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Category Archaeology

What is the career in Architectural journalism?

 

Whether it is the Taj Mahal, the Pantheon or the Notre-Dame Cathedral, all great monuments are timeless. And it is the job of the architecture journalists to document these spires and domes for posterity.

Architectural journalism has emerged as a language that helps internet, understand and celebrate new ideas and the built environment. Many architecture colleges in India have started offering Architectural Journalism as an interdisciplinary subject. So if you are interested in combing your passion for design and writing, this field holds promise.

How it works

Architecture journalists write about architecture and design. They comment and critique on the architecture and its philosophy.

Often architects with a flair for writing pursue architectural journalism, but you can develop a career in this field even without a background in architecture, if you have a keen sense of aesthetics and design and brush up your knowledge on architecture by reading voraciously on the subject.

Scope

Newspapers, magazines and architecture journals and even web portals hire architecture and design writers and critics to write about architectural projects, track the latest trends and developments. Besides national publications, you can also work for several international publications. If you are inclined towards academics, you can also teach the subject in design schools.

Required skills

  • Insights and deep understanding of architectural projects
  • Technical writing skills
  • Communication skills and ability to simplify jargons for readers
  • Design interpretation and creative thinking
  • Research skills
  • Knowledge and expertise in architecture
  • Ability to critique and spot trends in architecture

What to study

Architecture is a highly specialized field, so having Bachelors in Architecture (B. Arch) will give you insights and the necessary expertise to comment on architectural projects. Many architecture colleges offer Architectural Journalism as an elective in B. Arch. Admissions for B. Arch are based on the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) examination, conducted by the Council of Architecture to shortlist students for admissions to B. Arch in different architecture schools in the country. (Note: The NATA is now held twice a year – in April and in July).

But if you do not want invest three to five years in B. Arch, you can also opt for a journalism course and then specialize in architectural journalism by interning in architecture magazines and journals.

Where

  • Chandigarh College of Architecture: B. Arch with Architectural Journalism elective.
  • Rachna Sansad Academy of Architecture, Mumbai: B. Arch (five years, full-time) and B. Voc Interior Design (three years, full-time).
  • The Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture and Environmental Studies; Mumbai: B. Arch and M. Arch in Urban Design and Urban Conservation.
  • Padmabhushan Dr. Vasantdata Patil College of Architecture, Pune: B. Arch; M. Arch Landscape Architecture and Urban Design.
  • University of Mumbai: Master’s in Communication and Journalism.
  • Asian College of Journalism, Chennai: PG Diploma in Journalism.
  • Newhouse’s Goldring Arts Journalism Programme Syracuse University, New York: Master’s in Arts Journalism. This includes Architectural Journalism.
  • Stonebridge University, the U.K.: Diploma course in Freelance Journalism.

 

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I was forced into architecture due to family pressure

I’m currently doing a diploma in interior designing. It’s my second year. However, my interest lies in business. I was forced into architecture due to family pressure and now I’m not able to do well in this stream. Is there any way by which I can opt to do business apart from dropping 2 years? Please help me with this situation.

What type of business do you want to enter? It is always better if you have some professional qualification in related field. Since you’ve already joined a course in interior design, spend one more year and complete the course. After completing it and gaining some experience, you may start your own consultancy. On the contrary, if you do not enjoy design, then you will not be able to flourish in a related business. Think about it; you’re the only one who can decide.

 

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What is modern architecture?

Modern architecture, also known as modernist architecture, emerged in the first half of the 20th Century and became dominant after World War II. It introduced innovation in construction by using materials such as glass, steel and reinforced concrete.

Modern architecture follows the idea that the building should be designed according to the purpose it is meant to serve. It embraces the idea of minimalism and rejects ornamentation.

The movement was dominant until the 1980s, when it was replaced by postmodern architecture, which emerged as a reaction against the formality and lack of variety of modern architecture.

Corbusier’s 17 heritage-listed buildings were all implemented over a period of half a century. According to UNESCO, these buildings “for the first time in the history of architecture, attest to the internationalization of architectural practice across the entire planet.”

 

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I am keen on architectural engineering as a career

I am in Std X. I am keen on architectural engineering as a career but I’m not sure how to go about it. What degrees are required and is it a bright career option?

Architects design buildings and other structures. In addition to considering the way these buildings and structures look, they also make sure they are functional, safe, economical and suit the needs of the people who use them.

To become an architect, one should have at least a Bachelor’s in Architecture (B.Arch.). Eligibility for this course is 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. The Council of Architecture conducts an aptitude test, NATA (National Aptitude Test), on an all-India basis for admission to colleges of architecture. This test is held to judge the applicant’s visual and spatial perception, creative ability, imagination, aesthetic sensitivity, etc. in addition to NATA, some colleges conduct their own written exam for admission. After finishing the course an architect must register with the Council of Architecture to practice as an independent architect.

Opportunities in this field are highly dependent on the level of local construction. Big cities are developing very fast, and constructions of commercial as well as residential buildings are going on. Even renovation of old buildings is on the rise. This trend is especially good for architects as it provides many job opportunities.

 

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I want to become an archaeologist

I am a student of Class 9 and I will soon become a student of class 10 (CBSE board). What Maths should I choose – standard or basics – as I want to become an archaeologist? What courses should I do after Class 10? Is there good scope for Archaeology in India? Please help me with the list of Institutes and courses.

Archaeology is the study of uncovering the roots of human civilization by investigating artifacts left behind by previous civilizations. The responsibility of an archaeologist is to gather different types of evidence of human past from various places using data using drawing, notes and photography. Most people picture archaeologists digging up the earth with tools all around them, but archaeology is much more than that.

For admission to Archaeology courses, Mathematics is not required. So if you do not like Maths, you can go for basic Maths now. Then in 10+2, you may take any combination of subjects, followed by a Bachelor’s degree in History, Sociology or Anthropology.

Most of the Universities in India offer the subjects at the post-graduation level. Some of these are: Institute of Archaeology, Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi; The Delhi Institute of Heritage, Culture and Archaeology, Punjab University, Chandigarh; Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, Pune; MS University at Baroda, Vadodara.

As an Archaeologist you can work in private or government-owned museums for the safe upkeep and management of museum artifacts. A degree-holder in Archaeology can also work as tourist guides, heritage managers, and resource persons of trip organizers in tourism. They have great scope in jobs as well as research in various colleges and Universities.

 

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I am a student of history and am very interested in archaeology. Are there jobs for archaeologists that will not require travelling?

How can one become an archaeologist without being on the site? Yes, there are archaeologists who in their capacity as lecturer/professor spend a larger part of the year in colleges or university departments, but even they have to continuously upgrade their knowledge, do research work and visit various sites as part of excavations. Even people associated with various museums are on field visits as part of conservation and restoration projects. So, if you are looking for a career in archaeology, forget the comforts and cosiness of your home.

 

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