An Architecture Graduate’s Perspective
Studying architecture in India and now Australia, Tanvi Sinha shares this insightful reflection piece on the similarities of the curriculums. She offers an informative perspective to the current trends, her inspiration, and her design ideas.
I have always been a curious learner of science and technology with a passion for art and design. Architecture opened a realm to manifest my love of art in built form. The development of spaces, nodes, edges, points, the built and the unbuilt, and the dialogue between them fostered my fascination for consciously creating experiences for the end-users. As an architect, I have the ability to positively influence human life however, my initial impression of architecture as bright and romantic proved untrue, as famous architectural legends have often said in some form - architecture is sometimes gruesome and often tied under the building codes and restrictions.
Studying Architecture in India and Australia
The curriculum in India and Australia are very different, yet similar in conceptualisations. In India, the discipline offers a hands-on approach - motivated by functionality over aestheticism to serve the maximum demographics. Cultural preservation is an important aspect of the course to address the needs of modern urbanisation.
Australia’s curriculums are digitalised and focus on the experiential and aesthetical treatment of structures to create a distinctive perspective for the end-users. In comparison to India’s curriculum, the ubiquitous digitalisation in the field of design is greatly pertinent in Australian architectural learning, while the design remains rooted in its British past and multicultural identity.
Despite the contrasting methods, both provide students with the ability to design, innovate the physical environment, and improve living quality. I believe architecture is an expansive profession that cultivates knowledge and interaction through other professionals.
Upcoming trends in architecture
For the longest time architecture focusses on acting as a facilitator for increased interaction. The effects of COVID-19 have brought about a metamorphosis in the way interaction and communication have taken place. Design and materials are reimaged to create spaces that are COVID-19 safe, offer adaptive reuse, and explore the most efficient way to sustainability.
Inspiration
“As an architect, you design for the present, with an awareness of the past for a future which is essentially unknown. ”
These words always stayed with me and have an impact on my vision across the projects I’ve been involved in. His work has made me believe that every designed space should have a narrative that can pragmatically invent the future whilst protecting the humbleness of the past. I admire Charles Correa’s work in prophetic weaving of contemporary, vernacular architecture and the simplicity in embodying the impact on the senses and emotions, which will be relevant in our future.
Architectural challenges
The architecture industry is not only driven by ideas and innovation but governed by time and cost impacting and often discounting the originality and value of a design. I believe architects must be prepared to be challenged by the proliferating idea of low cost, quality, and time over good designs which can be treated with efficient project planning. Moreover, the big-data era in which we are living kills our originality at the click of a button which should be critiqued. For architects are not meant to create prototypes and en mass designs but be inspired and learn from the past to create something new and relevant for the present and future. Furthermore, keeping up with the ever-evolving technology is pivotal yet preservation of hand sketching is extremely crucial. The creative process of hands-on sketching and model making provides a channel to thoroughly understand, create, and play with the spatial experience in great detail which is unlikely to a certain extent with software.
As designers, we have to be prepared to discount your ideas. Common between architectural academics and professional life. It is ambitious to land the design in one attempt, know that you will develop multiple ideas and improvisation until you triumph therefore, try and retry until you succeed.
An architect’s required skills
In my opinion as an architect, you have to be resilient, efficient with planning and management, and most importantly conscious of your vision. Architects often hear “design cannot be right or wrong” and receive tough reviews, which means having to stay positive and serve the purpose as the challenges are not impossible. As renowned architect Rem Koolhaas explains “in the future, architecture’s value might not be architecture… but [may come] in the form of knowledge or organisation.” Simply put, the multifaceted character and inclusion of multidisciplinary professions in the field require meticulous, methodical, and thorough planning and management. As an architect, we possess the power and ability to influence society by providing solutions to sometimes the most complex of issues. Our creative and technical skills are fundamental in staying true to the vision and design.
Broaden and staying connected is important. I am currently broadening my knowledge and skills as I am currently studying master's in Project Management through Royal Melbourne University. I took this leap to diversify my skill set and increase my analytical proficiencies, with the aspiration of working for the leaders of the construction industry. Networking is important in keeping close to other professions in the industry and staying engaged.
I believe architecture provides an approach to synthesise constructive expression through a spatial narrative which often leads to shaping the society, thus believe in your design and don’t give up till you are satisfied. Hard work pays off and no work is big or small.
Tanvi Sinha
Role Student, Project Management at RMIT University
Education Architect, L.S Raheja School of Architecture and Project Management from Royal Melbourne University (current).
I have recently completed my bachelor’s degree with distinction in architecture from L.S Raheja school of architecture, Mumbai and I am currently pursuing a master’s in Project Management from Royal Melbourne University, Australia. I have always been an academically motivated student with high credentials to my merit along with the recipient of the national-level accolade for the research in the field of science (Dr. Abdul Kalam Aazad Ignite Award). Moreover, during my academic undertaking, I had the opportunity to intern under the pioneer architectural firm in India, Malik Architects, and to hone my skills in various kinds of projects thus giving me insight into the practical and overall learning of the field.
My curiosity to explore beyond and outside my academic interest can be attested by my participation in various extra-curricular activities throughout my academic period. I’ve participated in various, national and state-level debates, dramas, and music competitions along with a core participant in the editorial team for the college magazine. Moreover, I have been part of the youth workshop for AIESEC and current activity as the social media officer for the project management chapter in RMIT.
I am motivated and highly determined to apply my strong design ability and intellectual capacity into the practical field and work and positively contribute to different projects, thus succeeding in achieving my career objectives.