mj93

I'm a rising freshman interested in eventually majoring in architecture. What exactly is a portfolio and how do I start one? What else can I do now to show colleges that architecture is a passion of mine?

sashimi46

create lots of stuff...anything really. be creative about it. draw a lot. keep or document all the things you have created.

there are many ways to show your interests...it doesn't necessarily have to be architecturally related since architecture has so many facets. a lot of my arch friends were dancers, cooks, photographers, etc. a lot of them interned at an arch firm to get a feel for what it's like in the real world. two of my friends even worked for 3 summers before they started arch school! talk abotu getting a ton of experience early on...

i also helped TA summer arch programs since i lived close to FLW Taliesin West. I also built huts for tribal people in panama. that was a good experience because i got to learn a lot about vernacular architecture and construction. see if there's an architecture for humanity chapter nearby.

along with creative endeavors, be interested in service related activities. architecture is a service and showing that you are a person of service may help. initiate, lead, help etc

vyan

a portfolio is basically a form of presentation to display your works.

Like a resume except in a portfolio we have complete freedom on how we want to look like. Some schools have limitations such as how many pages to have, the medium and the size of it, but how it's made and what the pages look like is up to you.

So as a tip, not only do you want creative pieces to go into your portfolio, but the portfolio itself must be a creative piece. So think creatively how to make the porfolio AND what to put into it. Don't just buy a porfolio folder with the sleeves in it and just send it like that(although some may differ).

Some ways to start is doing what the above poster said. Intern, habit for humanity, join AIAS or CSI clubs which has alot of architecture activities such as architectural competitions, and etc.

Tzar

I am going to have to disagree with some of what vyan said right there.- I think it is important that the works in a portfolio show through, and by trying to make the portfolio itself creative sometimes can take away from your work. I would keep it simple, but professional. The cheapest portfolio in terms of layout isn't exactly what you want, because it might give a bad impression- but something that is overdone would almost certainly be worse. Impressive portfolios are the ones with impressive work- period.

In terms of interest, I wouldn't worry that much about it. However I would urge you to learn something about the field before applying or at the very least do some research. I did a summer program before applying and I think that while expensive, it was definitely worth it. – As for your first question on how to start—draw/paint/photograph everything and create as much as possible.

sylvia1ee

hmmm im just wondering but would origami count? not like paper cranes or anything, but something complicated

sashimi46

if it helps express your creativity, i don't see why not. be careful about being complicated....

Tzar

Origami -- yes if it is your own creation but I still would lean toward a less- “technical” art as well.