Hi azarimy,

I'd just like to ask...during my semester breaks (usually 1 month) is it possible to find part-time work at an architecture firm? Or would they not be interested in someone who does not have prior experience and is only able to work for one month?

Thanks in advance

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Added on January 14, 2012, 10:25 amJhaozz, you'll have to remember that it's Foundation in ARTS and not in architecture though. Unless they changed the syllabus for their architecture/design Arts stream that is.

And um...think very, very carefully before you make this decision. Yep. By the way, UTAR degree scholarship is hard to secure unlike its foundation scholarship.

This post has been edited by sabee: Jan 14 2012, 10:25 AM

Azarimy,

Whoa I guess I'll have to work hard on those before I try hunting for those then. Haha. Thanks!

Oh sorry, I wasn't referring to the difference between arts and science...was more towards F. Arts in UTAR being a general foundation, as opposed to Foundation in Architecture offered in other universities. So you don't get to learn the basics (as in architectural drawing, modelling, etc).

They're taught in the first sem of degree, kinda...like, verbatim in 3-20 minute-spurts. Everyone crowds around a single drafting table most times when it comes to hands-on demonstrations by tutors, so if you're short and you're not in front you're kinda out of luck. I admit I'm far from the brightest, and I have difficulty catching and understanding what they say. Oh and they don't really worry about how you do it, whether the method is right or wrong (the lecturers/tutors I got so far at least; maybe there are others who are different) - it's the end result that matters.

Gonna read up and practice more and hopefully someday I'll be able to grasp this @.@;;

Sorry, but I beg to differ a little. In (UTAR's) Foundation in Arts we have only one design subject per trimester; the other 4 cater to other disciplines in arts like marketing, management etc. And english. The design subject itself caters to graphic design, multimedia and architecture students, so you won't find any specific focus on architecture. There are still things that are related to it of course, like perspective drawing, colours, composition etc. No scale rulers or technical drawing yet! You can always apply the knowledge gained to architecture though. In fact I learned a lot about drawing in general there, and it was very fun despite struggling with new media, topics and the like. Hehe.

On the other hand my friends from UCSI's and Taylor's Foundations in Architecture get the best of both worlds, so to speak. They get to dabble in the basics of architecture AND practise drawing. They still have english subjects, MQA subjects etc, but all in all they have one year's worth of extra experience over those from Foundation in Arts (and maybe every other pre-u too? Not too sure).

What some of them did was take Foundation in Architecture elsewhere, then continue their degree at UTAR. UCSI's and Taylor's can be carried over without a hitch apparently; I'm not too sure about LKW, but should be no problem also. Gotta refer to the authorities to be sure.

Regardless of the type of foundation, there's still drawing, and one of the assignments in UTAR requires you to draw and colour a building, A2 size, so you get some exposure anyway. Happy happy

Hehe thanks for the word of advice! I'll try my best!

Hi azarimy,

I've been thinking for a while now. I'm currently studying architecture, but at the same time I also enjoy writing a lot. My lecturer once suggested to me to become an architecture writer - I think the correct term is 'architecture journalist', but I'm not too sure.

I still intend to work in architecture field for a few years upon graduation regardless of my choice; architecture journalism is currently just an open I would like to keep open.

I'm asking it here since it's related to architecture, and what research I've done on this career path is quite patchy.

So azarimy, do you have any idea about the job prospects of an architecture journalist? In Malaysia, specifically?

Thank you!

All right, will try to contact her immediately. Thank you very much, azarimy!

Just to add a bit to Mr. Azarimy's reply to Louis Tan 94, hope you don't mind.

Unless I got it wrong, UTAR's accreditation ends this year (2014) but they have applied to renew it - the panel has reviewed students' work some time ago - and they are reasonably hopeful that it will be successful.

Also take note that UTAR KL (Setapak campus) will be moving to the new Sg. Long campus next year. Cheers!

Hi all, a DATUM KL ticket is up for grabs at a discounted price due to unforeseen circumstances. It's going for RM330 instead of the full price RM380 for a PAM student member, so if you're interested, grab it now! PM me for details.

(Posted with permission from azarimy; thanks Mr. Azarimy!)

Hmm I'm not sure about the public. If I remember correctly we just need to collect the pass at the registration counter...can't remember if they verify after. So if you don't look like a student I'm not too sure. I'll ask around and see if can.