About Architecture
In contrast to construction-related abilities, architecture is the art and method of building and designing. Buildings and other structures are created through the processes of drawing, conceiving, planning, designing, and building. Buildings themselves are examples of architectural works, which are frequently regarded as both cultural icons and artistic creations. Historical civilizations are frequently identified by their remaining architectural achievements. Therefore, students majoring in architecture learn how to plan and create buildings. They gain knowledge of the discipline's history and theory while also developing their own architectural sketches in the studio. Moreover, they study courses in math (including geometry, algebra, trigonometry, and calculus), science (most likely physics and engineering), statistics, computer science (especially 3D modeling and linear programming), and art during their time as an architectural student (such as drawing and art history).
Study Architecture in Italy
Italy is home to a glorious history of countless civilizations and important people who left a mark on the country. Therefore, it is a country of knowledge where people have a lot to learn from. It includes the oldest universities, which are remarkable with their heritage and rankings. These Italian universities are working harder to internationalize and provide degree programs exclusively for students from other countries. There are currently more than 500 study programs offered in the nation that are taught in English. In addition, Italy is Europe's most affordable study destination. Larger universities typically assist in obtaining housing; with any luck, you might be able to get a room in an inexpensive student residence. Moreover, Italians are known as welcoming people, so you won't feel like a stranger. As for your major, there are several architecture programs in Italy. In terms of overall world rankings and top 50 rankings specifically for architecture, Italian universities that offer architecture education are both among the top 500 universities worldwide. In this regard, there is no issue with equivalency for students who study architecture in Italy.
Advantages of Studying Architecture in Italy
In Italy, studying architecture means being enchanted by a different structure every day. You will discover that studying architecture in Italy is a turning moment in your architectural career as you dig further into the art and science of architecture. You'll begin to view the historic structures you encounter in every Italian city—each one a unique lesson—from a different angle. Moreover, there are further advantages of studying architecture in Italy listed below;
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You will graduate from Italian architecture university with a "blue diploma" that is accepted throughout all of Europe. This increases your work options and gives you a diploma that is acknowledged throughout Europe and the rest of the world.
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In Italy, the architectural undergraduate program lasts three years. This entails starting your life a year sooner.
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Italy's public universities have relatively low tuition costs when compared to other European nations. It is evident that studying in Italy is quite advantageous when taking into account the standard and expense of the education offered.
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You have the opportunity to acquire Italian while studying abroad in Italy, as well as a sufficient level of English.
Career Paths for Architecture Degree Majors
There are many additional choices for you to think about, even though the majority of architecture graduates will want to become chartered architects to work professionally.
Architect: As an architect, you'll collaborate closely with customers to create brand-new structures or extensive additions or adjustments to pre-existing ones, making sure they're secure, economical, and practical. Contrary to popular belief, there are many different types of careers in architecture.
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Designing new structures or remodeling older ones is known as building architecture.
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Planning, designing, and managing open spaces in both urban and natural settings is known as landscape architecture.
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Naval architecture is the design of ships and other marine craft.
Typical duties of architects include controlling projects' environmental impacts, coordinating the construction process, resolving any planning concerns, collaborating with other design experts, and adhering to financial budgets.
Architectural technologist: It is also known as an architectural technician. In this profession, you will utilize your science and engineering expertise to build and renovate durable, resilient, and sustainable structures. You'll produce and present design concepts and give clients technical advice using computer-aided design (CAD) and conventional drawing techniques.
Interior and spatial designer: Using their architectural, creative design, and project management talents, interior and spatial designers create or renovate internal spaces, fixtures, and fittings to make sure that they are both aesthetically pleasing and functional (although some designers will focus exclusively on the appearance rather than the structure of interior spaces).
Building surveyor: If you like problem-solving and have a keen interest in the design and construction of structures, a job as a building surveyor might be right for you. This position is concerned with conserving, modifying, fixing, remodeling, and restoring existing buildings.
Town planner: You will seek to balance the clashing demands of the local environment, population, and economy while working on behalf of everyone in the region and with other experts like architects to come up with creative, sustainable development ideas.
Historic buildings inspector: Historic building inspectors aim to advance the preservation of the historic environment and support the preservation and improvement of historical, architectural, and culturally significant structures. You will visit historical places to survey them, offer advice on the best preservation techniques, and participate in regeneration projects that will help the local area, the economy, or the environment.
Thus, there are various options for you as an architecture graduate; what to choose totally depends on you.
What Skills Do I Need to Become an Architect?
