Architecture is an exciting multi-disciplinary subject which will allow you to develop your creative thinking, encompassing history, environmental study, construction and structures.
Here are some general resources related to Architecture. These should be a useful introduction, regardless of which Architecture related course you’re interested in and where you might want to study it.
Gentle introductions to architectural ideas and styles: check these out as a spring-board to more research, and for inspiration while preparing your portfolio or other work.
Renzo Piano interview: On the Shoulders of Giants 🔗 🌟
Why Frank Lloyd Wright's windows look like this: Vox 🔗
These books should give you some insight into a different side of architecture - its history and associated philosophies. Take notes as you read and follow up on anything you don’t understand; they will ground you in architecture as an academic discipline, and may end up being useful when you come to write your personal statement.
Ian Sutton’s ‘Western Architecture: A Survey from Ancient Greece to the Present’ - an excellent summary of architectural history with photos
Juhani Pallasmaa’s ‘The Eyes of the Skin’ - gives a fascinating insight into the philosophy and experience of architecture
William Curtis’ ‘Modern Architecture since 1900’ - although a large and perhaps daunting book, it is useful to pick out certain sections on the main buildings to read more thoroughly and gain an idea of the chronology of architectural history.
These podcasts are easy listening, and great inspiration - again, follow up on anything you find interesting! Finding that something has sparked your interest and you’ve gone beyond the initial introduction is great to be able to show in your personal statement or interview.
BBC Radio 4's 'In Our Time' podcast' 🔗 This provides an insightful introduction to the first major treatise on architecture.
Michael Murphy's TED Talk 🔗 🌟 This talk, entitled 'Architecture that's built to heal', gives an inspiring insight into the capabilities of architecture.
Check out University department pages and magazines to stay up to date with what’s happening in architecture now - something you may be able to reflect on in your personal statement or at interview, or use as inspiration for your portfolio.
Cambridge Architecture Department research projects 🔗
University of Bath architectural research 🔗
University College London architectural research 🔗
Architecture Review magazine 🔗 🌟
Dezeen Architecture and Design magazine 🔗
ArchDaily architectural news 🔗
It might be good to look at opinion columns on the latest prize-winning buildings or the environmental strategies in architecture to help you form your own opinions.
One of the great things about architecture is that it’s all around us! Look out for events such as the ones highlighted here, but generally walking around and writing about your experiences is invaluable. This helps to develop your observational skills - which will ultimately make you a better architect! - and in preparing your portfolio.
London Architecture Diary 🔗 🌟
This is useful for checking the latest architecture and art exhibitions, talks and tours in London, but going to any architecture-related exhibition will be excellent preparation.
Open House London and visiting buildings 🔗 🌟 This takes place yearly in London (and some other locations in the UK) in September, allowing you to visit buildings and have guided tours. Some of the buildings featured are rarely open to the public such as the US Embassy and also provide great architectural experiences which you can write about in your personal statement or discuss in interview. You can also collate photography for your portfolio. However, visiting buildings wherever you are, writing about your experiences (tactility, smell, appearance, use of light, materials) and recording through sketching and photography is also great for developing your observational skills and preparing your portfolio.