I received another scholarship today – the James H. and M. Suanne Stange Scholarship. It is a scholarship specific for fourth-year architecture students focusing on a multidisciplinary education. I worked really hard to write an essay about how I plan to implement a multidisciplinary education while studying at Iowa State University, and got it turned in exactly on the last submittal date. Then the general architecture counselor sent out an email saying not enough students applied for it – so she was pushing back the submittal date for another month. I wanted to bang my head against the wall. Not only had I rushed to get it finished, ensuring errors in my essay, but this also meant more students were going to apply. Anyway, I guess that didn’t matter. I am very honored to receive this scholarship, because I believe a multidisciplinary education is very important. You can’t be a good architect without some background in engineering, business, accounting, general design, etc. Those electives in college aren’t just for “fun & easy” classes. They should be taken seriously as a chance to broaden your horizons. Here is my essay:
James H. and M. Suanne Stange Scholarship
It is no joke that the relationship between architects and engineers is under constant strain. I worked with engineers this past summer, and quite a few times, I found myself defending the architectural profession. Even in our pre-professional careers at Iowa State University , it is not uncommon to hear jokes about the “always practical” engineer or the “pretty” designs of an architect. This is not to say that architects are incapable of making the same types of remarks, but that this attitude is inappropriate and unprofessional.
I am a firm believer in a multi-disciplinary education. This means that although I am an Architecture major, and tend to take an interest in building aesthetic, I am not going to ignore the structure and functionality of a building. When the architect has the capability of understanding these systems, it is extremely important that they pursue this knowledge. This small step increases the quality of the building, and of the relationship between the Architect and Engineer.
Thankfully, Iowa State University’s required courses for architecture students include preliminary structural courses in Wood, Steel and Concrete Design. I plan on taking this introduction one step further, through attending Civil and Construction Engineering courses that I consider beneficial for a student of architecture to take.
I believe attending courses concerning Construction Materials and Methods, Contract Documents, or Transportation Planning (to name a few) is essential to my Iowa State University education. It is necessary that architectural students take not only design courses, but engineering courses as well. An architect with a good understanding of structural systems is an indispensable asset to any firm. It could mean spending less time with another consultant and saving the client more money. It could also provide the opportunity to design and test new structural methods that have never been attempted before.
The structural, environmental, and mechanical systems that support a building are often as interesting as the design of the building itself. It is obvious when the architect who designed a building understood these systems. The space is more efficient, and the building operates more smoothly. I don’t want my lack of education to prevent me from designing such an integral building. I want the ability to design cohesive, complete buildings, and I know I will achieve it through pursuing a multi-disciplinary education.
The practice of Architecture is much more in depth with this knowledge, and I know that my understanding of the built environment will be enhanced when I have completed these courses.
I do believe in this – I am even taking a Construction Engineering class this Fall! My boss this summer, Steve, has shown me how important it is to have a background of structural and construction knowledge. He offers an additional service to guide his clients through the whole construction phase of their projects – from pouring the foundation to finishing the landscape. When his clients use this service, their houses look magnificent when they are completed, because someone was there to make sure everything went smoothly during construction. And believe me, there is a lot that can go wrong. I hope I will have that same knowledge (and patience) someday.
This scholarship brings my financial aid total up to $5500. I am shocked by this number, and pleased to see that my hard work has paid off.
