Architecture as Career

Archana Razdan Chib
A poet translates his fantasy into couplets and verses,so does a writer,actually aspiring to see his thoughts take shape,which, sometimes, is materialized by some thoughtful filmmakers.Every profession is conceptualized and visualised as a source of earning livelihood but the one that leaves an indelible mark on the society,is revered.Nature is ultimate but man has created his own infrastructure over millions of years,though inspired from God’s creations,which has dotted the earthscape, the dominant and very basic amongst which, is a shelter. It traces its origin to the mythological times and Lord Vishwakarma is credited to have designed many buildings and is recognized as the architect of our preceding Yugs.This legacy has been carried forward by the architect fraternity,the world over,resulting into the mushrooming of numerous marvels and masterpieces, scattered over the globe.
“Architecture”, as a profession,involves tremendous effort, the pain of which is nullified,once one’s dream project,creates an impact,by its impressive existence,on ground.It’s like nurturing a tender seed till it blooms into a flowering tree, or more appropriately,a toddler,till he is settled in life. This journey of churning out a full-fledged professional,out of a class 12th amateur,is tasking and involves the hardwork of parents,,well qualified and experienced teachers and, of course,dedicated students,who are to be groomed meticulously,to become proficient professionals.
In order to regulate architectural education and practice,Govt.of India constituted Council of Architecture,under the provisions of Architects Act,1972.It is mandatory for all the institutions,imparting architectural education,across India,to follow the guidelines, laid down by CoA, which carries out regular inspections to enforce and ascertain it.NATA-National Aptitude Test in Architecture, is a step forward, taken by CoA,in the year 2006,to provide a single window system,a single scheme of examination, throughout the country,to assess the skills and sensitivity of the students, keen to become architects, though the actual admissions are carried out by the concerned competent authorities of the states or institutes,based on a valid NATA score. A detailed brochure of NATA-2020 is available on the CoA website and the students can apply online at the NATA portal www.nata.in.For any assistance, they can mail their queries at: helpdesk.nata2020@gmail.com.
A quick glance at the
key highlights :
* Registration has started from 1st Feb.and the last date is 16th march for the first test and 4th May for the second one.
* Around 200 centres across various cities in the country.
* Eligibility: 10+2, PCM with 50% marks or 10+3 diploma with 50% marks,with 5% relaxation to different categories.
* NATA -2020: Twice a year,19th April and 31st May, 2020. Students can apply for either or both.Both scores are valid,and the best out of two shall be considered,in case a students appears for both.
* Part-A: Drawing (Paper based),125 marks,2hrs and 15 mins.duration,to assess creativity,observation skills,sense of colour,perspective etc.Qualifying marks:32
* Part-B: Online (MCQ’s)75 marks,45 mins.duration, to review subject (PCM) knowledge, general aptitude and reasoning.
Qualifying marks:18
* No negative marking.
* No lateral entry at any stage.
* No review for Part -A,no rechecking.
* Answer key shall be available after the exam.
* Result shall be uploaded on www.nata.in
NATA score shall be valid for the session 20-21 only.
Architecture schools in J&K
J&K has produced many architecture students at the diploma level but a milestone was achieved by SMVDU, Kakryal, Katra, in the year 2006 ,thus becoming the first in starting a degree program in architecture. Though it has acquired a good level of of reputation over the years,yet the Department of Higher Education,Govt. of J&K, initiated the process of setting up two new schools, one each in Jammu and Kashmir respectively. The School of Architecture, Jammu,started functioning from the premises of Govt.MAM College, Jammu,in the year 2017.
It has recently been shifted to the GCET, Chak Bhalwal ,campus,where the land has already been earmarked and the construction process of a separate block is underway. Approved by the CoA and affiliated with the University of Jammu,SoA is geared up for the admissions,in its fourth consecutive year. Those students who want to pursue architecture,are sincerely passionate,”Apply for NATA-2020, join the bandwagon and push off lest you miss the opportunity to convert your dreams into reality”.
With so many projects and schemes like smart cities,housing for all ,energy efficient buildings and sustainable architecture in the pipeline, there is a dire need of well equipped professionals,who will execute them.
(The author is Asstt. Professor, School of Architecture, GCET, Jammu)

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