Professional Requirements for Architects

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 504.

Text B

Study the Visual Appendix to Unit 8 and fulfill the task in it. Get ready for the presentation in the PowerPoint program devoted to the topic “Our architectural bureau”.

Home Task

Write a summary of the text. Your summary should contain 12 – 14 sentences.

Exercise 6

Although buildings in the UK are commonly designed by people who are not architects, the term ‘architect' itself is protected by the Architects Act 1997 which established the Architects Registration Board (ARB) *. Only qualified individuals that are registered with the ARB can offer their services as architects.

In the United Kingdom, qualifying as an architect entails a combination of academic studies and professional experience in architectural training and the construction industry, which takes a minimum of seven years to finish.

The professional requirements for architects vary from place to place, but usually consist of three elements: a university degree or advanced education, a period of internship or training in an office, and examination for registration with a jurisdiction. Professionals engaged in the design and supervision of construction projects prior to the late 19th century were not necessarily trained in a separate architecture program in an academic setting. Instead, they usually carried the title of Master Builder, or surveyor, after serving a number of years as an apprentice (such as Sir Christopher Wren). The formal study of architecture in academic institutions played a pivotal role in the development of the profession as a whole, serving as a focal point for advances in architectural technology and theory.

In the United Kingdom, the title "architect" is restricted by law to those registered at the Architects Registration Board. It usually takes a minimum of seven years to obtain the necessary qualifications and experience for registration. Those wishing to become registered must first study at a recognized university-level school of architecture. Though there are some variations from university to university, the basic principle is that in order to qualify as an architect a candidate must pass through three stages that are administered by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)*.

· The first stage means getting an approved first degree in architecture, known as RIBA Part 1, which typically takes three or four years A BA or BSc in architecture usually includes the ARB/RIBA Part I examinations that all architects are required to pass.

· There then follows a period of a minimum of one year which the candidate spends in an architect's office gaining work experience. The candidate must then complete a post-graduate university course, usually two years, to receive either a graduate diploma (Dip Arch), Masters (MArch). On completing that course, the candidate receives exemption from Part II of the RIBA process.

· The candidate must then spend a further period of at least one year gaining experience before being allowed to take the RIBA Part III examination in Professional Practice and Management. Once this is completed, students can register as an architect with the ARB* and apply to become a chartered member of the RIBA.

There is concern that architectural training has become relatively expensive now that universities can charge fees of up to £9,000 a year. Training to become an architect takes at least seven years, with four or five of these at university. Adding in necessary living expenses on top of university fees, it is thought that the total cost of training to become an architect could be as much as £100,000. This may result in architecture becoming the preserve of students whose parents are able to support them through their training. Whilst the number of applications for places at schools of architecture remains high, increasingly this is from students outside the EU, with applications from UK and EU students decreasing.

Many universities hold interviews with students prior to offering a place on an architecture course. Potential students are expected to have a portfolio demonstrating a broad mixture of work, including sketches, freehand drawings, photographs and models. Some universities may offer advanced credit* to students who have completed a degree or modules of a degree in a related subject.

There is also an alternative route to qualification which does not involve attending courses at a school of architecture. The RIBA Examination in Architecture for office-based candidates is open for people who have a minimum of three years' experience working in an architectural practice. The program is available at Part 1 and Part 2 level and is completed through self-study and distance learning while the candidate remains working full time in the practice.

Notes:

*Architects Registration Board(ARB) - Регистрационный совет архитекторов.

*Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) -Королевский институт британских архитекторов

Answer the questions:

1. What three elements do professional requirements for architects in the UK consist of?

2. What does the author say about architects` education in the XIX century?

3. What is the title "architect" in the UK restricted by?

4. How long does it usually take to obtain the necessary qualifications and experience for registration?

5. What three stages does a candidate have to pass in order to qualify as an architect?

6. How is it possible to become licensed as an architect in other ways?

7. How long does the entire licensure process take to complete?

8. What is the difference between the educational systems in the UK and Russia?