Anoop Sharma
Introduction: The term Architecture is becoming far more familiar currently principally amongst the youths; thanks mainly to the common Entrance platform (AIEEE). Despite of that, the young contingent isn’t yet acquainted to this very profession with Jammu as no exception, Indeed; Architecture is considered as a backup option in case their engineering seat may not materialize. Such a thinking & approach is totally unacceptable for such a high prolific field; better known as mother of all arts. The scope of this field is ever-increasing unlike most of other professions. Here is an attempt to make the city youth familiar in totality with the prospects/challenges of it,which may help them to understand it first & ultimately pick it up with conviction as a first- hand career option which the majority of the J&K state so badly needs.
Prospects/Challenges: Candidate becomes eligible for personal practice straight after B.Arch (comprehensive 5 year course) unlike any other graduate counterpart as soon as he/she gets the Licence from the Council of Architecture (COA). In Architecture, most preferred destination is the private practice. Normally, after practicing under some body for 2-3 years, one wish to establish own private practice preferably in the home town. Obviously, it comes along with many challenges. Most of these problems concern the varied Clientage that changes from place to place e.g. association between Client & Architect. Whereas core Urban areas have improved in this mater due to considerable exposure & knowledgeable masses but problems in the sub-urban areas are not ceasing out e.g. In the absence of procedural agreement (normal practice in sub urban areas) Architects sometimes exiled from the complete job done which results in improper building output, monetary loss & defamation amongst the locals. The flair, passion & the attachment with which the Architect works for each of his building is tough to understand for a Lay-man e.g. being the basic need various innovations have been done in the Residential context over the years with or without any help. Henceforth, with their experience majority of the sub urban people believed themselves to be capable of designing their own residence at least. The true essence of contextual forces, aesthetics, seasonal vulnerability, indoor comfort, directional importance, life cycle/operational cost savings & materials judiciousness is a tough chapter to understand particularly amongst the senior lot. So don’t be surprised, if as an Architect you are not consulted in finishes part once the slab (roof) is done which is very important from the aesthetics point of view; be ready to bear the blame for some faulty thing at the client’s part which you have not done but don’t expect any fame for what you have done & howsoever beautiful it would be. It is advisable to refrain but yet it is normal to oblige many a one through free consultancy without achieving even any consideration from such ones. Instead, familiarize yourself with the cheap reaction, conception & questions one may ask about the profession & the famous map (Naksha). It’s the ordinary practice that even the greats have experienced; Indeed, feel proud to be on the Great’s track. It’s very important for the Architect to inculcate the feeling in the common masses through exemplary works- firstly the role of the Architect till the extent of building occupation & whatever he/she is charging is ultimately the part of the savings he is providing in the output. As, mere lines of the Architect sometimes may not convince the client for the said fee in comparison to the mason who is sweating the whole day in scorching heat of the sun despite of the fact that he is fixing each & every brick as per Architect’s drawing/s & instructions. These are the challenges that have forced many to shed off the face from practice in order to follow IT or management related job which may require additional qualification too. Additionally, your B. tech counter-mate might get placed well in their academia through campus placements; hardly applicable to prolific Architect’s community & of course these mates graduated one year before than you. Yet, without be anguished kindly remember that it may prove to be an exercise of patience to start with but for a seasoned Architect sky is the limit in private practice in name, fame & financial aspects in today’s ultra-modern world. History of the profession tells us that only the building outputs has brought the fame for the great immortal pioneer Architects extending till date many of whom additionally ends up in great academicians too & such buildings have been possible mostly after the age of 40 i.e. after private experience of around 15-20 years.
Likewise, Various Govt. Departments, establishments & organizations like PWD, MES, AAI, L&T, BANKS, DLF demand Architects for various prestigious posts. All the state Governments has well established Architectural wing which works under Chief Architect of the state. Same is the case with M.E.S. & certain other organizations as well.
Most importantly, those having the rare teaching inclination may opt for teaching after B. Arch (First class). Simultaneously, Architect colleagues may practice under institutional consultancy which has added career benefits while in teaching in addition to be the most effective other than the financial benefits to himself & Institution. Indeed, any type of teaching, research, assignment & job is inadequate without practice in one form or the other. This is also the reason for the wider scope of visiting faculty (practicing Architects) in Architectural teaching as need for the practical exposure is absolutely mandate.
Conclusion: Architecture is increasingly attempted to be merged with engineering branches. Indeed, it’s a unique 5- year comprehensive professional course with its very different teaching -learning environment. Though, SMVDU is the only available destination in the state currently; Still, It’s always a high-time to pursue a career in Architecture as built form is always bound to take place as long as life is there on the planet. Pertinently, majority of the state is in urgency of immediate & concerned Architectural input in new development due to happen in lines with the changing scenario of transportation routes. Architecture with its job creating characteristics unlike job seeking ones is the need of the hour as the Architect is the boss of the operational team for any construction related project. So, pursue a career in Architecture, be a part of this unique Architect’s fraternity, gets involved with the mood & chant of the spaces, shaping up of spaces into the places & glorify your motherland J&K as it badly needs your strategic efforts as an Architect & planner in coming years. Undeniably, being the aura of an Architect of the Built form, interior spaces & places is something very-very special & sensitive like its building solutions ought to be.
(The author is Faculty in Architecture Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Katra (Jammu & Kashmir)
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