(slow upbeat music)
- I applied to do architecture because
I really liked the art and
maths element that it combined.
Because those were my
favourite subjects at school.
- I really like the way
the course at Cambridge,
combined theory and practice.
That's a nice way that they work together
so the history and theory
can inform the studio work.
- I think what makes studying architecture
in Cambridge special, is
the size of the course.
We usually only have maybe
40 students per year,
which means every student gets
very individual attention.
- We are interested that students become
the kind of designer that can engage
with the broader questions about
the role of architecture in society.
(piano music)
- The architecture course in Cambridge
involves design teaching,
studio work, which is taught
by practising architects who
are visiting from London,
and then the lecture courses
in construction, environment
and structures, and history and theory.
- My favourite experience
was when in first year,
we went to Naples.
And that was a really nice opportunity to
experience the city
together as a studio.
- The tutors went as
well, the studio tutors.
You don't just mix with other students,
you actually mix with the staff as well.
And it's a really friendly environment
and it just helps kind of bond everyone
within the department together.
- 60% of the course is
based around studio work.
So that's modelling, drawing,
designing a proposal to
go with a site brief.
We have a bandsaw, laser cutters,
as all sorts of things you need,
for basically, most woodwork.
- We try to encourage all the
students to build big models
and not only to work with digital tools.
- The studio's really huge and crazy
and quite a law unto itself.
- It's got first year, second
year and third year in,
that's really interesting,
because you can just draw
from different people
and different people's ideas.
And it's really good socialising as well.
- So I'm the ARCSOC president.
So that's Cambridge University's
architecture society.
We put on lots of club nights,
life drawing, other really cool things.
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A typical week would
involve two studio days.
And then on the other
three days of the week,
you'll have lectures.
And then on top of that supervisions,
which go with the lectures.
- There's usually about two or
three people per supervisor.
So they're there to answer any questions.
And if you want to explore
something a bit further in depth,
then they're happy to answer that as well.
- Of course, graduate architects,
don't just go into architecture,
they go into many careers.
- They could work in product design,
stage design, theatre design.
But some of our students
also go to work in the real estate sector
and in planning offices for example.
- I'd like to work in
an architecture practice
for a year or two, and then
continue with my masters.
- Architecture is definitely
like, at the top of my list,
but I'm also thinking of
advertising, kind of going
into film but also looking at
like lots of writing options.
(slow upbeat music)
- My advice to anybody
thinking of applying would be
to put together a very
interesting, diverse portfolio.
- This should consist of
at least 20 or 30 pieces
of work in a range of media,
including examples of 3D work.
- I would recommend, visiting buildings,
keeping a sketchbook
and just observing your
everyday environment.
- This is very important for architects
because, in their practice
they will be contributing
to the construction of the
world in which we live.
- My message to anyone
thinking about applying is
to definitely go for it and apply.
- Just try and get the guts to just apply.
It's a great place to be.
- From when I applied to now,
my opinion of what I like in architecture
is completely changed.
And that's the point of
kind of coming to learn.
You get a new perspective on things.
(dramatic sound)
