Bachelor of Architecture at Polytechnic of Namibia

What is Architecture?

Architecture is both the process and the product of planning, designing, and constructing buildings or other structures. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural symbols and as works of art.

Entry Requirement

At least 30 points in 5 subjects of which 12 points must be in English and Mathematics and 18 points for any three subjects out of the following: Technical Drawing, Physical Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Fine Art, Arts and Crafts, Literature, Carpentry and Economics on NSSC Higher or Ordinary Level. No symbol must be lower than a C. The admission of students will be by means of a selection process, involving three stag¬es as follows: First Stage: Candidates are to be assessed on academic merit only. Candidates apply for this stage with their latest Grade 12 / NSSC Ordinary Level (NSSCO) and / or NSSC Higher Level (NSSCH) results. Candidates are required to meet the following minimum academic criteria to be considered: • At least 12 points on the NUST evaluation scale for English and Mathematics using a combination of NSSCH and / or NSSCO, provided that no symbol lower than a C on NSSCO will be accepted. • A minimum of 18 points on the NUST evaluation scale for any three other subjects out of the following (or their equivalent): Technical Drawing, Physical Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Fine Art, Arts and Crafts, Literature, and Economics, us¬ing a combination of NSSCH and NSSCO, provided that no symbol lower than a C on NSSCO will be accepted. Second Stage – Selection Test: Candidates who meet the minimum academic requirements for admission will be invited for a selection test set by the Department. The selection test will assess candidates in terms of their general knowledge, knowledge of technical and scientific principles, free hand and technical drawing skills as well as English language skills. Based on the outcome of the selection test, the Department will compile a selection shortlist. Prior learning in technical / geometrical drawing provides an extremely advantageous foundation for students entering all programmes leading to an architectural qualification. Final Stage – Selection Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for selection interviews with the Selection Committee, after which a final selection list and ranked waiting list will be compiled. The results of the Selection Process are final and no discussion or correspondence will be entered into. If the final Grade 12 results of candidates, who were selected provisionally, do not meet the mini¬mum requirements, then final admission to the programme will be withheld.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is architecture and why is it important?

At its roots, architecture exists to create the physical environment in which people live, but architecture is more than just the built environment, it’s also a part of our culture. It stands as a representation of how we see ourselves, as well as how we see the world.

Is architecture an art?

Architecture is one of the classical forms of fine art and has always had a strong association with the art world. Creating a beautiful structure, from the design phase, developing and building structures or other buildings combine into what we know as architecture.

What is architecture with example?

Architecture is defined as the method of designing and building something into a usable, pleasing form. An example of architecture is the design and construction of the Sears Tower. An example of architecture is the underlying design of a computer program. noun.

Is studying architecture hard?

Architecture is more difficult than many degrees as it involves thinking creatively and technically, covering a wide range of disciplines, including art, science, history, geography, and philosophy. Architecture is also an incredibly time-intensive course, with an average workload of 36.7 hours per week.

What do architects do?

Architects plan and design houses, factories, office buildings, and other structures. Architects spend much of their time in offices, where they develop plans, meet with clients, and consult with engineers and other architects.

What makes a good architecture?

Architectures must have both form and function and it is a good test of an architecture to measure its elegance. An architecture that is well designed will tend to be elegant and have a simplicity of form that will be obvious to those that take the time study it.

Is architecture a science?

Architecture is the art and science of designing buildings and structures. A wider definition would include within its scope the design of the total built environment, from the macrolevel of town planning, urban design, and landscape architecture to the microlevel of creating furniture.

Is architecture a stem?

A recent act that was passed by the United States Congress will make architecture an officially recognized STEM subject.

Is architecture more art or science?

Both! The balanced integration of artistic sensibility and scientific methodology as it applies to designing buildings and their environments is essential to creating great architecture. Public Art is any example of media that has been planned and executed with the intention of being staged in the public realm.

What is the difference between art and architecture?

The separation between art and architecture might be explained as experience versus function. Where art is about the experience and how it makes a person feel, architecture is an answer to a problem.

Is architect a good career?

Architecture is a good career for anyone interested in creating real structures out of their imagination. To qualify for the career, one must be able to enjoy the processes. It is a great career for anyone that enjoys solving problems. You must be a creative thinker with excellent problem-solving skills.

Do architects need to be good at drawing?

I am living proof that you don’t have to draw well to be an architect. Having the ability to draw beautiful pictures doesn’t hurt but let’s pull the curtain back and be honest here for a minute … Architects communicate through their drawings – we aren’t making art.

Is architecture an engineer?

For example, an architect is focused on designing and construction the form space, and ambiance of buildings and other physical environments, whereas, engineers ensure that the design will work by applying scientific principles.

What is a career in architecture?

Architecture professionals design structures for many purposes. They can build factories, design landscapes, or renovate homes to include climate-friendly measures. Architects use both technical skills and creative artistry to design projects that are functional and attractive.

Is architecture an art course?

In its simplest sense, architecture is the design and construction of buildings, combining art, mathematics, science and logistics. During an architecture degree, you will learn how to draw accurate designs of buildings either by hand or with computer software.