Information for new students
New Architecture students
Architecture: A Career choice for the twenty first century
Frequently asked questions
What Is Architecture?
There are many descriptions of architecture and here are some that might help outline its diversity.
- We shape our buildings and afterwards our buildings shape us (Winston Churchill).
Architecture is Built Order (Louis Kahn). - A bicycle shed is a building; Lincoln Cathedral is a piece of architecture (Nikolas Pevsner)
- Architecture requires us continually to reinterpret and revalue technology in human and social terms (Philip Dowson)
- Architecture is a thing of art, a phenomenon of the emotions, lying outside questions of construction and beyond them. (Le Corbusier)
- Architecture is the only art that starts with a puzzle. (Robin Boyd).
- ...I believe architecture has always been the outward expression of an inner inspiration... (Charles, Prince of Wales)
- Architects make architecture, historians make history and what they both make is myth. (Charles Jencks)
What Do Architects Do?
- Architects design quality environments in which people live, work and play.
- Besides providing good building design, architects are also involved in urban design, environmental research, building conservation, heritage matters etc.
- Architects also make a significant contribution to community development from their background of comprehensive training and professional discipline.
Is Architecture A Suitable Career For Me?
If you can see yourself designing structures and environments which require both artistic and technical skill, if you are concerned for people and their welfare, environmental sustainable design and wish to make a valuable contribution to the built environment then architecture would probably suit you.
How Do I Become An Architect?
You can become an architect by taking the undergraduate degree in Applied Science (Architectural Science), followed by a Master of Architecture. These qualifications, together with approved professional experience will allow you to be eligible for registration and to legally call yourself an architect.
What Does The Department Offer Architecture Students?
We offer a comprehensive course of study in the discipline of architecture, allowing graduating students to successfully operate in a contemporary building industry.
We offer a studio environment, a workshop for creative work, which is constantly available to students as a work place/base, supported by the conventional lecture and tutorial formats. A strong architectural community is developed in the department through exhibitions and publications. In addition, the department offers a range of facilities such as:
- student computing laboratories containing PCs and graphic work stations with CAD and 3-D modelling.
- an acoustics and lighting laboratory providing measuring and testing facilities for assessing acoustic and lighting performance in building materials and construction.
- a Resource Centre housing literature, records and other material related to architecture and the building industry.
Given the diversity of architectural practice, our course provides the education essential to become an architect, but at the same time allows students to pursue their own specific interest or talent through options and minor studies focus areas.
How Long Does It Take?
There are five years of study to complete resulting in two degrees. The first three years leads to the Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science) in which most facets of architecture are covered. The next two years of a Master of Architecture degree are devoted more specifically to the professional practice of architecture.
If you do not want to pursue a career as a practising architect you can finish at the first degree and undertake further studies in another field. Alternatively you could seek a technical position in the building industry.
Professional Recognition
The Master of Architecture degree is recognised by the Architects Board of Western Australia as the academic requirement for registration as an architect. Registration is achieved by approved postgraduate experience and the passing of Board examinations in architectural practice.
The course is also recognised by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects as a requirement for associate membership on completion of registration requirements, and by the Commonwealth Association of Architects. Recognition is also given by overseas Institutes of Architects, for example, in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
Course Structure
The course is organised in the following interrelated subject streams:
- Architectural design (a major part of a student's time is taken in design subjects),
- Science and Technology (which includes building construction, materials & structures and building science),
- Architecture and culture (includes theory, history and cultural studies),
- Communications (both writing and visual communication such as drawing),
- Professional studies (what you need to know about the law, contracts and management)
- Dissertation (preparation and execution of final dissertation project)
Other Course Details
The name of the course is the Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science)
There are approximately 40 places available each year.
If you wish to see the results of student work you are invited to attend the end of year student exhibition. Please ring our office from October onwards on 9266 2712 for actual dates.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have a Diploma in Building Design & Technology from a TAFE institution or from an equivalent overseas institution such as Singapore Polytechnic then you may be eligible for exemptions of 112.5 credits.
Architecture And Interior Design
The first year of the Bachelor of Applied Science course is a common year with the Interior Design course. It is possible to take the Interior Design degree with some advanced standing at the end of the Architectural Science degree.
Applying For A Place
Australian citizens and permanent residents may apply for a place in the course through the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC), 39 Fairway Nedlands 6009, Telephone (08) 9389 1466. Closing dates for applications are announced in the newspapers. (Applicants who are already students at Curtin should apply directly to the school).
Places for resident school leavers will be based solely on TEE scores.
Places are also available to mature age students, holders of TAFE Diplomas and people who are or have been enrolled at Curtin University.
Enquiries to:
Head, Department of Architecture/Interior Architecture
Curtin University
GPO Box U1987
Perth WA 6001
Tel: (08) 9266 2282 Fax: (08) 9266 2711
International Students Make Written Application To:
Director
International Office
Curtin University
GPO Box U1987
Perth Western Australia 6001
Tel: (08) 9266 7320
Fax: (08) 9266 2605
or your nearest Australian Education Centre.
Further Educational Opportunities
Postgraduate Masters Degree programs are available after completion of either of the degrees making up the architecture course.
