<p>Hello! I’m a senior in high school and was accepted to Cal Poly SLO for Architecture (early decision). I’m now aware that architecture school is much more rigorous than I previously believed, and I want to do all I can to prepare and get a leg up, if that makes sense.</p>
<p>My grandparents got me a book called “101 things I learned in Architecture School”. I read it on a flight, and it covered a lot of things I intuitively knew about design, and also helped teach me more basic concepts and some vocab. Also, next semester I’m taking PLTW Civil Engineering & Architecture. I doubt it will go very in depth, but it will give me some practice with Revit, which will be nice.</p>
<p>Other than AP Calculus BC, my schedule is insanely easy. I’m a TA for PLTW Engineering Design & Development, so that period is likely going to be a period for me to do whatever I want. I want to use next semester to learn about and practice architecture.</p>
<p>I haven’t done a lot of digging, but so far I’m thinking YouTube videos about architecture and drawing could be useful. I can learn the concepts and ideas easily, but what I really need practice with right now is drawing. When I come up with an idea in my head, I can spin it around in 3d and “see” it very well, but I have a tough time putting my ideas onto paper. My drawing skills aren’t horrible but I want to make them much better. I need to learn how to draw “like an architect”, as I discovered from the book I mentioned above.</p>
<p>If there are any resources you all are aware of, I’d love to use them. Thanks so much :)</p>
<p><a href=“http://soa.syr.edu///files/00/00/00/00/2257.pdf[/url]”>http://soa.syr.edu///files/00/00/00/00/2257.pdf</a></p>
<p>Here is some resources you might want to look at, and a good book to start drawing/sketching architecturally is Design Drawing by Francis Ching</p>
<p>You have to remember that the whole point of architecture school is to teach you the skills and knowledge you will need to be an architect. You don’t have to acquire them in advance.</p>
<p>It’s great that you’re working on your hand and computer drawing skills. This is an ongoing never ending project.</p>
<p>My best recommendation would be to look at buildings, read about architectural theory, travel if you can. </p>
<p>I think that the weakness of intensive B.Arch programs is that they can’t allow enough time for wide and deep exposure to art and architectural history. There are thousands of years of buildings out there, and ideas are constantly recycled. No one designs in a vacuum so start building a knowledge foundation.</p>
<p>My impression from talking to my son about architecture school (and I will note that although I have an arts background, I am not an architect) is that the mechanics are relatively easy to master. What is challenging is dealing – in some cases for the first time – with abstract design concepts. This is not something you are born knowing so it takes a while to be comfortable with, but it really helps to understand what’s come before.</p>
<p>Momrath is right… It’s the conceptual stuff that is a mystery to many. Actual drawings, be it via CAD or hand, are not that difficult all things considered. But there’s a lot of playing with basic shapes, almost like kids with play-doh, to come up with the right ideas. </p>
<p>Another suggestion would be to spend the next few months honing your model building skills. My daughter has great artistic skills (drawing, painting, photography) but never once did she have to build small things by hand. Things have changed since my days of balsa models, and everyone uses 3D printers, or laser cutters, but in any case you need to know basic craftsmanship - gluing, cutting, assembling, sanding, fitting, reading blueprints (your own :)) and the like. I spent a couple of summers working with her to teach her about model building using simple to complex model airplane kits from Hobby Town USA. Start with a simple model and continue to a medium one, then a hard one like a twin engined WW2 era plane (<a href=“http://www.hobbytown.com/Category/Wooden_Kits/2004/[/url]”>http://www.hobbytown.com/Category/Wooden_Kits/2004/</a>). For someone like me who spent a decade building model airplanes I already had the skills needed. But few kids have such skills those days, so spend $100 or so and some time putting a few kits together to get the hang of it.</p>
<p>I think Momrath’s comment on travel is great. You only need to survey your local community. Keep your eyes peeled for buildings of any type that you find interesting or even a detail thereof. Take photos and notes. Enjoy the built environment before it becomes consumed by grades and work. </p>
<p>Also, use the internet to travel further. Take a trip around the UNESCO architectural importance sites and again, log what you like and what you really hate and think why.</p>
<p>@Nitsua24,</p>
<p>You have identified your weak area in your post. THAT is where you need to direct your focus. </p>
<p>Forget buildings or computer aided design/programs for now. One of the strongest foundations of an Architect is to be able to spontaneously visualize and sketch with just a pencil and paper in your possession. Capturing the essence of an idea or project is the first step in anything you plan to do. A well thought-out rough draft or an outline is the best approach to developing a rewarding final project. You yourself have admitted that you can see 3D but you cannot get it to print - so now is the time to learn it. You need to unleash creativity & the artist that lies deep within.</p>
<p>Recommendations:</p>
<p>This following book is a must have in getting you started as it is highly regarded in many years of revised publication:</p>
<p>‘Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain’ by Betty Edwards
Paperback - ISBN 978-1-58542-920-2</p>
<p>‘Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain (Workbook)’ by Betty Edwards
Spiral Bound - ISBN 978-1-58542-922-6</p>
<p>Another helpful publication that describes the theory and practice of visualizing perspectives:</p>
<p>‘Drawing - A Creative Process’ by Francis D.K. Ching</p>
<p>Take an Art Drawing course somewhere over the summer that teaches drawing people, self portraits and stills with concentration on shadowing to hone in on your 2D and 3D abilities.</p>
<p>For modeling skills, you might also benefit to take a short clay modeling workshop somewhere to create freeform objects with your hands in order to FEEL your 3D perception.</p>
<p>Forget about Architecture for now because that you will be taught by your professors for the next 4-5 years.</p>
<p>My daughter is willing to send you the books above if you would like since she doesn’t need them anymore. Just request them in Private Message, otherwise, congratulations on your acceptance!</p>
<p>Thank you so much for the help everyone! I guess I have some reading to do!</p>
<p>I like the approach of getting better at drawing now and worrying about the architecture aspect when school starts.</p>
<p>toptobottom, I really appreciate the offer and the congratulations. I may send you a PM soon!</p>