Architects: The Artists Of Construction

3 Pages 872 Words

Architects:
The Artists of Construction

Architecture is one of the great arts. There is proof of this in the depth that emotion and good building provoke. These emotions are comparable to those people influenced to create unique projects. Architects—licensed professionals trained in the art and science of building design—transform these needs into concepts and then develop the concepts into building images and plans that can be constructed by others. People need places in which to live, work, play, learn, worship, meet, govern, shop, and eat. These places may be private or public; indoor or out; rooms, buildings, or complexes, and together comprise neighborhoods, towns, suburbs and cities. Architects are truly the artists of construction.

All States and the District of Columbia require individuals to be licensed (registered) before they may call themselves architects or contract to provide architectural services. Licensing requirements include a professional degree in architecture, a period of practical training or internship, and passage of all divisions of the ARE. In most States, the professional degree in architecture must be from one of the 111 schools of architecture with degree programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). (Occupational Outlook Handbook Pg. 98) The majority of all architectural degrees are from 5-year Bachelor of Architecture programs, intended for students entering from high school or with no previous architectural training. Although the 5-year Bachelor of Architecture program offers the fastest route to the professional degree, courses are specialized and, if the student does not complete the program, transferring to a non-architectural program may be difficult. A typical program includes courses in architectural history and theory, building design, structures, technology, construction methods, professional practice, math, physical sciences, and liberal arts. Central to...