How to work on a Thesis Project? | Final Year Architectural Thesis

Guidelines for assessment for a Final Thesis Project

In the earlier article, we discussed “What is the role of a Final Year Architecture student and his perspective towards carrying out his Thesis Project“.

  • The mental attitude of a student, how much of studentship does he maintain.
  • His understanding of Architecture and his capacity to portray his ideas in visual/graphic/oral form.
  • Level of curiosity translated in terms of his grasp of the ‘process of research’. Searching the past and the present in terms of ideas.
  •  The importance of History cannot be stressed more. The ability to read, write and draw the level of confidence required to initiate a study, the ability to discuss the necessary information from amongst a plethora of literature and knowledge, to define the limitations without getting lost in the world of information.
  • To direct his ideas and knowledge for the betterment of communities and society at large. We are not supposed to, nor should we try to, be designing for exotic locations. Our orientation should be our own nation and from there on define the locality and the community.
  • You would be designing for an American/British/Indian Climate with all the accompanying factors of Economic, Political, social, legal, environmental and cultural. So try to design and improve your own living conditions through indigenous materials, methods and designs suited to the your region of study.
  • To get away from the “Drafting Board” style of designing in two dimensional sterility. Architecture is not for a visual sense alone and that too on a drawing board minus the experience of space.
  • Architectural Design apart from its visual experience has to cater to other senses of touch. Sound and smell also. Most of our Architectural experience is tactile (sense of touch) and yet we hardly consider it in our designs.

Thesis Guidelines | Final Year Student and his Thesis Introduction

Architectural Education | A Final Year Student and his Thesis Introduction

After five years of Architectural Education here are a few points to ponder and respond.

There is no way we can compress five years of a romantic tryst with Architecture into a few short sessions. But the experience of space is something like fishing – There is an ocean of knowledge where time and again, you have to throw hook, line and sink, and be able to satisfy one’s need. Therefore, don’t worry about the past. I am still learning what a LINE is, and I am not being modest.

Introduction to Architectural Thesis Project
Introduction to Architectural Thesis Project

The immediate task, of any final year student is his thesis. This pervading topic dominates all others in its intensity. It is here that the student goes through a final test for competence and it is this issue which becomes a tool for punishing recalcitrant students for their ‘past misdeeds’. But let me tell you something – Out in the market place – neither academicians nor practicing Architects ever would look at your grades. It is only the quality of your work which is seen through your portfolios and Reports. So don’t worry about your grades.

Read more