PHILIPPINE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

Senior High School

Dasmariñas, Cavite

THE DIFFICULTIES OF ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS AT LYCEUM

OF THE PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY-CAVITE AND TECHNOLOGICAL
UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES DURING S.Y. 2016-2017

Submitted to Rev. Gilmartin Guerrero

In final fulfillment of the requirements for
RESEARCH IN DAILY LIFE I

Micah Ella D. Bacang

Kate Abigail L. Caraballo
Mary Jane S. Coz
Kharylle Divine H. Fuentibella
Aldwyn Tuma-ob
Anjo M. Valiente

Stem-John

March 19, 2017

 CHAPTER I:
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Background of the Study

In all the years of architecture school and practice, there seems to be a persuasive myth

that an architect’s job is pretty and easy. Most people do not understand in the slightest what an

architect’s life is actually like (Allen, January 12, 2016, Retrieved:

https://www.quora.com/What-are-pros-and-cons-of-the-architecture-profession, Accessed:

February 22, 2017). Other major think they have a huge workload, clearly they don’t know the

life of an architecture student (The 7 most common types of architecture student, n.d., Retrieved:

http://lifeofanarchitecturestudent.net/, Accessed: February 22, 2017). It is true that the study of

architecture is something to pursue, but there is a lot more of studying architecture than

admiration of amazing design, and some of these discoveries can make all the students turn and

run far away from the idea of being architecture student (Little, n.d., Retrieved:

http://freshome.com/10-things-every-architecture-student-needs-to-know-now/, Accessed:

February 22, 2017).

The Bachelor of Science in Architecture or BSArch is a 5-year college degree intended

for people who wish to pursue a career in Architecture. Architectural education provides students

with knowledge and skills in planning, designing and constructing buildings taking into account

the principles of utility, strength and aesthetics (BS in Architecture in the Philippines, n.d.,

Retrieved: http://www.finduniversity.ph/majors/bs-in-architecture-philippines/, Accessed: March

2, 2017). Architecture is a very complex discipline. It is an artistic discipline that seeks to invent

through design. It is also a technical profession that relies on specific techniques of building

construction. As Architecture students, they learn about architecture history, understand

precedents, research, sketch, make and conclude. They also tend to move back and forth between

drawing, sketching and modeling as they seek new ideas and new information (Ching & Eckler,

2013). BS in Architecture is both interesting and challenging. An architecture student is likely

one of the more ambitious in the class, but there’s a time that time management skills are not

their forte (The 7 most common types of architecture student, n.d., Retrieved:

http://lifeofanarchitecturestudent.net/, Accessed: February 22, 2017). They have plates to finish

in limited time, studies to take care of and grades to maintain. Becoming an architect is a long,

arduous process and many complain about the expenses in tuition and long hours of training.

Tools that Architecture students required to use are expensive. They also require a long training

period, comparable to professions in medicine and law. It involves training for five years at

university and a minimum of two years experience before final qualification (“Think

architecture”, 2001). They go to school for a long time, take a lot of demanding tests, and have

to work for years. Universities also require excellent high school math scores (Little, n.d.,

Retrieved: http://freshome.com/10-things-every-architecture-student-needs-to-know-now/,

Accessed: February 22, 2017).

Architecture is not just a science but also an art, a passionate student who overcomes

these challenges will enjoy studying Architecture (BS in Architecture in the Philippines, n.d.,

Retrieved: http://www.finduniversity.ph/majors/bs-in-architecture-philippines/, Accessed: March

2, 2017). The reason in conducting this study is to inform the people who want to pursue BS in

Architecture the possible challenges that they might face in the future and to help them to solve

those challenges. It is for the people to know that Architecture is a profession that is not for

everyone (“Access to the Design Profession”, 2007).

Statement of the Problem

 This study aims to investigate the difficulties of Architecture students at Lyceum of the

Philippine University-Cavite and Technological University of the Philippines during S.Y. 2016-

2017.

Specifically, this study answers the questions;

1. What is BS in Architecture?

2. What are their problems with time management?

a. Why it takes too long for Architecture students to finish their plates or

blueprints?

b. How Architecture students manage their time for their studies?

c. What is the biggest factor that affects the time management of Architecture

students?

3. What are their problems with finances?

a. How much is the estimated cost of tuition in taking BS Architecture?

b. What are the basic tools that Architecture students use? How much?

4. What are their problems with major subjects?

a. What are the major subjects in Architecture?

b. What is the most difficult subject? Why?

