Fixer Upper
Architecture classes bring imagination to life
Joseph Strauss, John A. Roebling, and William and Baron Holford. All of them were inventors who share a common theme. These men each created renowned structures that are used today such as the Golden Gate Bridge, London Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge.
In retrospect, many of these useful bridges and tourist attractions would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the artistry of architecture. Students who have a knack for both drawing and building might consider architecture.
Architecture teacher Loren Freed has been teaching the course for nine years and overall practicing architecture for 20 years as he is a licensed architect in the state of Texas. Freed suggests students take Principles of Architecture to advance.
“In the Principles of Architectural Design class, students learn how to use an architectural scale to draw by hand and learn some basic sketching techniques such as shading and perspective. The students then learn how to use computer drafting software called AutoCad to draw plans for a small house,” Freed said.
From then on students can later move on to Architectural Design 1, Architectural Design 2 and Practicum in Architecture.
“In the Architectural Design 2 and Practicum in Architecture classes, students continue to use the lessons they learned in the preceding classes to create computer drawings and models for project types other than home design in the computer software called Revit,” Freed said.
Students also are given the opportunity to be certified in AutoCad and Revit. Both of which are important software for Architectural design.
Along with the benefits of certifications, it is encouraged for students to join the Technology Student Association club. Within this association, students compete in categories beyond architecture. This club is also open to engineering and other CTE courses. Students are given the opportunity to earn a cord for graduation and a letterman.
“My interest in architecture stems all the way from my childhood when I would play with LEGOS, constructing skyscrapers and buildings from my imagination. I began to draw and copy buildings from images and sketch them on paper, “ junior and TSA President, Elijah Guerrero said. “Architecture is enjoyable to me because it’s rewarding. It supplements the creative mind. Whether it be through sketches, handmade models, or digital 3D modeling, you get to see your imagination come to fruition.”
If architecture can be seen as the right fit during this season of course selection or to find out more, interested students can talk to Mr. Freed in room 200. For answers to any further questions about joining TSA, email president Elijah Guerrero at [email protected]
“Jump in and go for it! There’s nothing to lose. Even if you have the slightest interest in architecture or design, the class is definitely for you. Principles of Architecture requires NO experience as it covers a lot of interests and fundamentals,” Guerrero said.“There’s something for everyone to enjoy. You gain experience through working with professional software, learning how to hand draw, and constructing models firsthand. Architecture is for everyone.”
