importance in both urban and peri-urban areas. There are several challenges as well but the growth potential is enormous. Besides, there have been several leading international architectural firms that have set up shop in India in the last decade."

INDICATIVE LISTING

School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi

Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology, Ahmedabad

Rizvi College of Architecture, Mumbai

LS Raheja School of Architecture, Mumbai

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur

Sir JJ College of Architecture, Mumbai

Chandigarh College of Architecture, Chandigarh

Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture, Mumbai

Balwant Sheth School of Architecture, Mumbai

ENTRANCE TESTS

The general entrance exam for architecture in India is the NATA (National Aptitude Test). The test scores, along with the class XII scores comprise the eligibility of applicants for the undergraduate course in Architecture (BArch). Some schools in Maharashtra also require candidates to complete the MASA (Maharashtra Association of Schools of Architecture) Common Entrance Test for regional colleges.