5. How do Architecture students find solutions in all the said problems?

Scope and Delimitation

This study focused on the Architecture students that taking their course in Lyceum of the

Philippine University-Cavite and Technological University of the Philippines during S.Y. 2016-

2017. This research is about the hardships and difficulties that Architecture students experienced
in school. It does not cover the other courses and universities. It also does not cover other issues

or conflicts about Architecture.

Significance of the Study

Choosing the right course is important to every student because it can affect their future

and that’s the one to consider in choosing Architecture. Being an architect student has a pros and

a lot of cons. It only proves that being Architecture student is not easy and not for everyone. This

study will be for those who are concerned with the difficulties of Architecture students.
 CHAPTER II:

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Architectural Education

Architectural Education provides students with knowledge and skills in planning,

designing and constructing buildings taking into account the principles of utility, strength and

aesthetics. It is first and foremost concerned with educating architects in the art of design. As

such, there is a little space left within the curriculum to devote much attention to the commercial

realities of project (Emmitt, 2014). The BS in Architecture curriculum comprises of CHED-

mandated general education courses; technical subjects in Math, Science and Basic Engineering;

and professional Architecture courses presented through classroom lectures, laboratory classes

and studio design activities (BS in Architecture in the Philippines, n.d., Retrieved:

http://www.finduniversity.ph/majors/bs-in-architecture-philippines/, Accessed: March 2, 2017).

Mathematics

In studying BS in Architecture, there is actually little math involved (The Pros and Cons

of being an Architect, April 27, 2009, Retrieved:

http://whyarchitectsdrink.blogspot.com/2009/04/pros-and-cons-of-being-architect.html,

Accessed: February 22, 2017). This course requires numerical proficiency used for cost

estimation, surveying, structural load and other mathematical computations (BS in Architecture

in the Philippines, n.d., Retrieved: http://www.finduniversity.ph/majors/bs-in-architecture-

philippines/, Accessed: March 2, 2017). Most universities require excellent high school math

scores for them to be qualified to the course. Essentially, being strong in Math will certainly not
hurt any chances, but being poor at Math may hinder them (Little, n.d., Retrieved:

http://freshome.com/10-things-every-architecture-student-needs-to-know-now/, Accessed:

February 22, 2017).

Drawing Skills and Creativity

Architecture in general is a combination of art and science of designing and building

structures, or group of structures, in keeping with aesthetic and functional criteria (Conception,

2007; Burden, 2012). Attributes that an Architecture student requires the most are the intelligent

and inquisitive, a good listener, and a wide imagination to be able to draw and explain things so

that anyone can understand. Natural artistic talent plays a big part into Architecture, as this

profession requires massive drawing skills and creativity. Architecture students are expected to

draw extensively. Production of the required drawing projects and presentation materials require

lots of work, patience and careful attention to details (BS in Architecture in the Philippines, n.d.,

Retrieved: http://www.finduniversity.ph/majors/bs-in-architecture-philippines/, Accessed: March

2, 2017).

Frameworks and Models

Architecture students are expected to draw plates and blueprints, and then build

frameworks and chipboard models or prototypes for presentation purposes. Framework is

composed of individual parts that are fitted and joined together as skeletal structures designed to

produce a specific shape, or to provide temporary or permanent support. It helps to give a degree

of formality to subsets of work and help to formalize the interface of work and workers. Model,

in the other hand, represents a rational and often prescriptive approach. It is a three-dimensional
representation of a building or part of a building, executed at a small scale for the purpose of

studying the massing or details of a proposed project (Burden, 2012; Emmitt, 2014). Building

framework and model is a challenging task because it also requires time, patience, creativity and

a lot of work.

Types of Models

There are two types of models that Architecture students can use; the physical models and

digital models. Physical models, with the use of process drawings, are important for quickly

visualizing a design idea. Working with hands in cutting and assembling real materials gives it a

spatial dimension. Digital models, with the use of 3D modeling program, can build virtual

models of our design ideas and study them form various points of view. These two types can be

beneficial but building a physical model results in a more efficient modeling process (Ching &

Eckler, 2013).

Architectural Training

Becoming an architect is a long, arduous process and many complain about the expenses

for tools and tuition. Most universities require the students to buy basic tools such as T-square,

triangles and technical pens. An architecture student requires a long training period, comparable

in medicine and law. The minimum training period is 8 years, which includes a 5-year bachelor

degree, and 3 years of internship. If opt for the Masteral, add a year or two to the overall total.

