Making Architecture from Coursera

Making architecture offers a unique insight into the mind and work of an Architect, starting with the basics of the profession and culminating with the production of a scaled site model. The course should act as ideal preparation for those interested in undertaking an undergraduate degree in Architecture, although its flexible, intriguing and enjoyable content makes it accessible for all those looking to increase their knowledge in the field.

Delivered primarily by Professors from the IE School of Architecture and design in Segovia (Spain), the course begins by examining the mind-set of an Architect - asking how they think and what they do to train their creative minds, moving on to using inspiration from the environment to stimulate design ideas. Finally, the course concludes by looking at some of the more technical aspects of Architecture - such as composition, form, space and hierarchy - and stressing the importance of creating a story that helps define your design.

This fascinating content is delivered principally from the stunning design studio at the IE school of Architecture and features external videos from a few beautiful locations in the city of Segovia. Finally, it includes interviews from Pritzker Prize executive director - and Dean of the school of Architecture and design at IE - Martha Thorne, with a number of award winning practising architects such as Sarah Wigglesworth and Cristoph Ingenhoven.

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to the Mind of an Architect

In this course, we're not just going to tell you what the architect does, we're going to show it to you. You're going to actually do, on a small scale, the work that an architect does.What the architect does is to have a certain vision about how things might be better. We're going to give you an introduction to that mindset and to that way of working. The study of architecture really engages all your skills. You learn how to work in teams, you learn how to communicate. You learn how to think critically and analytically. You develop all of your creative skills in the study of architecture. In this first module we are going to do three things. We're going to dispel some of the myths about what you need in order to be an architect. We're also going to talk about what an architect does and doesn't do. Then we're going to work on a short design exercise that begins to stretch your muscles to get you going on the design process.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Taught by instructors who are award winning practicing architects

Builds strong foudations for beginners in the field of architecture

Emphasize imagination and inspiration in architecture

Takes a creative approach to the study of architecture

May require learners to purchase specific materials and participate in the discussion forums in order to benefit fully

Reviews summary

Making architecture: mindset, process, and project

According to learners, this course offers a unique and engaging insight into architecture, shifting perspective beyond just buildings. Students highly praise the focus on the architect's mindset and creative process, finding it provides a new perspective. The course includes inspiring interviews with experts like Martha Thorne and features high production quality with beautiful locations. While considered an excellent introduction for beginners and those exploring the field, some found a lack of technical depth compared to their expectations. The final site model project is a practical and rewarding application, though noted by some as potentially challenging or requiring specific materials.

Hands-on site model assignment applying concepts.

"The final project was challenging but incredibly rewarding, bringing all the concepts together."

"The final site model was a bit intimidating but ultimately a great way to apply what we learned."

"The assignments, especially the final model, were practical and fun."

"The final model project is a significant undertaking but very rewarding."

"The final project requires materials and space I didn't readily have."

Stresses narrative behind architectural design.

"The content about using the environment for inspiration and developing a design story was particularly strong."

"The focus on narrative made the design process feel more creative and personal."

Valuable guest speakers and high production.

"The interviews with experts were incredibly inspiring, especially the one with Martha Thorne."

"The videos filmed in Segovia were stunning and added so much to the learning experience."

"Excellent course! The quality of the lectures and the production is top-notch."

"The interviews with practicing architects; they offered real-world context."

Teaches how architects think creatively.

"It completely shifted my perspective on architecture, moving beyond just buildings to understanding the thought process behind them."

"I appreciated the focus on the 'mindset' and how architects think creatively."

"It does a fantastic job of demystifying architecture and showing that it's not just for 'geniuses' but requires a specific way of thinking..."

"it gives you the essential thought process and vocabulary."

Coverage of technical aspects is brief.

"...but I was hoping for a bit more depth on the technical side - composition, structure, etc."

"The technical module was too short."

"I expected more practical skills or a deeper look into design software or construction principles."

"It touches on technical aspects but keeps it high-level for an intro course."

Excellent introduction, less depth for advanced.

"Highly recommend for anyone curious about architecture, whether pursuing it or just for general interest."

"Some parts felt a little basic, but overall, it's an excellent starting point."

"Good for total beginners, maybe less so if you have some background."

"It's not a deep dive into engineering or complex design software..."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Making Architecture with these activities:

Read 'Architecture: Form, Space, & Order' by Francis D.K. Ching

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This book provides a comprehensive foundation in architectural principles, supporting your understanding of the course concepts.

View Architecture: Form, Space, and Order on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow a copy of the book
Read the book thoroughly and take notes
Review the key concepts and principles discussed in the book

Volunteer for an architecture-related organization

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Volunteering will expose you to practical aspects of architecture and allow you to connect with professionals.

Browse courses on Architecture

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Research architecture-related organizations in your area
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
Attend volunteer orientation and training

Learn sketching techniques for architectural design

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Developing your sketching skills will enhance your ability to communicate architectural concepts visually.

Browse courses on Sketching

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Find online or in-person sketching workshops
Practice basic sketching exercises
Apply sketching techniques to architectural design concepts

Five other activities

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Create a Pinterest board of architectural designs

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Compiling architectural designs on Pinterest will help you strengthen your visual understanding of the subject.

