Architecture

Isabella

It's hands on, it gets messy, and it provides an experimental freedom that you wouldn't get in many other courses!
The Cambridge architecture course is highly theoretical, which differs from many of the other architecture schools in the country - this is what primarily attracted me to this particular course. The work we produce in Studio is in constant dialogue with what we get taught in lectures; this is what makes the course exciting!

Isabella

The course is 60% studio work (design), and 40% theory (which in first-year is split into five equally weighted papers: History and Theory courses (pre-1800 and post-1800), Environmental Design, Structural Design, and Construction). We produce a portfolio each term, which is the culmination of the whole term's design work, and this counts towards our final mark. Following a change in assessment style over the COVID lockdown period, there are no longer exams in the third term - these have been replaced by essay and coursework tasks over the Michaelmas and Lent holidays! In Easter we have no lectures, and we solely focus on studio work.

Isabella

As the course has expanded in the past couple of years it has meant that first, second, and third years have been split in different studio spaces. Each year get's their own room to share, which is where most of the work is produced (unless you prefer working in your college room of course!). The core of the department however is Scroope terrace, where all of your lectures will take place. This is also where the departmental library is. We have a beautiful extension designed by Sandy Wilson (this is where some of your lectures may take place)!

Isabella

You will find that most of the workload will be studio work, which we have to work on throughout the week. This is all independent work. We have two studio days each week (in first year it is Mondays and Thursdays), which is where your design tutors will review the work you have produced throughout the week. This may include drawings, or models. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays you will have lectures in Environmental Design, Construction, Structural Design, and History and Theory. You will most likely have 1-2 supervisions per week. Some courses also might require coursework done during term, which you may also find yourself working on during the week.

Isabella

This is the first year where all three years will be split in studio spaces! It will be an interesting change from previous years, where all three years have been in one room. A first year might be inspired by a third year's work, but this could be equally true for a third year looking at a first year's work! Ideas travel vertically and this is what makes the course special and exciting. Arcsoc, however, is making active efforts this year to make sure this physical separation doesn't mean ideas and conversations don't happen between years! Students organise socials, club nights, welfare events, and much more, and these are all events that encourage all years to come together and have fun!

Isabella

First year is truly the year to have fun! Both in the course and outside of it. Work experimentally in first year, use fun materials and share ideas collaboratively — this is how you will develop a sense of how you work best. As first year doesn't count towards your final degree, use it as an avenue to work hands on, use the workshop, and develop your own rhythm. For example, I thought I would really enjoy working on digital media and CAD... turns out I really like model making and drawing by hand. This is something I wouldn't have known if I stuck to my comfort zone. We have a workshop, lots of studio space, and a lot of materials! So feel free to experiment (and don't worry if your work is a bit ugly, that's not really what matters!).