Standing tall
WHAT can you expect from a career in architecture? Architects provide professional services for construction projects. You may be involved in all phases of a development, from the initial discussion with the client and through the entire construction process. You’ll require skills like designing, engineering, managing, supervising and communicating with clients and builders. You also need to explain your ideas to clients, construction contractors, and others. To be successful, you must not only be able to create great designs, but communicate your unique vision.
The story of the creation of one of Malaysia’s greatest achievements – the Petronas Twin Towers – by Cesar Pelli highlights the skills you will need to turn your own vision into reality.
Pelli obtained a Diploma in Architecture in Argentina and a Master in Architecture in the United States. He soon became famous for his imagination and ability to combine different styles and materials to create original design solutions that suited their surrounding environment.
In the early 1990s, he won an international competition to create a structure that would represent Malaysia’s growing importance in the world. His awareness of prestigious buildings around the world helped him create the famous 88-story twin tower design.
But Pelli’s first concept was considered not uniquely Malaysian. To solve this problem, he studied all types of Islamic art. His design then adopted the eight-pointed star, a familiar motif in Malay Islamic art. To solve the problem of the design’s limited floor space, he added semicircles to each of the inner angles. And in order to make it the world’s tallest building, the original 1,400ft (420m) design also had to be rethought, recalculated and retested.
This shows that an architect must not only have a good imagination but be able to solve problems and think critically too. Moreover, you need to consider factors such as functionality, safety and more when designing a building. This means you must also be able to collaborate with other construction contractors and lead the entire team.
During construction of the Twin Towers, Pelli and his team worked together to resolve several issues. The original site was found to be unsuitable so the construction contractor relocated it. Steel was too expensive, so the engineers used high-strength reinforced concrete as the main building material, which researchers then had to develop. Specialist surveyors were even brought in to ensure the verticality of the building.
Pelli looked over every detail of the towers with a critical eye so the team could make the Petronas Twin Towers a reality. The result is a masterpiece any architect would be proud of.
Start your career in Built Environments at Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan University College
With them, you’ll learn through example and experience to pave your way towards a successful career. Students under the Faculty of Built Environment could pursue diploma courses in architecture, interior design or landscape architecture.
The diploma courses provide a strong foundation and produce designers who are able to identify , research and creatively solve problems relating to functional and sustainable designs with the incorporation of practical training.
Students also learn freehand sketching, basic technical skills on design and the use of computer-aided drawing and presentation.
For details, contact KLMU by calling their toll free line at 1800-88-5568 or via SMS by typing KLMU TABE<SPACE>NAME<SPACE>STATE and sending to 36600. Alternatively, visit www. discoveru.com.my or KLMU’S website at www.klmu.com.my
Discover your course personality and win a free ipad2, RM1,000 scholarship (terms and conditions apply) for March 2012 early bird registration.