Category Archeologist

What is the career in the field of naval architecture?

From Vasco da Gama’s Sao Gabriel and Christopher Columbus’ Santa Maria to the Mayflower, ships have played an important part in history. These vessels have been part of epic voyages, great bottles and discovery of new homelands. Building these mammoth structures to survive fiercestorms and giant waves is the job of naval architects. They are responsible for the design, construction and the repair of the ships and other marine vessels, including offshore and floating structures. Militaries, commercial ships and maritime companies need ships that are sea-worthy and environment-friendly, and this has driven the demand for naval architects. So if you have a fascination for marine vessels and an eye for detail, the field of naval architecture could be the perfect choice.

How it works

Naval architecture is the science of designing and manufacturing of sea-going vessels. It is a branch of marine engineering. Naval architects can build a variety of marine vessels, including fishing boats, barges, submarines and ships. They take the ultimate responsibility of the safety of the vessel.

Building a ship is a team effort that requires inputs from different types of engineers and professionals. The naval architect ensures that all of them work together to build a strong and sturdy vessel.

Required skills

  • Knowledge of different branches of engineering
  • Mathematical ability
  • Creativity and eye for detail
  • Ability to co-ordinate with other professionals
  • Communication skills
  • Patience and time management
  • Sound judgment and leadership skills

Scope

Naval architects are involved in a variety of work that can be classified into design, construction and repair, consultancy, marketing and sales. Ships and yacht builders, offshore companies and engineering and design consultants need naval architects to design new vessels. Major equipment manufactures also employ naval architects to design products such as propulsion systems and auxiliary systems. A naval architect also oversees ship yards where marine vessels are built, repaired, inspected and tested.

What to study?

Several engineering institutes offer Bachelor and Master of technology (B. Tech and M. tech) in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering. You need to clear the Joint Entrance Examinations (JEE) for admissions, while some have their entrance examinations.

Where

  • Indian Maritime University, Visakhapatnam: B. Tech and M. Tech in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering; B.Sc Ship Building and Repair
  • Indian Institute of Technology, Madras: B. Tech and M. Tech in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering.
  •  Cochin University of Science and Technology: B. Tech in Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding.

Abroad:

  • Newcastle University, the U.K.: M.Sc and PG Diploma in Naval Architecture.
  • University of Southampton, the U.K.: M.Sc in Marine Technology.
  • University of Strathclyde, Glasgow: M.Sc in Naval Architecture.
  • University of New Orleans, the U.S.: B.Sc and M.Sc in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.

 

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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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