Suitable candidates with a Master of Architecture degree or an honours degree from suitable related disciplines may be eligible to undertake a Doctor of Philosophy in the Department.
New Interior Architecture students
Interior Architecture: A Career choice for the twenty first century
Frequently asked questions
What is Interior Architecture?
Interior Architecture is the specialised area of building design encompassing the architectural and furniture content of the interiors of buildings. A professional Interior Designer is one who is qualified by education, and experience, to identify, research, and creatively solve problems relative to the function and quality of people's built environment.
The competency of the Interior Designer includes fundamental design, design analysis, space planning and programming, the design of all interior space and the understanding of related aspects of environmental design.
The technical development of the Interior Designer includes knowledge of structure with emphasis on interior construction, knowledge of building systems and all related codes, equipment and components, abilities in communication, quantitative and administrative skills.
The spectrum of activities which are categorised in the professional Interior Architecture realm includes the planning, conceptual spatial design, design development, construction documentation and contract administration of the following:
- public spaces and individual "tenancies" within most types of office, commercial and retail buildings both government and privately owned; a diverse range of complex interiors for the hospitality industry, including resorts and hotel developments, convention centres, restaurants, theatres and other entertainment facilities;
- retail environments, ranging from fashion boutiques and shopping arcades to supermarkets;
the restoration and conservation of the interiors of historic buildings, including their furnishings and fittings; - the interiors of public transport facilities such as airports and train stations; display design including trade fairs, museums, galleries and exhibitions.
- an increasingly diverse range of complex interiors for education and health care,
including facilities such as laboratories, computing areas, micro-surgical units and intensive care units; - residential developments including retirement centres and housing for the disabled.
- planning and aesthetic design of individual homes
- the interiors of trains, planes, ships and other marine craft;
- the planning and design of large scale work places such as factories, offices, etc.
In addition to the above large scale environments, Interior Designers are involved in the design of the following:
- furniture and building fittings including both traditional furniture and systematised office furniture, partitioning and work stations which often involve a high degree of human/machine interaction, ie, banking, information processing and exchange facilities;
- Individual and mass produced light fittings.
- systematised domestic and commercial kitchens;
- "integrated" floor, ceiling and partition systems for office environments;
- the printed, woven and tufted textiles used for interiors.
Is Interior Architecture A Suitable Career For You?
To become an Interior Designer you must have an intense interest in the quality of human life and the built environment. Artistic ability, capability to think laterally and a creative mind would be an advantage. The profession has a need for people who are both practical and creative. An Interior Designer must possess the mental ability and tenacity to be able to recognise and solve complex problems.
Interior Design Practices
Roles within a practice for educated Interior Designers range from the Principle managing, marketing and administering the firm; designers running and working on the planning and design of diverse projects; project managers managing schedules, budgets, construction administration and technical aspects of the job. The tendency is to get involved in the profession, build expertise in areas of strength and interest and decide what role you would like to develop.
The typical Interior Design practice in Australia ranges from 7-20 staff. Practices world wide range from 1 person to hundreds of staff. many interdisciplinary design practices include Interior Designers; along with Graphic Designers, Industrial Designers, Architects and Engineers.
Professional Recognition
Our course meets the Academic requirements for admission into professional membership for the Design Institute of Australia. (DIA)
Aim Of The Course
The course provides a comprehensive education and training for students wishing to pursue a career in the professional practice of Interior Architecture. Graduates of the course are able to:
- demonstrate innovation in design within a framework of properly researched needs and clearly understood technologies and manufacturing processes
understand human needs and attitudes in the general context of environmental design and in particular context of interior environments - understand the behavioural, environmental, economic and technological considerations influencing design
understand the nature of change in society and to encourage an adaptable, flexible, creative and humanitarian approach to the solving of problems required by such change. - demonstrate skills of critical appraisal.
- understand the professional role and responsibilities of the Interior Designer in practice and in the community at large.
- understand the relationship of Interior Architecture with other disciplines such as architecture, graphic and product design.
- demonstrate an awareness of new developments in design, design education and career opportunities both nationally and internationally
- function as professional Interior Designers who have developed qualities of leadership and the social skills necessary for team work and client interaction.
Department Interior Architecture
The Interior Architecture course forms part of the Department of Architecture and Interior Architecture. The Department has 20 full-time academic staff members of whom a proportion teach on an interdisciplinary basis, as well as specifically within their area of interest. Part-time and guest lecturers are also employed when special expertise is required.
Department Resources
Audio-visual laboratory provides audio-visual services to staff for lectures and loans of photographic and video equipment for students.
Computing laboratories contains micro-computers and graphic workstations with CAD and 3-D modelling for student use.
Acoustics laboratory provides measuring and testing facilities for assessing acoustics and materials / construction performance in buildings.
Materials library houses catalogues and samples of materials, fixtures and furniture commonly used in Architecture and Interior Architecture.
Resource Centre houses literature, records and materials relevant to the building industry.
BACHELOR OF ARTS (INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE)
153799 v.3 Bachelor of Arts (Interior Architecture) details
Approximate Places Available 65
PRE-REQUISITES: No pre-requisites