Also, the cost of tuition depends on the university and the years of training (Pros and Cons of a

Career in Architecture, January 31, 2012, Retrieved:

http://www.buildinganarchitect.com/2012/01/31/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-the-
architecture-profession/, Accessed: February 22, 2017).
 CHAPTER III:

METHODOLOGY

Method of Research

Descriptive research was the method used for this study. Descriptive research attempts to

describe what is in the present. In short, it describes the current situation. Since the objective of

this research is about analyzing the difficulties and problems of architecture students, the

researchers have thought that thus method is valid for researching subject and helps to uncover

new facts and meaning, especially for this study. This also helps in observing and describing the

gathered data and information with the use of research instrument such as interview guide.

Data Gathering Technique

The secondary data was gathered by consulting some books in National Library of the

Philippines and browsing through the internet for some online sources. On the other hand,

primary data was gathered by conducting an interview with Architecture students from LPU and

TUP.

Research Instrument

An interview guide was constructed as the research instrument. It was constructed by the

researchers themselves in order for it to be self-made. Rev. Gilmartin Guerrero contributed in

creating the interview guide by giving some ideas and checking the instrument himself. He also

signed it as a sign of approval.

Sampling Technique

The respondents/interviewees were chosen based on their course (BS in Architecture) and

where the study focuses (LPU-Cavite and TUP). They were selected because they possess the

desired characteristic that the researchers need for the study. This sampling technique follows the

distinguishing property of purposive sampling.

 CHAPTER IV:

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In qualitative research, this is where the results of the interviews are discussed. Begin

with a description of the interviewee(s) and of the interview situation (where and when). It is

suggested that each interview question be written followed by the answers of the respondents.

Answers of the respondents may be paraphrased or summarized; quotations should only be used

with particularly striking statements.

For this study, the researchers conducted interviews from the Architecture students in

Lyceum of the Philippine University-Cavite and Technological University of the Philippines. In

LPU-Cavite, three were chosen; Mr. Jewel Danielle Eraya and Ms. Shaleen Riz Domingo, both

are 18 years old and 2nd year college students, and Mr. Philip James Zaballero, 21 years old and

currently in 3rd year college. Meanwhile in TUP, two were chosen; Mr. Leo Angelo Sadural, and

Ms. Kiara Danielle Manucan, both are 18 years old and 2 nd year college students. All the students

were interviewed through chat in Messenger except for Kiara Manucan that was interviewed

personally.

1. How long will it take to finish studying BS Architecture?

It will take 5 – 6 years but may take a few years more for those who fail a subject

and to those who aim a bachelor degree.

2. Why it takes too long for Architecture students to finish their plates or blueprints?

For Leo Sadural and Kiara Manucan, it depends on the mind set of the students if

they are willing to finish before its due date. In addition to Kiara, extra-curricular activities is

another factor. For Jewel Eraya, the details of the plan and the materials that will be used usually
is the reason that give her a hard time finishing aplate. As for Philip Zaballero and Shaleen

Domingo, the factor that takes much of their time is the planning stage which is the crucial part

of making a design.

3. How Architecture students manage their time for their studies?

All of them says that the best thing to do is making a time management by the

means of giving priority to the most important one especially the plates. Addition to Shaleen

Domingo and Leo Sadural, that it is also a good thing to multitask.

4. What is the biggest factor that affects the time management of Architecture students?

Philip Zaballero, Shaleen Domingo and Kiara Manucan say that the biggest factor

is distraction of the unnecessary things such as being distracted in social media. In addition to

Shaleen and Kiara, commitment to others such as activity and gatherings are another factor. For

Leo Sadural and Jewel Eraya, the other subjects tend to give projects at the same time as the

major.

5. How much is the estimated cost of tuition in taking BS Architecture?

For public school, the estimated cost of tuition per semester is ranging from P9,

000 to P10, 000+. As for the private schools, it will range from P40, 000 to 60,000+ per

semester.

6. What are the basic tools that Architecture students use? How much?

The basic tools that they used are T-square that is around P700, Technical Pencils

that cost P30 and other materials such as triangles, scales, tapes, etc.

7. What are the major subjects in Architecture?

Architectural Design (1-10), Architectural Visual Communication (1-4), History

of Architecture (1-2), Theory of Architectural (1-2), Building Technology, Wood and Masonry,
Building Utilities and AutoCad.

