Architectural v Mechanical design Engineering?

Question

My primary interest lies within the area of Architectural design. However, due to certain issues, I may have to accept admittance into a local college that offers Mechanical Engineering as the next best option available.

Being that both fields rely heavily on ones ability in Computer Aided Design, is the acquired knowledge of a Mechanical engineering course graduate, suffice enough to make a breakthrough into Architectural design as a career?

Answer 1

I don't know much about architectural design, but about mechanical engineering.

Mechanical engineering is more about machines, gears, trusses, material science, design/construction in automotive and aviation industry, fluid dynamics, themodynamics  etc.

The matter of interest in architecture is - well - buildings in all their variations, like bridges, houses, scyscrapers - you name it.

The mathematics used for simulations, calculations and analysis of structures are similar, if not the same, while architecture is less mathematical than civil/mechanical engineering.

Studying design is not as mathematical as the engineering fields themselves. That means, it's about design principles, usability of certain structures, principles of harmony etc.

I think if you choose to start with mechanical engineering it shouldn't be very hard to switch to design - at least the mathematical tools you learn are more than appropriate. But I can't tell if the lack of knowledge of design leads to problems later. The main focuses are different but there are some overlapping aspects.

Don't forget, mechanical engineering is less about CAD. CAD is only a tool for construction. What engineering is about is the conception, calculation, construction and analysis (bending, resonance etc.) of structures - in short, it's about a lot of mathematics, not the visual appearance (that's secondary - form follows function).

Answer 2

Hmm possibly.

The problem is that architects require special licensing as far as I know. The only way to get that licensing is to receive a diploma from an official architectural school. So in the end, you would eventually have to go through that schooling process.

What you may consider instead, is going for civil engineering (which shares a lot of material with mechanical engineers by the way). Civil engineers are the ones who do the technical design of buildings (as opposed to artistic design), among other things.

I assume they would end up learning all of the same material that an architect would need to know, minus some of the subjective material (such as aesthetics).

And while I'm not a civil engineer myself, I'm almost certain that they would need to work closely with the architects on building projects. So you may be able to at least be involved in the architectural design process.

In the end though, the licensing thing still applies, so you would still need to go through architectural schooling anyways (though most of it would be easier if you had already taken civil engineering).

Answer 3

You want to be either an Architect or a Civil Engineer.  Are you more interested in aesthetics or how a building stands?  If aesthetics, go for architecture. If how a building stands, go for civil engineering with an emphasis on structures.

Frank Lloyd Wright was a great and famous architect but a poor structural engineer.  As a result, his Masterpiece “Falling Water” is falling apart.

Answer 4

Well sort of.  Mechanical engineering is really concerned on the appeal of a design more than the function of the design.  Certainly there is the need to have the product look good, focus is not on that.  Your primary engineering schooling will not focus enough on the design aspect, so in summary look for your Architectrual design school, even if it is not close by.

Answer 5

Both rely heavily on Computer Aided Design, however, if you want to be an Architect, you must receive a Bachelor of Architecture (a 5 year degree) and pass the Architectural Registration Exam (A.R.E) in order to legally practice architecture. Also, entry level architect jobs are traditionally low paying, and involve designing low key elements of a building (i.e., stairwells, bathrooms, detailing, etc.) putting together scale models, and helping the Senior Architects and Project Managers with design ideas and project paperwork. Lastly, while mechanical engineering is an extremely difficult degree to obtain, it is not enough by itself to become an architect, although if you get into HVAC or building systems design, you will definitely run into to Architects ALL the time. Hope this helps.