Being an architect is a great career option since it's stimulating, well-paying, and allows you to have a big impact on how societies are built. However, in order to be a successful architect, one should consider whether they have the skills the job requires. Likewise, there are 15 skills that an architect should have:
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Numerical Skills: You must have a firm understanding of numerical concepts, especially in the areas of geometry and advanced algebra, because the entire concept of architecture is based on the laws and limitations of mathematics.
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Creative Skills: The fundamental purpose of an architect is to be creative and to produce new ideas.
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Design Skills: Creating something that looks pleasing is essential; however, it must also be practical, viable, and tailored to your clients' needs and demands.
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Legal Knowledge: The multitude of building codes, regulations, and policies that must be followed will be the most significant constraint on your designs. Having a basic understanding of what you can and cannot do will be very beneficial for everyone.
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Communication Skills: An underrated but crucial component of the work is knowing how to communicate successfully with each individual and making sure that everyone's requirements are addressed. It frequently determines whether a project is delivered successfully.
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Teamwork Skills: An architect's toolkit must include the capacity for collaborative work.
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Commercial Awareness: You can connect with the right clients and land the right projects by being aware of the industry you work in.
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Artistic Skills: You must be knowledgeable with the procedures and techniques employed, including how to scale precisely, whether this is done using 'old-school' drafting techniques or Computer Aided Design (CAD) software.
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Problem Solving Skills: To handle a design-related issue fast and effectively, you must be adaptable and flexible.
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Visualizing Skills: Once a client gives brief demands, the architect must imagine what is asked for.
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Engineering Skills: A basic understanding of physics and engineering principles is consequently necessary because an architect cannot submit a design to a structural engineer if it cannot be implemented.
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Leadership Skills: There will be situations when you dictate and assign specific tasks to different contractors, along with young architects and technicians, so leadership skill is a must.
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Attention to Detail: A single misplaced window or a hurriedly designed plumbing system can result in issues and delays. Therefore, paying attention to details is important.
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Computer Literacy: The majority of architects have switched to digital technology; it is a good idea to be familiar with computer literacy.
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Building and Construction Knowledge: An in-depth knowledge of the construction's tools, materials, and processes is required of architects.
Is Architecture Right for Me?
Those who are thinking about majoring in architecture should be creative as well as have a keen eye for detail. For the purpose of creating accurate, secure, and useful designs, architecture students should possess a solid understanding of concepts from the sciences of geometry and physics. A career in architecture requires collaboration with clients, engineers, and other architects; thus, students thinking about this degree should also love working with others. They should be able to handle criticism properly and continue with their projects after receiving certain feedback. Architecture majors should be ready to put in the work, both in school and in their careers, as architects frequently put in long hours, especially to meet deadlines. If these conditions appeal to you, architecture is right for you. However, if you are still confused, you should consider filling out forms and being guided by our education advisors. They will help you to clear your mind for your future career.
How Long Does it Take to Become an Architect?
A Bachelor's degree in Architecture is three years, and a Master's is approximately two years in Italy.
The Best Universities to Study Architecture
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Politecnico di Milano: The top university in Italy is Politecnico di Milano, which has over 45,000 students. The QS World University Rankings by Subject placed this university at number one in Italy and number ten globally in 2021 for its architecture programs. Modern facilities, such as architectural modeling, digital technology, and design labs, are available on the campuses. 16% of students are international students. For the bachelor's degree, the program language is mostly Italian, whereas the master's degree language is English.
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Politecnico di Torino: The oldest technical university in Italy is Politecnico di Torino, which was established in 1859. It is recognized as the world's #34 top university for architecture studies and the second-best in Italy. The university offers a number of scholarships designed to draw in students from abroad. 16% of students are international students, and the instruction language is English.
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Sapienza University of Rome: The largest university in Europe, Sapienza, enrolls more than 115 000 people, including 5 500 foreign students. The university's architectural programs are ranked #3 in Italy and #51 globally. The instruction language is English.
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Università Iuav di Venezia: One of the first architectural schools in Italy, the Iuav University of Venice, was founded in 1926. Alejandro Aravena, the winner of the Pritzker Prize, and renowned architects Benedetta Tagliabue and Stefano Boeri are just a few of the well-known alumni. These esteemed architectural schools’ laboratories serve academic and professional endeavors in a variety of fields. Its instruction language is English.
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Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna: The University of Bologna is the oldest university in Western civilization. Currently, the university is home to 600 staff members and approximately 85,000 students, with %6 comprised of international students. The instruction language is English.
Architecture Admission Requirements
In order to be considered for admission to an Italian architecture program taught in English, you must generally meet the following requirements:
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TIL-A Exam point
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A score on an English language proficiency test, such as the IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic,
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A high school or undergraduate diploma,
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Portfolio with previous designs for Master’s degree.