8. What is the most difficult subject? Why?

Jewel Eraya and Shaleen Domingo both find the Architectural Design as the most

difficult subject since it requires imagination, it should have a purpose and it contains all of the

most difficult plates. For Leo Sadural, the difficult subject so far is the Design 2 because it

composed of not only Architectural Drafting but also structural, plumbing, and electrical lay-

outing. For Philip Zaballero, Design 5 because it contains some math subjects and thesis stage

history. As for Kiara Manucan, Wood and Masonry is the difficult subject for her so far.

9. How do Architecture students find solutions in all the said problems?

a. Time Management?

Good mindset and settings of priority

b. Finances?

Be thrifty and don’t spend too much

c. Studies?

Focus and don’t waste time

10. Now you know that there are a lot of difficulties on being an architecture student, can

you say something that will encourage the teenagers to take BS in Architecture?

Be sure that you will love Architecture, have your motivation, remember your

goals, be smart in decision making and be confident in all that you do.

CHAPTER V:
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS,
AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary
 Give the important details and highlights of the study, including subject matters, locale,

population, and time frame (see Chapter I); the methods of research used, research instrument,

and sampling technique (see Chapter III) and a summary of the results of the study (see Chapter

IV).

Being an Architecture student possesses a big responsibility. Ability to do things at the

same time, money for the tuition and to provide the required tools, Mathematical and Drawing

skills are all necessary to be able to survive in the course. This study aims to investigate the

difficulties of Architecture students at LPU-Cavite and TUP during S.Y. 2016-2017. In order for

the people to know that taking BS in Architecture is not easy for everyone to pursue. The method

used for the study is descriptive research. It attempts to describe and determine what are the

current difficulties and struggles of Architecture students. For interviews, an interview guide was

constructed for the respondents that were selected for the said research.

Conclusions

Give the answers to each specific sub-problem (also called research questions) that were

discussed in the study.

Recommendations

Difficulties can cause stress and other problems for all the Architecture students.

Difficulties cannot be removed but reducing it is possible. Here are some feasible ideas that can

help the Architecture students;

1. Teachers and professors should give projects one at a time to the Architecture students.

It can help the Architecture students to focus on the project more than doing it quickly and
recklessly.

2. The school should also give the students a rest day once in a week. It is for the students

to rest or to do things that they need to do.

3. Archi Week in LPU-Cavite is an event for the Architecture students to fully enjoy their

selves so it should be continued.

For the future researchers, as this study focuses on the difficulties that Architecture

students can experience, it is recommended that the opposite of this study will be explored. The

benefits that Architecture students can get in taking BS in Architecture were not fully

investigated in this study yet so it can be conducted or explored in the future.

 REFERENCES

Access to design profession. (2007). National Endowed for the Arts.

Allen, J. (2016). What are pros and cons of the architecture profession. Retrieved: February 22,

2017 from: https://www.quora.com/What-are-pros-and-cons-of-the-architecture-

Profession.

BS in architecture in the Philippines. (n.d.). FindUniversity.ph. Retrieved: March 2, 2017 from:

http://www.finduniversity.ph/majors/bs-in-architecture-philippines/.

Burden, E. (2012). Illustrated dictionary of architecture. Place: The McGraw Hill Companies Inc.

Ching, F.D.K. & Eckler, J.E. (2013). Introduction to architecture. Place: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Conception, L. (2007). Architecture in the Philippines. Place: Aspect of Philippine Culture.

Emmitt, S. (2014). Design management for architects. Place: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Little, S. (n.d.). 10 things every architecture student needs to know. Retrieved: February 22, 2017

from: http://freshome.com/10-things-every-architecture-student-needs-to-know-now/.

Michelle (username). (2012). Pros and cons of a career in architecture. Retrieved: February 22,

2017 from: http://www.buildinganarchitect.com/2012/01/31/the-good-the-bad-and-the-

ugly-of-the-architecture-profession/.

Mile Pixie (username). (2009). The pros and cons of being an architect. Retrieved: February 22,
 2017 from: http://whyarchitectsdrink.blogspot.com/2009/04/pros-and-cons-of-being-

architect.html.

The Angry Architect (username). (n.d.). The 7 most common types of architecture student.

Retrieved: February 22, 2017 from: http://lifeofanarchitecturestudent.net/.

Think architecture. (2001). Riba.

APPENDICES
MECHANICS:

Each chapter of the research paper shall begin on a new page. (For example, if Chapter I ends on the
middle of page 8, Chapter II shall begin from the beginning of page 9).

The research paper shall be use Times New Roman (or other approved font style), font size point 12
(including the title), and 1 inch margins on each side.