Admission Requirements for Architecture
ARCHITECT’S PROSPECT
An architect is someone who is trained to design buildings. This requires imagination, inventiveness, and aesthetic sensitivity informed by historical precedent. It also demands an understanding of social needs, economic factors, production and procurement systems, natural and environmental sciences, technology, and information handling techniques – an almost unlimited range of factors act upon the architect, requiring an appropriate broad repertoire of skills and techniques. But central to this activity is the design process itself, a blend of logical thinking, creativity judgment, acquired through practice and experience.
EVALUATION CRITERIA OF CANDIDATE STUDENTS
The careful selection of students is central to the educational mission of the Faculty of Architecture – Design and Built Environment and to the continued quality of program in architecture. Students are selected based on the highest grades scored for their good design and drawing skills; strong imagination and the ability to think and create in three dimensions; sound analytical skills, accuracy, and attention to detail; and a keen interest in buildings and the built environment.
REQUIRED ADMISSION EXAMS
A. English Exam
Undergraduate applicants should show a level of proficiency in the English language by obtaining a minimum score on one of the approved English language exams.
B. Written and Drafting Exam
The aim of the written and drafting exam is to assess students for their:
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General, Art and Architectural knowledge (i.e. historic civilizations, socio-cultural concerns, art, environmental issues, Building types and Architectural styles, Methods and materials of Construction, architecture and art movements, etc.).
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Ability of Spatial Reasoning and Projection skills.
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Ability of inductive reasoning through observation, perception, and critical thinking.
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Freehand drawing skills to draw sketches of natural or man-made object / element using pencil.
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Creativity skills and ability to translate innovative ideas into drawings.
The written and drafting exam is dived in 5 different parts as follows:
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Part (I) General Knowledge
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Part (II) Spatial Reasoning
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Part (III) Inductive Reasoning
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Part (IV) Freehand Drawing Skills
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Part (V) Creativity Skills
Accordingly, the List of Drawing Tools required for the Written and Drafting exam are as follows:
- Pen
- Pencils (HB/F/B)
- Colored Pencils
- Eraser
- Pencil Sharpener
C. Oral Exam
The aim of the oral exam or interview is to testify Applicant’s communication skills, and the ability to interact and negotiate effectively with professionals. Applicant is expected to answer questions in related to general knowledge, architectural topics, and art studies.
D. Portfolio
Applicant should submit to the oral exam committee an Admission Portfolio including the following:
- Applicant Resume including:
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Personal Information
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Previous Educational Levels (School Name – Degree)
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Hobbies and Skills
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Engagement in Social Activities (if applicable)
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Internal and Overseas Trips (if applicable)
- Examples of works that reflect skills and abilities in any of the following: Photography, Painting, Freehand Drawing, Graphic design, etc. (A3 format)
Admission Requirements for Fashion Design-Interior Design-Graphic Design
All applicants of the design programs are required to attend an Oral Exam / Interview and submit a portfolio along with the university required application materials to the Interview Committee.
A. Oral Exam (Grade Proportion 40%)
The aim of the oral exam or interview is to testify applicant’s communication skills, and the ability to interact and negotiate effectively with professionals. Applicant is expected to answer questions pertinent to general knowledge, related topics, and art studies.
B. Portfolio (Grade Proportion 60%)
Part 1: Applicant Resume including:
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Personal Information
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Previous Educational Levels (School Name – Degree)
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Hobbies and Skills
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Engagement in Social Activities (if applicable)
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Internal and Overseas Trips (if applicable)
Part 2: Written Expression of Interest:
Applicant is required to submit an essay (200 to 300 words) describing his /her interests, knowledge, and reasons for applying to the desired design program (Interior, Graphic, or Fashion Design).
The submitted essay is expected to be prepared based on deep research related to the current issues in the design profession, successful projects, styles, designers, or other influences.
Part 3: DRAWING
Color still life study demonstrating applicant’s ability to draw, color, and generate composition
Applicant is required to group everyday objects such as books, fruit, small appliances, or pottery made of different materials for example, plastic, wood, stone, glass, drapery. Objects should be arranged together to form an interesting composition.
Submitted Materials:
- Three photos of the above-mentioned composition taken from three different points of view (front, side and top)
- Sketch of your composition using a 2B pencil
- Sketch of your composition using color such as color pencils or chalk pastel
Both drawings should be on white A3 size paper (29.7 cm x 42.0 cm).
Drawings should be created from looking at actual objects, not from imagination or from a photo. They must be hand drawn and not computer generated.
Submissions are reviewed specifically to assess the applicant’s ability to draw realistic perspectives while respecting proportions, textures as well as shades and shadows.
Part 4: Examples of Visual and Creative Work
This part should include examples of the visual art prepared by the applicant including drawings from direct observation and/or imagination, digital design, sculptures, jewelry, paintings, ceramics, and fashion. The elements submitted in this part may not be related to the applicant desired program. they should show his/her strongest skills and work.
Notes:
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Applicant, who includes in his/her portfolios, work done by others will be disqualified.
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All submitted materials should clearly bear the applicant's name and the name of the program to which he / she is applying.
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All materials submitted for Admission become the property of BAU.
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Applicant may use the below as examples of compositions.
Examples of Composition
Example of Fashion Illustration Composition