Scene takes a look at the harrowing and sometimes humorous world of the College of Architecture
By SCOTT LITTLE
Scene Writer
Being an architecture major is tough. It seems like its always crunch time. It isn't the toughest major, but it is arguably the busiest.
Architecture majors, or "Archies" as they are called, take five years to graduate because of University requirements. It's enough to make some, or possibly all, of the archies go crazy at times. It gets hot and sweaty in the studio and students have been known to turn in a design of a mirage or two.
Archies have been known to hold water bottle bowling competitions to relieve the pressure.
One of the highlights of the architecture major is the junior year that students spend in Rome. The students also visit Venice, Florence, Napoli and Sicily when in Italy. Students in their own class do a lot of bonding while abroad.
Another way archies bond is through the studios each grade level has. Reportedly, the sophomore studio has a lot of mooners. Of course, nothing brings people together like a bare butt.
If it weren't for toys like Lincoln Logs, Construx, Legos and Tinker Toys, many architecture majors would not know that design was to be their future. Most high schools don't even give students a glimpse into the world of architecture. It is a difficult major to switch into, as well.
A question that should be addressed is: Were any buildings on the Notre Dame campus designed by Notre Dame students?
The answer to that is yes. A number of graduated students helped design the new bookstore and the upcoming performing arts center.
Professors have also had their hand in the design of buildings at Notre Dame. Frank Montana, an arcitecture professor emeritus, designed the old bookstore and the Center for Social Concerns building. Architecture professors are also responsible for haveing renovated Bond Hall, which used to be the campus library.
Two of the favorite professors in the architecture major are professor Economakis, who is currently in Rome, and Professor Stamper. Economakis is a great help to underclassmen who didn't come to the program knowing much about architecture. Stamper is well-liked because he lets students work at their own pace.
Where do archies go after college? They go to firms in New York, Chicago or Los Angeles.. Some choose to work for housing companies and others go into service oriented careers. Architects do not just build buildings. They also design bridges, landscapes and interiors.
It is a hard road, though. Architects don't live by night and day. They live from project to project. Their eating patterns do not coincide with the dining hall's. Nerves are often put on the back-burner. Insomnia is a virtue and breakdowns have to be melted away in massive mugs of coffee.
Is it worth it?
Right out of college the money isn't that great. The rich architects are the ones with their own firms or are partners of a firm, which takes years to become.
However, architects get a chance to leave their mark on the world through their creations, an experience which is beyond price.
All Scene Stories for Monday, March 5, 2001
