So you are interested in … Buildings?
So you are interested in … Buildings?
You could study … Architecture, Construction, Civil Engineering, Plumbing( A), Quantity Surveying. Related subject: Engineering.
If I study Architecture at university – what do I do? Architecture can vary from building projects to looking at town planning, building sustainably to managing building projects. It is a subject that combines the technical with the creative and involves a great deal of commitment as to become a fully trained architect takes 5 – 6 years.
There is a high practical element within an architecture course, especially working within a studio as well as on actual projects working with engineers, builders and planners. You will develop transferable skills in drawing, modelling, threedimensional design, written and verbal presentation and creative and critical thinking.
You will study other architects and their work, and look at what works in its environment( and what doesn’ t work and why). You will look at the history of buildings and how that has evolved to the buildings being built today. This includes the different materials used within buildings and how the built environment can impact on people’ s lives.
So what is civil engineering? Civil engineering involves creating, improving and protecting the environment in which we live. Most civil engineering projects need to be able to stand up to natural forces( like wind and water), and man-made forces( like vehicles, equipment and people).
You need to learn how to calculate the strength of structures and ensuring the structures work with the environment in which they are built.
How is that different from Quantity Surveying? There are some aspects that are the same, teamwork, project planning and communication, but a surveyor will also look at the costs and design plans, and the primary aim of the job is to make sure it meets building standards and is safe.
Subjects needed: Architecture courses often require A level grades AAA- BBB. For many building related subjects, students have studied qualifications in maths, science( especially physics), engineering or even geography or geology( thinking about the structures being built on different materials and the effect on the environment).
It’ s also a good idea to have a creative side for architecture as it involves design at the heart of it. A civil engineer often needs to think creatively in how to solve a problem and also to make sure the structure complements the environment around it.
Useful websites www. rics. org / uk www. brightknowledge. org
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