Life, University & Everything Guide | Page 62

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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