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Reclamation,craft, sustainability and technology - how do you combine these when devloping your career? (Part 1)

Hi,

I am in my third year, a mature student and am wondering about how to progress in all these different fields within architecture. My interests lie in environmentally responsible design (to avoid the word sustainable, now becoming vague). By environmentally responsible I mean both in terms of respecting the natural environment and promoting social/individual health.

My instinct is to try to find a way not to do everything at once!

At uni I find that the there tends to be a split between digitally presented and handrawn designs, not only in the technique of presentation but in the design style aswell. Those with more arts/crafts and sustainability interests tend to do handdrawn work and those with interest in technology and structure or in modernism tend to use digital methods.

I'd like to somehow merge the two and become profficient in use of digital media and 3D modelling, as well as develop my understanding more of traditional building techniques and crafts. I feel there is a lack of technical skills in the arts and crafts field so going onto this wouldn't allow me to develop those skills. These are just my impressions however, so please correct me if I'm wrong! Also environmentally conscious design seems to have progressed more in the style of digitally presented architecture and I feel there is my more scope for it to develop a cultural language.

So would a good approach be to try to gain experience in a practise specialising in design through reclamation/use of traditional techniques and then do short courses along side in digital medelling or perhaps the other way round - try to develop my digital skills through practise and do a course in tradtional craft/design on the side.

Of course ideally I wouldn't be spending money on courses so maybe better just to try to get different kinds of work experience? I am aware finding any work experience isn't easy and most companies expect part 1 students to have skills in digital presentation already therefore perhaps time would be better spent simply trying to gain any experience in a practise that I am enthusiastic about in some way?

Any thoughts would be of grat help! Thank you!

Alex

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5 answers

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aa_87 [ Editor ]

Hi.

I agree with David, the two approaches are not mutually exclusive. We have won several sustainability prizes for our work yet we continue to use digital modelling.

I would hope that practices take sustainability very seriously and it is integral to their work. If this is what interests you, I would recommend you go out and get some experience in this. There are several small practices that create an eco-aesthetic, but many more that take on an integral approach.

Digital modelling is something you will probably have to learn in your own time. The best way to learn is to download a student/ taster version of sketch-up or similar and get going. Most programmes have good tutorials included.

Good luck.

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alexandra_56
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hi, thanks, do you know if the CAT environmental centre in wales is a good option for part 2 studies? Also are there any companies you can reccomend that practice holistic design or more than eco-aesthetic, ie. design for social and environmental health?

many thanks, Alex

aa_87
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Hi. I don’t know about studies in Wales. There are a few really interesting MA courses, such as the London Metropolitan University MSc Architecture, Energy and Sustainability. Something similar could be an option as there are sometimes opportunities to combine Part 2 and an MA.

Here are some firms who integrate sustainability well into their work: Sheppard Robson (www.sheppardrobson.com); Denton Corker Marshall won the last RIBA sustainability award (www.dentoncorkermarshall.com) and Sarah Wigglesworth (www.swarch.co.uk/). There are countless others that have strong eco-credentials.

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james byrne

I think Digital modelling is esential to sustainable or environmentally responsible design. Once you have mastered this, it is far easier to learn building techniques and understand how to use them. i would concentrate on becoming proficient in CAD, then focus on environ mental issues that you can implement now. It is more important to be able to deliver what you want in terms of environmental design rather than try and do it all and fail. I think you need to focus on a few things and then build on these skills as your career develops. Keep everything in mind that you wish to do, and implement these as you become more practised in the basics of architectural design. Hope this helps a bit!?

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alexandra_56
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Hi James – thanks, I realise that whatever the scenario, I will more often than not need to use CAD to deliver the work. I also think it’s important to redefine exactly what sustainable architecture is, I have some doubt about the predominant emphasis on zero carbon homes, as there has been some debating about this with climate gate…

many thanks,

Alex

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david gloster

I would suggest you definitely pursue your interest in combining skills addressing both the digital design and sustainability agendas.

The reality is that the two approaches should not be seen as mutually exclusive, but simply as design problems requiring subtly different strategies; we have enough schisms globally to worry about without our profession trying to establish a pecking order for what is seen as the better way to be a responsible designer.

And advances in digital fabrication do not, and should not, preclude the use of traditional materials; indeed, if you look at some examples of advanced structural design using laminated timber, there's a real sense of two sensibilities uniting.

Incidentally, I don't believe there is a lack of technical skill in craft-based approaches either; again, it's a question of all of us blurring the boundaries between our self-imposed limitations to take the subject forward.

Finding work is always frustrating of course, but the reality is that almost any practice will provide you with an understanding of the need to focus on the client, make responsible use of resources, and provide value. Managing a career can sometimes create a spectacular and entirely unpredictable series of about-faces too; sometimes the career manages you, so perhaps it's unwise to have too many preconceptions about where you work!

It would however be an exciting life to deal with reclamation and regeneration, while secretly pushing back the digital frontiers by night...

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sarah_77

I would go further than saying that the two are not mutually exclusive. I think CAD and digital design capabilities are as necessary in work on traditional buildings as on new build.

I worked in a conservation practice for three years and cannot remember ever drawing by hand. Some of our builders & masons drew details by hand, but we would work them up into our CAD drawings.

It could be argued that many of the craftsmen, I'm thinking cabinet-makers, stonemasons etc, come from a fine art background and have been trained in hand drawing. However, I don't think that that is a reason for architectural professionals not to make use of the advancements in CAD and digital technology. I also expect a generational shift to the use of CAD by the craftsmen themselves.

Another major factor is the expectation of the client. A practice I worked at gained a job from another practice (arguably more experienced in dealing with traditional buildings) because they could (would?) not produce their drawings electronically. It was viewed by that client as unprofessional.

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alexandra_56
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hi sarah, thanks for this. I think there needs to be more integration between architectural education and practise. In our school we literally get penalised for using sketch up or CAD in the early stages of our design process, and many tutors are genrally opposed to it at all stages. This creates a viod between practise and studying, which feels really unbalanced.

I’m not sure how this could change – perhaps some meetings between academic staff and practicing proffessionals.

Do you still design by hand in practise and then digitalise it or do you use computers from the start? thanks

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gozde

Hi Alex,

I strongly agree that there is a big gap between architectural education and professional practice. When you are at university as an architecture student, you are trained to think outside of boundaries, be creative and embrace utopic ideas/theories. Then you start working to see that; the only thing the employer cares about is your technical, UK Building Regulations knowledge and your speed in producing precise drawings in line with the Client's brief. Therefore; in 21st Century, you should be prepared that not being proficient in AutoCAD will result in lost of employment opportunities on your behalf.

I personally think that it is an advantage to have free-hand drawing or technical drawing skills by hand. It is valuable to use them. No matter what the employer or the current times dictates, if you have a gift, you should train yourself to be better. Knowing 2D drawing and 3D Virtual Modelling using CAD or sketch-up is essential for any professional in our profession. Whatever skill you develop in your own time will take you up the ladder.

Kind Regards, GK

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