Architecture

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Introduction
 
Architecture is the art and science of designing buildings and structures. An Architect has to keep feasibility, cost to the builder as well as the functional and aesthetic aspects in mind. While planning a structural design, the architect has to weave interplay of space, volume, texture, light, shadow or abstract elements to achieve pleasing aesthetics. In this way architecture is different from applied science or engineering, which concentrate more on the functional aspects of the structure. In other words one can say that Architect embraces both utilitarian as well as aesthetic aspects. As urbanism is booming so are the job opportunities in architecture. 

Courses and Eligibility
 
 
Aspirants of architecture should have completed 10 + 2 with Math’s and English (with at least 50%) preferably with a first division. After completing 10+2, the candidate is required to complete the course of B.Arch. (Bachelor of Architecture) which is of 5 years duration in normal course and recognized by Council of Architecture (COA).

In India B.Tech and M.Tech in Architecture is offered by various universities including the Indian Institutes of Technology (I.I.T. Kharagpur and I.I.T. Roorkee). Almost all colleges/universities conduct entrance examinations for admission to this program. To be successful in a highly, competitive world, it is advisable for an architect to obtain a master’s degree in architecture (i.e. M.Arch.) and specialize in some particular theme like hospital or shopping mall or residential spaces or educational institutions or hotels etc.

Skills and Attributes
 
 
The architect must be flexible in his approach as well as bear the specificities of purpose in mind e.g. the skills required for building a stadium are different than say from building a hospital to the simpler, such as planning dwelling units to be used as residential houses. Architecture has a strong cultural and political connotation. While most of the buildings built by the British during the 19th and the 20th centuries have that specific Victorian touch, surprisingly the Parliament House, the North Block, and the South Block buildings in Delhi have a specific Indian touch, which show a continuity from the past structures of Delhi. This is the work of an architect.

Modern architecture demands that the buildings and structure do not exist in vacuum and so the architect has to bear the surrounding environment in mind, care about the existing skyline and yet care about the comforts and expenses of his clients.

Career Prospects

After the completion of the B.Arch. degree, the budding architect has to register himself with the Council of Architecture (COA), which is mandatory if he wants to carry the profession of architecture independently  want to take a Govt. job or want to take up teaching job.

After getting himself registered with the Council of Architecture, an architect can apply to Government agencies like CPWD or Central Public Works Department, which recruit architects through a competitive examination conducted by the U.P.S.C. It is a class II job. The person can reach up to the post of ADG (Architecture) by retirement.
Alternatively, a person can apply for the post of architect in State Public Works Department. They are recruited through State Provincial Service Commissions.

The budding architects can also take up the job of teaching in various architecture colleges like IIT Roorkee, IIT Kharagpur, School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi.

After gaining some years of experience as an apprentice with a Senior Architect, a person can apply to Construction Companies like DLF, Sahara, Eros Group and the likes.

Architects with some experience can even set up their own business as Consultants and Contractors.

Pay-Packages

Due to large gap between the demand and supply in this field the remuneration of architect is expected rise further. Employment opportunities for architects are available in government as well as private sectors. However, the private players like Builders, Architecture Firms, and Consultants offer handsome pay-packages to skilled architects.

Salary of experienced architect in India is generally high ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakhs per annum. However, an apprentice in private company is usually paid about Rs. 1,00,000 p.a. to 1,50,000 per annum.

Followings are some of the largest public sector employers in this field:

• Public Works Department
• The Archaeological Department
• Ministry of Defence
• Departments of Railways
• Post and Telegraphs
• Public Sector Undertakings
• National Building Organisation
• Town and Country Planning Organisation
• National Institute of Urban Affairs
• Housing and Urban Development Corporation
• National Building Construction Corporation Ltd.
• City Development Authorities

Some major private players in design and construction sector:
 

• DLF
• Sahara
• Eros Group
• Gammon India
• L & T
• Aeons Construction etc.