ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY
“ The need to address man’s impact on the environment has never been more urgent. Virtually every new building can be designed to run on a fraction of current energy levels ” (Sir Norman Foster: Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate 1999)
At its simplest Architecture is the design of buildings, groups of buildings and often spaces around and between buildings. But the scope of Architecture goes far beyond just the drawing of plans. It is the art, science and business concerned with the creation and conservation of the built environment.
THE FOCUS: TECHNOLOGY AND THE DESIGN OF BUILDINGS
Some of the outstanding characteristics of our time are the rapid increase in technological innovation, information and communication technology, environmental ethics and the emphasis on sustainable development. Furthermore, research found that Architects rate the following (in descending order of importance) as the 6 most critical areas affecting successful Architectural practice: Ethics, technology intelligence, communication skills, people skills and design skills.
CAREERS
Architects deal primarily with space. They create spaces and arrange them in a logical and functional order, mostly within buildings.
Architectural Technologists are concerned with the development of buildings. This may cover building design, the design of parts of buildings, the presentation of the design and the assembly of its various elements. The field of expertise of Architectural Technologists is mainly construction methods, materials, and the preparation of drawings and graphic presentations. This expertise is employed as part of the design process to convey ideas and make decisions on the material and elements selected and how they are assembled and importantly, to translate designs into the technical drawings and specifications required for the construction thereof. Other duties include surveying office management, contract administration, negotiation with local authorities and application of building regulations. Employment opportunities exist with architectural practices, government institutions, and property developers or as self-employed consultants.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
The admission requirements for this course are either a Senior Certificate or an N3 Certificate with two official languages, further applicants must meet the Applicant Score AS requirements as outlined under Application Requirements. In addition to the above applicants will be required to attend an extended selection procedure.
COURSE STRUCTURE
Individuals wishing to register as Professional Architectural Draughtspersons must complete the first year, those wishing to register as Professional Architectural Technologists the 3 year National Diploma and those wishing to register as Professional Senior Architectural Technologists the Advanced Diploma Architectural Technology degree. Individuals wishing to become Professional Architects must complete the Advanced Diploma:Architectural Technology (Applied Design) option (Acceptance into the M Arch (Prof) course will depend on the mark obtained for Applied Design 4). A two-year M Tech degree is currently under curriculation.
Studying Architectural Technology at the Department of Architecture & Interior Design at the Mandela University holds the following advantages:
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A unique, improved and updated course with an extended focus on computers (2D CAD, 3D CAD and Multimedia)
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Active student society and social infrastructure to ensure a balance lifestyle
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Qualifying from a department that is recognized for its high standards and for leading the field in architectural multimedia education
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An environment which is renowned for its natural and cultural attributes.