Browse courses on Architecture

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Create a Pinterest account
Follow architects and design magazines
Start pinning images of architectural designs that inspire you

Join an online architecture discussion forum

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Engaging in discussions with fellow architecture enthusiasts will provide diverse perspectives and enhance your understanding.

Browse courses on Architecture

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Search for online architecture forums
Choose a forum that aligns with your interests
Create an account and join discussions
Share your insights and ask questions

Analyze architectural floor plans and elevations

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Regularly analyzing architectural plans will improve your understanding of spatial relationships and design intent.

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Collect or download architectural floor plans and elevations
Study the plans and identify the key elements
Analyze the spatial relationships and flow of the design

Design a small architectural structure

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Undertaking a small-scale design project will provide hands-on experience in applying architectural principles.

Browse courses on Architectural Design

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Choose a simple architectural structure to design
Research design precedents and gather inspiration
Develop a concept and create sketches
Refine your design and create detailed drawings

Participate in an online architecture design competition

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Participating in competitions will challenge your design abilities and expose you to innovative approaches.

Browse courses on Architecture

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Research online architecture design competitions
Choose a competition that aligns with your interests
Develop a strong design concept and proposal
Submit your entry and wait for the results

Career center

Learners who complete Making Architecture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Architect

Architects design and oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. They must be able to think creatively and to solve problems. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as an architect. You will learn about the design process, the different types of building materials, and the principles of construction. You will also get the opportunity to work on a real-world project.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Urban Planner

Urban planners develop plans for the development of cities and towns. They must be able to think strategically and to understand the needs of the community. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as an urban planner. You will learn about the principles of urban planning, the different types of land use, and the environmental impact of development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Landscape Architect

Landscape architects design outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and playgrounds. They must be able to understand the needs of the people who will use the space and to create a design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a landscape architect. You will learn about the principles of landscape design, the different types of plants, and the environmental impact of development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

Interior designer

Interior designers create the interior spaces of buildings. They must be able to understand the needs of the people who will use the space and to create a design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as an interior designer. You will learn about the principles of interior design, the different types of furniture and materials, and the environmental impact of design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer

Building Inspector

Building inspectors ensure that buildings are safe and up to code. They must be able to understand the building code and to identify any potential hazards. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a building inspector. You will learn about the principles of building construction, the different types of building materials, and the environmental impact of development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Building Inspector

Construction Manager

Construction managers oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. They must be able to plan and coordinate the work of different contractors and to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a construction manager. You will learn about the principles of construction management, the different types of construction materials, and the environmental impact of development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager

Real Estate Developer

Real estate developers acquire land and develop it for residential, commercial, or industrial use. They must be able to understand the real estate market and to identify potential development opportunities. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a real estate developer. You will learn about the principles of real estate development, the different types of development projects, and the environmental impact of development.

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Property Manager

Property managers oversee the day-to-day operations of residential and commercial properties. They must be able to manage the budget, maintain the property, and resolve tenant issues. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a property manager. You will learn about the principles of property management, the different types of property management software, and the environmental impact of property management.

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Environmental Consultant

Environmental consultants help businesses and organizations to comply with environmental regulations. They must be able to understand the environmental impact of different activities and to develop strategies to reduce environmental risks. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as an environmental consultant. You will learn about the principles of environmental science, the different types of environmental regulations, and the environmental impact of development.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability managers develop and implement sustainability programs for businesses and organizations. They must be able to understand the environmental impact of different activities and to develop strategies to reduce environmental risks. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a sustainability manager. You will learn about the principles of sustainability, the different types of sustainability programs, and the environmental impact of development.

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Project Manager

Project managers plan and oversee the execution of projects. They must be able to manage the budget, timeline, and resources of a project. This course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a project manager. You will learn about the principles of project management, the different types of project management software, and the environmental impact of project management.

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Civil Engineer

Civil engineers design and build infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and dams. They must be able to understand the principles of engineering and to apply them to the design and construction of infrastructure. This course may help you develop some of the skills you need to succeed as a civil engineer. You will learn about the principles of engineering, the different types of infrastructure, and the environmental impact of infrastructure.

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Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers design and build machines and other mechanical devices. They must be able to understand the principles of engineering and to apply them to the design and construction of machines. This course may help you develop some of the skills you need to succeed as a mechanical engineer. You will learn about the principles of engineering, the different types of machines, and the environmental impact of machines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers design and build electrical systems and other electrical devices. They must be able to understand the principles of engineering and to apply them to the design and construction of electrical systems. This course may help you develop some of the skills you need to succeed as an electrical engineer. You will learn about the principles of engineering, the different types of electrical systems, and the environmental impact of electrical systems.

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Software Engineer

Software engineers design and build software applications. They must be able to understand the principles of computer science and to apply them to the design and construction of software applications. This course may help you develop some of the skills you need to succeed as a software engineer. You will learn about the principles of computer science, the different types of software applications, and the environmental impact of software applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer