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Architects and Math/Science?

post #1 of 97
10/28/09 at 10:43pm
Thread Starter 
So I was talking to a friend tonight about architecture, and how getting a professional architecture degree involves a fair amount of higher level/math science.

At least that's what I thought. He claims that you just need a few very basic math/calc/physics courses that most students with bachelors have, and you won't use more than that.

True? False? I thought professional degrees in Architecture involved math and science levels similar to engineering? Or of course I might be wrong.
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post #2 of 97
10/28/09 at 10:50pm
I think most require Calculus I and a Fundamentals of Physics type course, but nothing beyond that. While they may have some other technology laden courses, there is also a lot of "History of Architecture" type classes. I wouldn't put it on the same plane as engineering. Architecture is more art than science.
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post #3 of 97
10/28/09 at 10:52pm
Architects use engineers when they need major weight bearing issues dealt with. I don't remember the details, but I do remember having this same conversation with an architect friend of mine, and I think he said Calc 1, 2 and 3, and some very basic physics, but he is kind of a nerd, and probably did a lot more math than he needed to. Don't you need to study much higher level math for engineering than that?
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post #4 of 97
10/28/09 at 10:55pm
He must have been a nerd because I really doubt an architect would need to do up to cal 3. Most would fail the program. ;p
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post #5 of 97
10/29/09 at 12:11am
I have a B.Arch, a 5 year 175 credit degree and I did not have to take any math courses. The extent of science is related to engineering - basic structural engineering, basic mechanical engineering. Architectural education is all about holistic knowledge of forms and function, and do not parallel engineering curriculum.
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post #6 of 97
10/29/09 at 12:11am
Thread Starter 
Hmmm, interesting, didn't know all that.
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post #7 of 97
10/29/09 at 12:41am
At my school architects are so scared of math they built their building clear across campus from math, science, and engineering hehe.
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post #8 of 97
10/29/09 at 1:03am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Helix View Post
At my school architects are so scared of math they built their building clear across campus from math, science, and engineering hehe.

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post #9 of 97
10/29/09 at 12:32pm
The math is really more applied math and understanding basic loading conditions. Most of it is rule of thumb type knowledge. On an actual project, you will have a structural engineer to consult with, but you don't want to look like an ass if you don't have an understanding of structural conditions. That being said, the only time I have ever had to size a beam or do a moment diagram was in school. In the early stages of a project, before a structural engineer is involved the architect will usually decide the basic type of structure, materials used, etc. as this affects design. Over the years beam sizing and bay spacing become second nature, but no calculations are really involved.
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post #10 of 97
10/29/09 at 12:36pm
My wife went to architecture grad school with an undergrad degree in history. She first had to take a couple of extra prereqs at a local college (she hadn't envisioned wanting an M.Arch while an undergrad and had taken zero math and science classes), and I seem to recall that the only needed classes were physics and one math course (can't remember if it was calculus or something else).
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post #11 of 97
10/29/09 at 1:06pm
I have an uncle that was an architect, and the impression I get is that the more practical design that is done, the more math he would do, but nothing complex. The more design forward he got, the more he relied on the engineers to do the math and figure out how to make it work. It seems that architects and engineers are often butting heads much like car designers and engineers do -- the architect or car designers tend to have a design idea or "vision" and they let the engineers figure out how to get it done.
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post #12 of 97
10/29/09 at 5:43pm
How practical is it become an architect?
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post #13 of 97
10/29/09 at 7:11pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TyCooN View Post
How practical is it become an architect?

It isn't unless you're truly talented or passionate about it. A lot of hard work, and a very small chance that you'll ever make it beyond designing the newest burger kind layout according to company specs. At least from what I understand.
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post #14 of 97
10/29/09 at 7:23pm
Most engineers, my wife included, usually refer to architects as "washed out, would be engineers." As has been pointed out, after the pretty pictures are drawn, it takes a stamp by an engineer to get things built.
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post #15 of 97
10/29/09 at 7:24pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Piobaire View Post
Most engineers, my wife included, usually refer to architects as "washed out, would be engineers." As has been pointed out, after the pretty pictures are drawn, it takes a stamp by an engineer to get things built.

Jeez, you're married to an engineer???

Everything suddenly makes sense.
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