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What should I incorporate to properly make a portfolio for architecture?
I want to go to Cornell and ive talked to some students and teachers and understand the grades required, but I dont understand what could be the first steps to making a portfolio.
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Tashnim’s Answer
Here are some key elements to incorporate into a strong architecture portfolio:
Content:
Project Selection: Focus on showcasing your best work. It's better to have a few high-quality projects than many mediocre ones. Aim for variety, including academic work, personal projects, or internships (if applicable). [ArchDaily: Tips for Outstanding Portfolio]
Design Process: Don't just present final designs. Include sketches, diagrams, and earlier iterations to showcase your thought process and design development.
Technical Drawings: While not the sole focus, including some technical drawings demonstrates your understanding of architectural detailing and construction documents.
Project Descriptions: Write clear and concise captions for each project. Explain the design intent, challenges faced, and solutions implemented. Briefly mention software used if relevant.
Presentation:
Clarity and Quality: Use high-resolution images with clear presentation. Ensure drawings and models are well-lit and photographed from appropriate angles.
Organization and Layout: Organize your portfolio logically, with a clear flow between projects. Maintain a consistent visual style throughout.
Focus and Concision: Keep it concise! Aim for 15-20 pages for a physical portfolio or a similar length for a digital one.
Formatting: Use a professional layout with clear titles, captions, and minimal text. Choose a simple and readable font.
Additional Considerations:
Tailor it: If applying to specific schools or firms, tailor your portfolio to align with their design philosophy or project types.
Digital vs. Physical: Both have merits. A physical portfolio allows for better presentation quality, while digital portfolios are convenient for sharing online. Consider your audience and purpose.
Statement of Purpose: Include a brief statement introducing yourself, your design philosophy, and career goals (optional for physical portfolios, but can be useful in digital ones).
Here are some additional resources that you might find helpful:
ArchDaily: Tips for Outstanding Portfolio
Format: How to Create a Stand out Architecture Portfolio
Content:
Project Selection: Focus on showcasing your best work. It's better to have a few high-quality projects than many mediocre ones. Aim for variety, including academic work, personal projects, or internships (if applicable). [ArchDaily: Tips for Outstanding Portfolio]
Design Process: Don't just present final designs. Include sketches, diagrams, and earlier iterations to showcase your thought process and design development.
Technical Drawings: While not the sole focus, including some technical drawings demonstrates your understanding of architectural detailing and construction documents.
Project Descriptions: Write clear and concise captions for each project. Explain the design intent, challenges faced, and solutions implemented. Briefly mention software used if relevant.
Presentation:
Clarity and Quality: Use high-resolution images with clear presentation. Ensure drawings and models are well-lit and photographed from appropriate angles.
Organization and Layout: Organize your portfolio logically, with a clear flow between projects. Maintain a consistent visual style throughout.
Focus and Concision: Keep it concise! Aim for 15-20 pages for a physical portfolio or a similar length for a digital one.
Formatting: Use a professional layout with clear titles, captions, and minimal text. Choose a simple and readable font.
Additional Considerations:
Tailor it: If applying to specific schools or firms, tailor your portfolio to align with their design philosophy or project types.
Digital vs. Physical: Both have merits. A physical portfolio allows for better presentation quality, while digital portfolios are convenient for sharing online. Consider your audience and purpose.
Statement of Purpose: Include a brief statement introducing yourself, your design philosophy, and career goals (optional for physical portfolios, but can be useful in digital ones).
Here are some additional resources that you might find helpful:
ArchDaily: Tips for Outstanding Portfolio
Format: How to Create a Stand out Architecture Portfolio
Updated
Aric’s Answer
Hello Finelly,
I stumbled upon some valuable information on the Cornell School of Architecture's official website detailing their portfolio prerequisites:
Portfolio Prerequisites
The portfolio is a mandatory and crucial part of your application. All B.Arch. applicants need to upload their portfolio via the Cornell AAP SlideRoom. Your portfolio should showcase an array of freehand drawings, including sketches and fully developed pieces. Beyond drawings, you should display a variety of artistic mediums. However, focus on the work that best represents your skills and passion. You can demonstrate your artistic prowess and potential through painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, video, woodworking, and other crafts.
You'll need to submit between 15 to 20 slides, with a maximum of two slides per project. Ensure the images are clear and free from any text unless it's essential to the artwork. Each slide should include a well-thought-out caption that outlines the intent, explains the process and method, and provides reflection on the result. Include a note detailing the size and medium of each piece, and whether the work was done in class or independently. If any of the work was a group project, make sure to give credit where it's due and specify your role in the project.
The requirements seem quite clear and straightforward. I hope you're a creative individual with a portfolio that can meet these expectations. They do seem quite comprehensive. If you're not, you might want to consider other architecture schools with less stringent requirements. If you don't have a relevant background, I wouldn't recommend starting from scratch just to meet these criteria. It's not essential to possess all these skills to excel in an architecture school. Wishing you all the best!
I stumbled upon some valuable information on the Cornell School of Architecture's official website detailing their portfolio prerequisites:
Portfolio Prerequisites
The portfolio is a mandatory and crucial part of your application. All B.Arch. applicants need to upload their portfolio via the Cornell AAP SlideRoom. Your portfolio should showcase an array of freehand drawings, including sketches and fully developed pieces. Beyond drawings, you should display a variety of artistic mediums. However, focus on the work that best represents your skills and passion. You can demonstrate your artistic prowess and potential through painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, video, woodworking, and other crafts.
You'll need to submit between 15 to 20 slides, with a maximum of two slides per project. Ensure the images are clear and free from any text unless it's essential to the artwork. Each slide should include a well-thought-out caption that outlines the intent, explains the process and method, and provides reflection on the result. Include a note detailing the size and medium of each piece, and whether the work was done in class or independently. If any of the work was a group project, make sure to give credit where it's due and specify your role in the project.
The requirements seem quite clear and straightforward. I hope you're a creative individual with a portfolio that can meet these expectations. They do seem quite comprehensive. If you're not, you might want to consider other architecture schools with less stringent requirements. If you don't have a relevant background, I wouldn't recommend starting from scratch just to meet these criteria. It's not essential to possess all these skills to excel in an architecture school. Wishing you all the best!