I've just graduated with a BSc in Architecture and I'm looking to get into the urban design research world - any advice?
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- @Lai Ogunsola Thank you so much for your reply and for these suggestions, especially ASF and the book recommendations.
- @Melissa Sterry Thank you so much for such a long and detailed answer. I will defintely check out MOOCS and bear in mind your suggestions.
- If your BA and wider works folio evidences that you have strong research skills for your qualification level, for example, if you gained commendations and such like for theory dissertations, and if your architectural proposals involved researching complex questions, you may be able to get an internship with either a corporation or NGO. If your folio and other works don't evidence that you have strong research skills you will need to work towards producing works that enable you to develop these skills.In any event, be they roles in industry or academia, many research roles in this field require minimum requirement of a Masters or higher qualification. For that reason, if you are certain that you want to become an urban design researcher, my advise would be to review the various Masters degree courses, both in the UK and wider Europe. If you are worried about funding, bear in mind that there are a number of scholarships, bursaries, and other means of funding assistance. A first port of call might be the university at which you undertook your BA, because some universities offer alumni funding assistance, or at the very least a discount on postgraduate courses. If you don't feel ready to commit to a Masters course, you might also look at courses from which points accrued could count towards a Masters, of which one example would be a postgraduate certificate. At the very least, you would be well advised to research short urban design courses, be they MOOCS, some of which are free, or the likes of summer school courses, which can broaden your knowledge, without incurring the cost or time commitment of a Masters.Though an architecture course may have given you reasonable insight into architecture history and theory, it's unlikely it will have given you all but the most rudimentary of understanding of urban theory. Reseachers of urban design need a robust grasp of this field. Whether or not you do or don't apply take a Masters, you would be wise to build your knowledge in this field, such that you know the following 1. the primary works and contributions to the field of all the primary urban theorists and designers of the past century. 2. the primary works of the foremost urban designers and affiliated theorists in the particular urban design domain you seek to work. 3. the primary debates within the field of present, how they came about, and what the proposed solutions are. Put succinctly, you need to set yourself the task of a literary review that encompasses these fields, and that review should start with the seminal publications in the field, i.e. the primary contributions of theorists such as Lewis Mumford, Kevin Lynch, etc. Once you have attained this foundation of knowledge, then advance your studies, be that formally through a Masters, or informally, through a series of self-curated projects, or other, to hone in on the particular areas of interest to you.Though copious learning materials are online, you would be wise to restrict your attention to a limited number of trusted sources, the reason being that quantity is championing over quality of content in the domain of urban design and theory, and you will need learn the theory ropes before you are able to discern the depth and extent of the flaws in some public discussions. But, as and when you do read materials, and regardless of source, bear in mind that a core skill you would need develop as a researcher is your capacity to critique concepts. Hence, whatsoever you are reading think critically, make notes, ask questions, and as/when you find positions/opinions/statements/ideas you think are flawed collate your thoughts on paper for future reference. Vice versa, when you find things you think have validity, and that you think merit greater interest, collate those too.It's a very tough market. It's a very tough time. But, there is a profound need for more critical and more creative thinking in our urban environments, and if you're strategic, if you patiently work towards developing an informed position that brings forth valuable new insights, all the above can help you build a career in this sector. Good luck!
- Hi there, congrats on graduation. I guess my advice will be use idiosyncratic, I am definitely not an architect. However I have worked on a number of cross organisational teams with architectural design firms. I would say look at different firms where you like their work? Also reaching out to your networks like you are now is always useful. I am based in London so my answers will be somewhat London centric, you might like to check out https://www.arup.com Arup have a great reputation for innovative work, there are other companies too. You could volunteer with Architecture Sans Frontieres UK: https://www.asf-uk.org. I think thats a good way to get some " real world" experience under your belt.I think you should try and look at a strategy where you do a couple of things like 1. Find relevant, peers, mentors or influential people that can connect you on a personal level to relevant organisations or decision makers. 2. Its quite difficult at the minute, I would have said attend events but now they are all virtually online. Eventbrite has served me well in the past. Online conferences, seminars, professional talks etc, are a good way of interacting with people who could help you.3. Sharpening up your skills and maybe working on a self initated project/ personal research. You could look into procurment and how projects are funded and learn more about the tender process that firms have to go through before they win different contracts to build innovative projects. Also things like planning, and planning law etc. So basically thinking about how you could learn more about the area and use this knowledge and skill to market your self in a potential interview or assessment.Book recommendations:The Career Playbook: Essential advice for todays aspiring young professional by James M. Citrin: Audibook availabe for £5 on amazon.co.ukAn Intelligent Career: Taking Ownership of Your Work and Your Life by Michael B. ArthurThe Squiggly Career: The No.1 Sunday Times Business Bestseller - Ditch the Ladder, Discover Opportunity, Design Your Career by Helen Tupper and Sarah EllisI hope that helps.
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