Architecture Student Tool Kit: For the next fall semester, I’ve begun to have talks and inquiries about the student “tool kit,” if you will. What are the most significant changes between architecture school requirements a decade ago and today, and between architecture school prerequisites in general and other disciplines? How much do you believe they have changed? What is your reasoning?
It’s difficult to think that just four weeks left before the start of a new school year, but even if the manner of education changes this fall, there are a few items that every architecture student will need. So, in my view, each entering architecture student should be aware of the following items. Surprisingly, it is my obligation to create such a list for the new students who will be attending our school this autumn.
The following is my list, which varies from the one I’m preparing from the architecture department. There are no digital gadgets mentioned since this is largely a list of analogue “tools.” Because this may result in the formation of a new role, hardware and software are required. So let’s get straight to it. What I Think Is Required for the First Year of Architecture School The bulk of them will be beneficial throughout your academic career. up to and beyond infinity
- Construction Plans
- Sketchbooks
Of course, you’ll have to keep purchasing them as you go through school and, hopefully, throughout your life. A dot-grid notebook is my go-to because it gives just enough structure without interfering with my ability to work at my own pace. That is, the dot-grid helps me to give my drawings a feeling of proportion regardless of what I’m sketching. Dot-grids may vary in size from 1″ to 4′-0″ in one design. However, if I so choose, I can fully shut everything out and sketch freely. I suggest the Moleskine Cahier if you’re seeking for a low-cost, high-quality dot-grid paperback. It’s difficult to top. Furthermore, they open flat, which is useful for drawings. You may, of course, use them to jot down notes or ideas on paper. Individual demands may be met with a variety of sizes.
- Drawing Pen Sets for Architects
- Sketching Kit with Pencil and Ink
Make your drawings using these. They can also do small sketching duties as an additional benefit, but their major job is to give you with a range of line weights for use in your designs. These pen sets are usually referred to as “artist pen sets.” Among the many outstanding possibilities are sets from Staedtler, Artline, and Sakura, to name a few. Some individuals realise that they need to move to various pens as they acquire their own particular sketching and drawing talents; nonetheless, I believe they are great for pure sketching. (Sharpies are Bob’s favourite.)
- Building Marker Sets in Several Colors
- Colored Markers – Basic Alcohol Ink Color Set (Artist Markers)
These are solely meant to add colour to your drawings. These are useful as you improve your sketching skills and learn to emphasise certain aspects or add flare to your work. I prefer the ones with two ends, particularly those with a brush on one. It simplifies the colouring procedure in my opinion. Others, on the other hand, favour the large chisel end. Tombow is my go-to pen brand. There are several alternatives available, ranging from the low-cost Caliart to the high-end Copic.
- Architectural Drawing Pencil Sets
- Sketching Tool Kit
These are basic multi-hardness pencil sets that are ideal for any artist. Even though I’m not a major pencil artist, I believe it’s vital to have supplies on hand so you can practise and see how you do. You could wind up preferring this material for your sketching requirements. Because of their unique design, Moleskine pencils are my favourite. Square pencils are my favourite. Standard versions are also available from Tombow, Staedtler, and other manufacturers.
- Watercolor Pencil Sets and Other Color Pencil Sets
- Watercolor or Prismacolor Color Pencil Set
Color pencils may be used with either pen or pencil drawings. You may use them to add colour to your drawings in the same way that you would with the markers shown above. It’s also about finding a voice that you like utilising and are pleased to show off in your work. Put the previous paragraphs’ components together in a manner that benefits you. In this situation, a watercolour pencil is my preferred tool for achieving a wash effect. Most watercolour pencils may also be used as regular coloured pencils if you don’t want to wet your paintings. Prismacolor coloured pencils were used. Watercolor pencils are made by a variety of companies (Castle, Faber-Castell, Derwent, etc.).
- Triangle Sets in Drawings
- Modifiable triangular shapes, small set
You may include them into your drawings. I feel it takes some effort to incorporate them into your sketching practise, but once you do, they’re quite handy. I prefer the little versions since I normally carry my sketching about in small sketchbooks. While I am aware that most educational institutions need a higher number of triangles, I feel that the smaller set is suitable for my requirements, whether I am starting from scratch or putting up a drawing. Because I normally draw with ink, inking the edges is the most pleasing way for me. If you prefer to work in pencil, you may skip the inking stage. Nonetheless, I am still able to use a pencil with an inking edge. These are available in a variety of sizes ranging from 4′′ to 18′′ in side length and in both plastic and metal construction.
