Hi guys!

I am planing to apply for architecural studies in the near future and wonder if you have any advice what I should include in my portfolio, what kind of work and such.

Maybe you can show of some of your work that you included in the portfolio when you applied, I think it would help me alot.

//madllama

Hi madlama.

I was just recently accepted into an architecture program and, like you, when I began the application process I had no idea what to put into a portfolio. I think that ultimately, you have to convince the committee that you are creative. So it doesn't necessarily need to be architectural models, renders. etc. Actually, nothing I put in it related to architecture.

I had some photographs, paintings, sculptures, and things like that.
I think in the end, it turned out better for me that I had no idea what everyone else had done, because I wasn't trying to create a specific THING, I was just creating.

If you have architectural stuff done already, then by all means, but if not, don't only limit yourself to doing it. There's lots of ways to express your creativity.
Also, go on the websites of the programs your applying to, as they often tell you very generally what they want from you. For example, this is what I had to work with:

Portfolio of design work (about 10-15 items).
The portfolio is intended to demonstrate your creativity and/or artistic skill. It may include free-hand sketches, precision drawings, paintings, furniture, sculpture, craft objects, creative photography, construction projects, etc. Three-dimensional objects and large works should be included as photographs so the portfolio can be sent safely and easily through the mail. The portfolio need not be large or elaborate; a folder or binder is sufficient. Please make sure that your name and address appear on the portfolio and any separate items.


Oh, and one more thing, if you do lots of bigger 3d works (as I did) make sure to take LOTS of pictures from lots of different angles with a range of lighting. It might look good in person, and then look terrible on a computer screen (as I found out!). So don't just take a few pictures and call it a day. Keep your works assembled until you're happy with how they look in pictures.

Anyway, I'm sure others on this site can give you lots of great advice.
Best of luck!

Thank you for your reply.

Really kind of you to share your portfolio.
Actually I've been e-mailing with some universities in the UK and they to have given me som great guide lines for the portfolio.

I guess I am just curious what other had in theirs and looking for some inspiration to get a portfolio of my own.

Thanks yet again:)

Hey Madllama,

What I included in my portfolio for architecture school was mostly drawings which had geometry and some which showed the use of light and volume. For the geometry drawings you can look up on the internet for M.C Escher, he was a very well known dutch artist who used a lot of geometry in his works. I did 3 of his most amazing works.

Order and Chaos (just the sphere and the polyhedra)
Stars (I did not include the iguanas)
Waterfall (optical illusion)

These I did them black and white, because I wanted to show shadow and light.

Hey if you try to do them, I'm telling you, they are very difficult so you have to take the time to draw them or even better you can do just sketches of them. This is up to you.


Hope it helps.

P.S I have seen others who have done still-life paintings and detailed drawings of faces.

Thanks Esco.

I will look up M.C Escher, seems like a cool artist. I myself is quite into geometry and perspective.

Every answer is useful in it's own way:D.

Thank you.