 |
|
Becoming an architect
The need for shelter is one of the most fundamental requirements of existence. From before the time of the first pyramids, architecture has played an integral part in the minds, spirits and lives of human civilization. Many societies have been remembered and understood solely on the basis of the structures they have left behind, for the
dwellings that men make are the most enduring markers and reflections of their creators. Buildings reflect the character of their designers as well as that of their occupants. Whether it is a humble residential dwelling or a Drawing grand public edifice, few things affect the quality of our dailylives as deeply as the work of thearchitect. Becoming an architect is no doubt a very satisfying and most rewarding career. If you have got that intense desire to work hard and flair for building, house designs, you should plan your path meticulously to become an architect. Knowledge makes man expert, expertise makes wise, and creativity makes perfect. If you incorporate all, you can become a good architect in any area of interest. Many of architectural wonders like the TajMahal, Hanging Gardens of Babylon, etc., have left us speechless. They were mere drawings, made into a reality of a rigid construction by architectural brains.
Architecture deals with designing and planning buildings. The first and foremost aspect of this profession is translating the ideas generated by the clients into a reality. It is making their dream come true. Apart from interior decoration and exterior designing, an architect must know rules and regulations for construction of a building. He must also plan out the plumbing needs, electrical supply, and many other aspects related to the site. All these must be made within the estimated budget of his client.
Architecture also requires manipulating the available space, volume, texture, light, shadow and other elements to achieve an aesthetic end. This aspect makes architects differ from engineers, who are concerned mainly with functionality and feasibility of the design. The duties of an architect involve association of different fields than mere creative imagination and drawing those dreams on piece of paper. They have to be proficient in engineering, computer literacy, legal knowledge, building codes and some excellent communication. Once the design is approved, local authorities must be approached to get permission for construction, identification of building contractors, preparing drawings, estimates, etc. An architect is supposed to visit the site regularly to inspect the progress of the work.
Additional skills like sketching, negotiating, and man management, being aware of environmental issues and social factors, good mathematical skills, knowledge of legal matters concerned with architectural profession, sharp mind and observing skills will definitely help in professional life. Knowledge of CAD makes designing very fast and enables architects to try innovative things.In the USA there are different degree choices depending on the area of concentration the prospective student is interested in. An undergraduate, Bachelor of Architecture degree may take five years lo earn, requiring a thesis and internship. Most areas of study also offer graduate degrees. An architecture degree candidate may be expected to take courses in art, design, history, math and the physical sciences as well as courses focusing on building construction and engineering. All states require individuals to be licensed before they can call themselves architects. In addition to a degree in architecture from an accredited school, an internship is required for the candidate, lasting for a period of three years. In our society of increased complexity, regulation and diversification, the need for architects and builders shows no sign of abating. The pressures of population growth, economics and environmental concern only add to the architectural designer's traditional challenges of aesthetics, functionality and safety. In meeting these challenges, architects will enjoy the opportunity, like few others do, to shape and define the world we live in, and to create enduring legacies of their vision for future generations
American magazines
The same developments that spurred newspaper circulation—faster printing methods, lower prices, the lure of advertising money—also marked the beginning of mass appeal for American magazines. Several types of magazines emerged. The late 1800s saw the start of opinion journals still influential a century later, including the Atlantic Monthly, the Nation and Harper's.
But the largest readerships were won by magazines that catered to Americans' increasing leisure time and appetite for consumer goods, such as Cosmopolitan, the Ladies Home Journal and the Saturday Evening Post. Publishers were no longer just selling reading material; they were selling readers to advertisers. Because newspapers reached only local audiences, popular magazines attracted advertisers eager to reach a national audience for their products. By the early 1900s, magazines had become major marketing devices.
At the same time, a new breed of newspaper and magazine writer was exposing social corruption. Called "muckrakers," these writers sparked public pressure for government and business reforms. In 1902, for example, McClure's magazine ran a series of articles highly critical of the powerful Standard Oil Company by muckraking journalist Ida Tarbell.
Yet magazines did not truly develop as a powerful shaper of news and public opinion until the 1920s and 1930s, with the start of the news weeklies. The first, Time, was launched in 1923 by Henry Luce (1898—1967). Intended for people too busy to keep up with a daily newspaper, Time was the first magazine to organize news into separate departments such as national affairs, business and science. Newsweek, using much the same format, was started in 1933. Other prominent news weeklies are Business Week and U.S. News and World Report.