- Extra-Large Cutting Mat
- A Large Mat for Cutting
This is an absolute must. A large, high-quality one should be an early investment. If you take care of it, it should last you through college and beyond. Nonetheless, I have this item in my office to this day. They’re useful for a variety of reasons. Period. There are many manufacturers, but Alvin is the most common.
- Set of X-Acto Knives
- Set, knife, or X-Acto
Another critical gadget is shown. Many of the X-Acto knives I bought for school more than a decade ago are still in use today. While many institutions require the use of a #1 X-Acto, I prefer the #2 since it fits better in my large palms. They may employ many of the same blades, but I like the handle on this one because to the larger barrel. A selection of X-Acto tools may also be purchased. It’s also a terrific pick, and you’ll most likely use it during your stay at school. No other choice is available.
- Cork-Backed Ruler, 36 Inches
- An large metal ruler or straight edge
Combine this with your cutting mat and X-Acto knives for the entire set. A 36-inch rule is appropriate for the big chunks of “stuff” you’ll be cutting in school. If you intend on using it as a cutting edge, it is advise that you purchase in one with a cork backing. I find this device to be so convenient that I own both the 36-inch and the 18-inch models. But if you have to select just one, make it a 36″ as that’s the cure of TVs. There are numerous various brands available, and I’m not sure which one is best. A piece of metal with cork glued to the back side. True, but you’ll still need one.
- Student Scales for Architecture
- Proportion in Architecture
Get yourself a copy. Mastering its use is a prerequisite. Get it. Innumerable studio duties will become simpler with this knowledge under your belt. The scale of an operation matters. Different kinds of scales come in a variety of variations. Fortunately, plastic can be purchase at minimal expense. Though handy, their markings and colours have been know to disappear with repeated applications. They are easy to use, carry, and lose due of their tiny size and low weight. Scales constructed of aluminium or metal are more long-lasting.
They typically weigh a lot and are troublesome to transport. While not strictly a deal breaker, it can become one if you tote it around in your handbag all day. Typically, they are engrave with markings to strengthen their longevity. I’ve also realised that they serve double duty as paperweights as trance holders. They cost a lot more than a plastic equivalent. However, each variety achieves its assigned role. Once again, it doesn’t matter whichever choice you go with, you should make an attempt to discover as much as possible about this object by diligent investigation. There are many various brands available, both metal and plastic.
Technically Speaking: Larger than Life
Meh. Perhaps not; I am, of course, joking. This is another important device for more big tasks like site layouts and urban planning. Given how little you anticipate using it, I believe you’d be better off with a plastic version. If you’re a perfectionist who thinks that everything must be a specific way, including the scale of your structure, then go ahead and make that choice.
- Construction Booksets for College Students
- Books
I recognise that students may not purchase books anymore, but there are some books that I feel are vital. I still find it more handy to have a physical copy of a reference book in my hands, even though it may be accessible online. So be it; that’s how I want 95% of my novels to be read. These are books for novices, however they’ll have enduring significance. If you’re at a higher academic level, I can suggest a number of other good titles. Maybe I’ll get to it in another post.
Francis D.K. Ching’s fourth edition of Architecture: Form, Space, and Order (2014, Wiley ISBN-10: 1118745083) (2014, Wiley ISBN-10: 1118745083)
I consider this to be an essential stepping stone for any student. It’s basic to read, and it sets out a lot of the core notions of architecture.
Rendow Yee’s 4th edition of Architectural Drawing: A Visual Compendium of Types and Methods (2012, Wiley ISBN-10:9781118012871) (2012, Wiley ISBN-10:9781118012871)
- For architects, this is all about drawing and presenting ideas graphically.
- This is the first edition of Karen Lewis’s Graphic Design for Architects (2015) (2015)
Some of the chapters in this book are excellent for stimulating students’ imaginations and provoking new ways of thinking about visual layouts. In my experience, many students request advice when it comes to planning the presentation of their final projects.
Published by Rizzoli (US) under the author’s name in 2017 as 100 Buildings by Thom Mayne (UK) (ISBN: 0847859509) (ISBN: 0847859509)
A venue where architects may come together and initiate activities that are commonly recognise to be of relevance in the discipline. This is a great, straightforward, and practical reference resource.
All of these goods, and many more, may be find on my public Architecture Students List on Amazon. During my time in school, I had access to a variety of supplementary resources that are no longer in use. A few examples include a parallel bar, a lettering guide, a lead pointer, and others. If you feel I’ve missed something, please let me know.
