Architect Career Project
JOB DESCRIPTION
Architects use their knowledge of physics to make sure the building is a safe place, and people are comfortable to be inside the building. They don’t necessarily need to actually do the physics calculations, but they do need to understand the concepts in order to meet certain requirements. There are normally engineers and specialists who work with the numbers. For example, physics comes in when architects are trying to design an energy efficient building. Architects use their knowledge of thermodynamics (the study of how energy moves through space) to control the building’s internal environment in a way the building would consume less energy. Another example of applying their understanding of physics is when they are designing a hall or auditorium of some sort and they have to consider acoustics. They must understand how waves of sound travel in order to achieve great acoustics. Finally, architects use various areas of physics to follow safety codes; they could get sued if the building is not safe or breaks a law.
It all starts with a client’s commission or contract. The commission may include the design of a building, or a group of several buildings. Architects make presentations to clients about their ideas. These ideas turn into many drawings and sketches—by hand or even on the computer. Sometimes, these designs include the materials to be used, as well as required mechanical, electrical and structural specifications. After the design is approved, architects usually help coordinate the people involved in the construction of the building. Architects work closely with their clients every step of the way so they can make sure that the building meets their needs, budget and it is finished as scheduled. Because there are no guarantees that everything will go smoothly, sometimes, architects may need to provide creative solutions for problems that occur.
Some day-to-day tasks in an architect’s life include:
Visiting
Architects use their knowledge of physics to make sure the building is a safe place, and people are comfortable to be inside the building. They don’t necessarily need to actually do the physics calculations, but they do need to understand the concepts in order to meet certain requirements. There are normally engineers and specialists who work with the numbers. For example, physics comes in when architects are trying to design an energy efficient building. Architects use their knowledge of thermodynamics (the study of how energy moves through space) to control the building’s internal environment in a way the building would consume less energy. Another example of applying their understanding of physics is when they are designing a hall or auditorium of some sort and they have to consider acoustics. They must understand how waves of sound travel in order to achieve great acoustics. Finally, architects use various areas of physics to follow safety codes; they could get sued if the building is not safe or breaks a law.
It all starts with a client’s commission or contract. The commission may include the design of a building, or a group of several buildings. Architects make presentations to clients about their ideas. These ideas turn into many drawings and sketches—by hand or even on the computer. Sometimes, these designs include the materials to be used, as well as required mechanical, electrical and structural specifications. After the design is approved, architects usually help coordinate the people involved in the construction of the building. Architects work closely with their clients every step of the way so they can make sure that the building meets their needs, budget and it is finished as scheduled. Because there are no guarantees that everything will go smoothly, sometimes, architects may need to provide creative solutions for problems that occur.
Some day-to-day tasks in an architect’s life include:
Visiting