introduction

Suppose you are in your first years of architecture school. There will be multiple names that constantly reappears – Especially when it comes down to history and theory/ academic writings. Many of these names will be architects/ architectural designers or artists who have inspiring views on approaching space, urban planning, construction methods, materials, lighting, and design.

But before I start giving my thoughts and research on these names, I would like to share this thought with you. I wholeheartedly want you to know that I have been through the same stage as you have, and I understand it is intimidating having to learn about countless names. It is incredibly daunting to know about numerous precedent studies whilst you are struggling to balance essays, design your projects, and make physical models. All these mandatory requirements are effort draining and time-consuming. Additionally, having to make some sacrifices in your personal life. Worst of all, in my opinion, - is when tutors could subconsciously (perhaps not with bad intentions) discourage you by expecting you to magically know all these names, precedents, or architectural movements. I recently graduated my part 1 successfully, yet I still feel like I have not gained as much knowledge in my adored field.

I have also struggled for three years with grades, time management and producing quality work altogether. In my perspective, the struggle mostly comes down to the fact that we were, unfortunately, losing too much time learning by ourselves software whilst simultaneously suffocating with hours on drafting, 3d modelling and post-production. As a result, we glue ourselves to the screen and chairs whilst we could spend time refining our basic knowledge.

Time management and self-discipline is a real slap to the face when leaving high school. Tutors are just here to guide you and make sure you pass, they are barely here, and you will be lucky if some of them are teaching you something more profound than presenting precedent studies/ architects you barely understand. The hardest of all is when tutors will savagely wreck your work after spending countless days and nights on them. This is not school anymore; nobody will be here to check up on you; it is ‘all on you’. Even If the circumstances are awful (like this insane COVID-19 pandemic).

I honestly felt like a kid from Art A level who was just passionate about drawings and 3d model making needed to become somehow this hyper-intellectual who needs to know everything. Whilst also becoming a computer wizard. This toiling with deadlines and trying to achieve quality, sophisticated work was a ridiculous weight on my shoulders.

But this is where I want to reach out and share this with all of you- it is okay not to know EVERYTHING. We have barely started doing our baby steps in our journey of this incredible profession. And even when you are qualified with academic knowledge- you still know nothing! Architecture theoretical knowledge is a muscle that needs to grow slowly yet consistently. Not like dumbbells of a professional bodybuilder that we are somehow expected to lift all at once. Still, we are young. And it is the perfect time to absorb as much knowledge as possible. I will even go as far as to say this. If architecture is your passion and goal, it is YOUR responsibility to know your concepts and knowledge about design and history. I can confidently say that learning about previous architects’ design can enable you authority over your projects. You will be able to communicate its significance, concept and tackle down problem-solving with more confidence.

In conclusion, I would like to leave you with this thought of mine. I want you to recognise that I am still on this journey with all of you. I have not even started my career, and I need consistent muscle growth in my academic architectural knowledge. For this reason, I will write up basic research/ information on various architects/ architectural designers. The goal will be to have simplified research on each of them to understand who they were, what they did when their work took place, and where their projects are located. But most importantly- WHY they designed this way and their philosophy behind it. Overall- key precedents to memorise.

I hope this compilation of research will enable you to reach your projects’ full potential, providing you with some basic knowledge to reinforce your design and help you express your creative ideas with ease.

If you are interested to be involved in with this project- feel free to contact me!

Thank you!