GUIDELINES FOR ARCHITECTURAL STUDENTS

" ARchiteCTURE for LIFE "

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this section is to provide general information for students who would like to pursue a career as an architect.

WHY DOES THE COUNTRY NEED ARCHITECTS?

In line with Vision 2020, the building construction industry is one of the many aspects of the economy that can make the government's aspirations come true. Architects can play a major role by contributing quality architecture to our built environment.

WHAT IS ARCHITECTURE?

Architecture is the art and science of building. The word "architure" was derived from the Latin architectura, which itself came from the Greek architekton which meant "master builder". According to William George in his book World Architecture, architecture may be described as "the art of designing and creating beautiful, durable and useful building... Structure which are built with only stability and strength in addition to usefulness in mind may be described as works of engineering. It is only when the idea of building beautifully in conjunction with strength and utility is introduced that the science of building becomes the art of architecture."

WHAT ARE THE PROSPECTS OF BEING AN ARCHITECT?

Besides practising in the government or private sector, an Architect may also be engaged by a developer, contractor or teach in a University.

WHAT DOES AN ARCHITECT DO?

An architect is a person trained and qualified to carry out the following tasks: Planning Building Design Landscape Design Urban Design Interior Design Leading and coordinating the input of others in the building team Liaising with approving authorities and certification Supervision during construction

WHO IS MOST SUITED TO BECOME AN ARCHITECT?

Beside passing all the examinations and getting the necessary grades to qualify for admittance into an architectural course in a recognised school of architecture, the student ought to have: A love for the arts An appreciation of space and forms An affection for the heritage and tradition A sensitivity in all matters related to the senses

WHERE TO GET THE TRAINING?

Architecture training is almost available in all countries in the world. For courses in architecture overseas, kindly refer to the list of recognised schools available at http://www.lam.gov.my/accreditation_list_pre.htm

WHAT ARE THE ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS?

Course work generally consists of lectures, laboratory work, group discussions, seminars and studio work where students work on the drawing board and computers. Practical training forms an integral part of the course. For courses conducted at the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and the Universiti Teknologi MARA, a candidate must have obtained at least a Grade Two in the SPM examination with 5 credits of which 2 subjects are Bahasa Malaysia and Mathematics. Please refer to prospectus for more details. Posessing good skills in art and technical drawings is an advantage. For courses conducted at the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and the Universiti Malaya (UM) minimum requirement is two principles and two subsidiaries in STPM. A student is required to undergo a matriculation programme conducted by the university before being admitted to the architecture course proper.

HOW TO REGISTER AS AN ARCHITECT?

Those who have obtained qualifications recognised by LAM and PAM are exempted from the Part I & II examination. The Part 3 Examination is mandatory for every would-be architect. Upon passing the Part 3 Examination, one may become a member of PAM and register with LAM as an Architect.

GUIDELINES FOR ARCHITECTURAL GRADUATES Architectural Graduates from unrecognised programs Architectural Graduates from recognised programs To appear for the Joint LAM-PAM Part I & II Exemption Examination (Application form is available from LAM. The examination is held once a year and the closing date is 15 August of every year) Upon obtaining exemption Register with LAM as an Architectural Graduate (Compulsory - Form is available from LAM) Register with PAM as a Graduate Member (Compulsory - Form is available from PAM)     Start logging working experience in logbook which can be purchased at PAM (Logging of working experience should be done periodically) For the purpose of sitting for the Joint LAM-PAM Part 3 Examination, Architectural Graduates must have 2 years working experience which shall commence from the date of registration as a LAM Architectural Graduate. Out of the 2 years working experience, one year must be obtained in Malaysia in an Architect's practice which is registered with LAM.    Candidates must register one year in advance before they are allowed to sit for the Joint LAM-PAM Part 3 Examination in the following year. (Application form is available from LAM. The examination is held once a year and the closing date is 1 March of every year) (Date of registration is also 1 March)    Appear for the Joint LAM-PAM Part 3 Examination (Candidates must pass the Oral Examination before they can sit for the Written Examination)    On passing the Joint LAM-PAM Part 3 Examination you would qualify to apply for Corporate Membership of PAM    Once elected as a Corporate Member of PAM, you would be able to register with LAM, which registration will entitle you to practise as an Architect in Malaysia