University of Cape Town Architecture

A R C H I T E C T U R E

Information for prospective applicants

School of Architecture, Planning & Geomatics

University of Cape Town

Private Bag X3, Rondebsoch, 7701

Centlivres Building, University Avenue, Upper Campus

Tel: +27 (0)21 650 3705 | Fax: +27 (0)21 650 2383 | www.arp.uct.ac.za

What does an Architect do?

•she/he designs buildings

•she/he designs spaces inside and outside of buildings

•she/he makes pieces of cities

•she/he does interior design

•she/he does graphic design

•she/he designs furniture/crockery/cutlery etc.

•she/he manages projects

•she/he is duty-bound to work in the interests of the client AND society at large

•she/he is able to envision a more positive future

•she/he is able to solve problems creatively

•she/he is able to bring together a range of disparate factors to provide a singular solution.

Being an Architect…

…requires being able to think creatively

…requires being able to think rationally

…requires a social conscience

…draws on intuitive thinking

…requires long hours of work

…requires tenacity, passion, dedication, conviction and strength

Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS): 3 year undergraduate degree

•A professional degree leading to registration with the South African Council for the

Architectural Profession as a ‘Senior Architectural Technologist’

•A foundation degree leading to Masters degrees in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design and Planning (applications to these is by portfolio and good undergrad academic results)

•Design and Theory Studio is the basis of the course along with Technology which is the second core course. Other support subjects such as History and Theory of Architecture, Representation, Structures, Environment & Services, Management Practice and Law

•an intensive course requiring lots of dedication, time and input

•a popular course

•we recommend you apply to lots of universities and universities of technology

BAS: teaching and learning

• Most teaching occurs through discussion and one on one teaching;

• Students are required to produce drawings and models throughout the course;

• Students learn how to present their ideas and proposals verbally AND visually;

Design projects include:

Buildings

Urban Design

Landscape designs / interventions

Conceptual projects

Furniture

Competitions

Photo: Typical teaching and learning scenario: Two highly trained Lecturers are discussing a students work with her.

BAS: teaching and learning

Above: Typical teaching and learning scenario: Pin-up presentations, with immediate and individual feedback and discussions are an everyday part of the student experience.

Above right: Typical teaching and learning scenario: Field trips to small towns around the Western Cape, and Architectural tours of the country and continent are also part of the Architectural student’s experience.

Right: Typical teaching and learning scenario: Many of the projects set for students are on real sites around the city. Organized site visits are part of this process.

BAS: HOW TO APPLY

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS will have been selected on THREE things:

1.The submitted portfolio which includes drawing work, creative exercises and a written motivation.

2.NSC scores

3.NBT scores

A BAS application grade of 100% is made up of

NSC + NBT = 50%

Portfolio = 50%

Applicants are ranked, the highest ranking applicants are successful.

Special consideration is made for a number of students from disadvantaged backgrounds who show talent, but have not had the privileges of other students due to the legacy of Apartheid.

The BAS application score is thus:

1.All percentages obtained for 6 NSC subjects (excluding Life Orientation) are added and then divided by 12, to get a sub-total out of 50. (The 6 highest scores are counted if there are more than 6).

2.All three percentages obtained on the NBT are added together getting a total out of 300, and then divided by 6 to get a sub-total out of 50

3.The NSC and NBT points are added together, then divided by 2 to get a subtotal out of 50.

4.The PORTFOLIO is marked out of 50.

5.The portfolio score (max. 50) is added to the academic scores (max. 50) and a BAS application score is obtained and recorded as a percentage out of 100.

The Portfolio

As the portfolio counts for 50% of the application grade it is VERY important. Applicants who apply without submitting a portfolio are not considered. All portfolio requirements are listed on Form 8 of the Application forms. Six tasks must be completed as part of the applicant’s portfolio.

Many successful applicants have in the past never done art formally.

PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS:

There are 2 drawing exercises and 4 design exercises, and one motivational letter that must be included in the Portfolio.

