A GOAN IKON
Charles Correa was a celebrated Goan architect and urban planner, renowned for his contributions to modern architecture. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1972 and the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor, in 2006. In 1984, he received the prestigious Royal Gold Medal for architecture from the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Correa was educated at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, before pursuing further studies at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Some of his most significant works include the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Museum at the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, the Kanchanjunga Apartment tower in Mumbai, the Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur, the planning of Navi Mumbai, and MIT’s Brain and Cognitive Sciences Centre in Cambridge. He also designed the Mahindra Research Valley, a state-of-the-art research and development facility for Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. in Chennai.
As the Chief Architect for Navi Mumbai, an urban growth center for 2 million people across the harbor from Mumbai, Correa played a pivotal role in its development. He also designed the Kala Academy in Goa and was honored with Goa’s highest civilian award, the Gomant Vibhushan.
What is this job all about?
Architecture is the science of designing buildings, bridges, and other structures. Architects blend functionality with aesthetics, whether the project is a simple house, a cathedral, a bridge, or a skyscraper. The profession involves guiding a project from conception to execution while considering the client’s needs and the environmental context.
Architects often specialize in various areas. Some focus on designing outdoor facilities like amusement parks and gardens, while others plan highways, plazas, and nature conservation areas. Some architects concentrate on shopping malls, convention centers, multiplexes, and theaters, while others work on residential projects such as bungalows, row houses, and farmhouses.
When designing, architects must ensure their plans comply with local building norms, town planning regulations, and environmental concerns. In crowded cities like Mumbai and Kolkata, creativity in planning is crucial to maximize space usage due to limited land resources—this is where the true challenge of the profession lies.
Can you go for it?
To succeed in architecture, you need strong visualization skills, the ability to translate your ideas into three-dimensional designs, and excellent teamwork abilities. A strong sense of aesthetics, numerical ability, creativity, and excellent communication and presentation skills are essential.
Is there a future in this field?
For those who are creative and talented, the scope in architecture is vast. With dedication and hard work, you can find immense satisfaction in this field. Initially, you may start by working with an architectural firm, and with experience, you can branch out on your own in your chosen area of specialization.
Where to begin:
In Goa:
After completing 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM), you must appear for the NATA Entrance Examination to join the College of Architecture at Altinho, Panaji, Goa. The B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) is a five-year degree program that includes a period of practical experience.
The Vidyavardhan Trust has also established the IDEA – Institute of Design, Environment, and Architecture in Benaulim, South Goa. This institute is recognized by Goa University. To practice as an architect, you must be registered with the Council of Architecture, New Delhi.
If you wish to become an Architectural Assistant, you can join the Government Goa Polytechnic program at Altinho, Panaji, after completing Standard X.
Outside Goa
• JJ School of Art and Architecture, Mumbai
• Vishweshwarayya Regional College of Engineering, Nagpur
• BKPS College of Architecture, Pune
You can also pursue a Master’s program (Master of Architecture) with specializations in areas such as:
Urban Design, Town Planning, Construction Management, Traffic and Transport Planning, Naval Architecture, Project Management, Landscape Design, Industrial Design, Environmental Planning, Architectural Conservation, Building Engineering.
Institutes offering these specializations include:
• School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi
• Center for Environmental Planning & Technology, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Employment Avenue:
Many architectural firms actively seek young, qualified graduates, so job opportunities in the field are promising.
Salaries
Architects can earn substantial income, especially when working on prestigious projects. Whether designing bridges, religious structures, or luxurious villas, architects who deliver extraordinary designs for ordinary structures are often well-compensated. The question “Who was the architect of that project?” reflects the recognition and financial rewards that can come with outstanding work in this field.
Don’t settle for just a degree or diploma — enhance your CV by completing online learning programs with certification in areas relevant to your chosen career. This will significantly improve your employment prospects compared to holding only a basic qualification. Additionally, consider boosting your confidence by enrolling in public speaking courses, such as those offered by Toastmasters International.
For government job opportunities, please check: www.employment-newspaper.com
page updated: August 2024