A. DRAWING

1.Choose a manufactured object: e.g. an object of any size and in any condition (new or in a state of decay). Draw the object as you see it. DO NOT DRAW THE OBJECT FROM A PHOTOGRAPH. Make an effort to show the special quality of the object, e.g. its roughness or its smooth softness, manufactured property, etc. You can use any technique to draw it. Use A4 paper (210 x 297mm – the size of this sheet).

2.Draw a portrait of an elderly person in his or her favourite place – this should be a real person that you know, and a real place. Use any drawing technique and A4 size paper. Again, draw by direct observation – NOT FROM A PHOTOGRAPH. The portrait may extend to the whole body of the person you are drawing (not just the face). DO NOT NEGLECT THE CONTEXT – you are being asked to draw a person, and a place.

Examples of drawings of a manufactured objects drawn by a successful applicant to the BAS Programme.

Examples of the “Portraits of an Elderly person in their favourite place” drawn by successful applicants to the BAS Programme (showing preliminary work as well).

ALWAYS Include some of your preliminary work with each exercise.

Here is an example of preliminary work for the manufactured object.

7. Motivation:

Include a one page written motivation in you portfolio giving your reasons for wanting to study in this programme.

SUMMARY OF PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS:

o A written motivation

o Two drawing exercises o Four design exercises

o Supplementary work (optional)

o Preliminary work (well presented and organized)

o Your latest school or tertiary institution grades

SUPPLEMENTARY WORK

You may also submit copies or photographs of any other creative work such as drawings, sketches, paintings, or made objects (e.g. ceramics, clothing, carpentry, jewellery, wirework, beadwork, etc.).

Please do not submit copies of more than six such items. Do not submit any physical objects or bulky framed artwork.

PLEASE NOTE

The size of portfolio should NOT exceed A3 (420 x 297mm).

The drawings should NOT be rolled up nor put into cylindrical containers.

As all official documents, e.g. academic results and transcripts, are filed, please ensure that they can be removed from your work.

Each loose section of your work must be clearly marked with your name.

While the selection committee takes every care not to remove or damage any items, the University

cannot be held responsible in any way for loss or damage to a whole or part of your work.

PLEASE NOTE:

The preferred portfolio submission date is 31 August 2014. Final deadline for all applications and portfolios: 30 September 2014

Please post or deliver your portfolio to:

BAS Application Portfolio

The School of Architecture Planning & Geomatics University Avenue, Upper Campus

Private bag x3 Rondebosch Cape Town South Africa

7700

Selection process

•A committee of 3 Lecturers

•portfolios are graded out of 50 and added to NSC and NBT results

•early offers are made based on preliminary matric results provided that matric scores are at the same level or higher

•early offers are normally made in November

•those without early offers unfortunately have to wait until the first week of January when NSC results are released

•some 5 to 10 applicants might be placed on waiting list that could only be resolved in the first week of the academic year (last week of February)

•where there is equivalency, the committee will attempt to make selections based on establishing a diverse class which is essential to a rich studio learning experience for all

What the selection panel looks for:

• Motivation:

This can be seen in the way in which you present your work as a whole, the degree of effort shown in the projects requested by the School – as well as in your written motivation.

• Design ability:

Each piece of work is examined for its designed quality. Note that people with little experience in art or design are admitted where their work provides evidence of good observation, three dimensional awareness and careful consideration of the presentation of the portfolio, with good, hand-drawn lettering, careful paper selection, and careful organisation of the pages.

• Creative ability:

This is an important factor. However, note that expertise in technical drawing or “painterly” ability alone is not highly considered. A sense of design or composition, an ability to observe accurately, an imaginative approach to subject matter, the stamina not to leave loose ends – these are all looked for in the work.

• Academic ability:

Strong portfolios often show work that is motivated by strong and original ideas. This is more relevant to some of the portfolio tasks than others.

• Initiative:

What often separates some applicants from others is an indication of people exploring or recording something for themselves, working because they are interested – not because they have to. This means that sketch explorations are as useful as finished works. Although supplementary work from school art or Technikon courses is often received, evidence of this independent initiative does not necessarily lie there.